You can’t hike in Gucci but who says you have to look like you just rolled out of Outdoor World when you head out into the wild? Survival experts? Yes, well, we aren’t all out to fend for our lives on the dirt trail now are we. Some of us are seriously just looking for a fun car camping weekend in our local National Park, which (for my friends) occurs at least once a month.
Just because you’re sleeping outside doesn’t mean your style, personality, and comfort has to change. For the serious backpacker though – ignore the entire following. For the casual camper and trailblazer, for heavens sake throw an accessory on you’re scaring the wildlife.
DAY HIKING
Summer
Dresses give you legs the freedom and comfort your legs deserve
I love dresses. I like the feel of wind all up there. I love how far I can stretch my legs and not get those burning fabric wedgies. It’s complete freedom AND a complete outfit. I’m not scrambling to find a top to go with my bottoms. A dress covers it all. By freeing your legs on those long summer hikes, your comfort will increase greatly with the natural AC down there. Worried about flashing those panties? Throw on your bathing suit underneath. Now you’re ready to hike and swim at a moments notice. Aren’t you clever…
Bandanas are quick and easy accessories that can serve multiple functions while on the trail. For starters, they provide shade for the neck or head (depending on how they’re wrapped) Longer scarves can also be used to wrap around your body.
A master of the scarf (and general outdoor fashion) is Rachel Portele.
Rachel's trusty scarf
While in Joshua Tree this past Fall Season, a group of friends and I went hiking into a canyon. Once we got down into the canyon we began a rousing card game of posuy. Instead of sitting straight on the dirt, my friend Rachel Portele took off her scarf that was draped over her shoulders and folded it into a blanket/seat. She was comfortable and dirt free.
For my birthday I went to Mammoth with my boyfriend, Dillon, and my two girlfriends Molly and Rachel. Whilst hiking Mammoth Mountain and nearing the peak, the winds became very violent and rather chilly. Rachel (who wore her trusty scarf) wrapped it around her like a shawl for makeshift protection from the wind. I stole Molly’s scarf I think and wrapped it around my legs cause I was wearing shorts. Sadly, Molly froze to death. (okay, not really)
Molly demonstrates another way to wear a scarf during the summer season
Winter
Who goes hiking in the winter?! Seriously. Go skiing or something ya crazy!
CAMPSITE GLAM
Summer
Whitney and Anthony rep their favorite colors while in Joshua Tree.
It’s time to bring out those bright colors! Neon and primary colors are perfect outfit accents for wearing around the campground as well as the trail. They are visible from far away, and very prominent even during dusk or late evening. I actually have a neon yellow vest that can be seen in the dead of night. Though you don’t have to dress head-to-toe in these flashy colors, the variety in your wardrobe will keep you from looking like you crawled out from underneath a rock.
From left to right: Kendall wears the newsboy, Rachel wears the tiger, Audrey in a widebrim straw hat, and Kelly in a wool fedora
The most important item of clothing to be worn at the campsite (and really whenever you’re camping – in any season) is the hat. They insulate your body temperature, keep your face in the shade, and never go out of fashion on the trail. Above all, your hat should fit securely (test this by dancing to happy hardcore techno music and if it’s still on, you’re good).
Winter
Layers are perfect for mixing up texture and pattern for a unique style.
One word: layers. With a good shoe of your feet and a warm hat, everything in between circulates your body temperature and keeps you warm even when the thermometer is nearing the 30’s during the day. The best way to achieve warm layers is beginning with a “second skin” layer over your underwear. These can be tights, under armor, spandex leggings, anything that sticks to your skin and it’ll do just that!
Jean material is really terrible for camping because the material adjusts to whatever the outside temperature instead of insulating your body heat, but oddly enough was worn by cowboys and miners in the 1800’s for one reason: durability. Jeans can be worn right down to the last thread and still look amazing. You don’t need to go out and buy a complete waterproof outfit when dealing with snow camping. Two spring breaks ago, a group of my friends went snow camping in Redwood National Park. Here are a couple shots from that trip. Note again: layers. Except for Nathan…layers elude him.
The snow is bright, don't forget your stunner shades
Nathan sports the long underwear under armor and neon shorts
When the alcohol isn't enough to keep warm, Niels wraps up in a wool coat, fur trapper hat and block-colored scarf
Of course, when you’re not out there on dirt trail, rather beating the concrete jungle, check out Sugar Rock Catwalk for urban fashion and all that goes with it!
