Aspen in spring requires clothing that adapts as quickly as the weather—from morning hikes to evening cocktails and everything in between. Stylist Savannah Gowarty, who visits often, has developed a system for dressing in the Colorado town’s unpredictable conditions. She combines simple, well-made pieces with Western details and items that move easily from outdoor activities to social events.
The Unwritten Rules of Aspen Dressing
Gowarty’s days in Aspen begin before dawn and often extend past sunset. A single day might include a hike up American Lake Trail, a round of golf, and dinner at Bosq, with encounters along the way. “It’s a very small town,” she said. “Which means being dressed every time we walk out of our door.”
Her strategy focuses on purpose, not just flexibility. Even casual outfits maintain a polished look. A white tank and jeans for lunch at Butcher’s Block might include a bandana and slouch boots, while a silk set for Bosq could feature bold jewelry. “Everyone needs a silky set,” she says. “It’s easy to layer on a long necklace and studs—or the reverse, a choker and dangly earrings.”
Western elements are part of the scene, though Gowarty uses them sparingly. A cowboy hat and leather boots appear with a lightweight mini caftan. On the golf course, she wears a crisp Lacoste polo and pleated skirt, accessorized with a bandana. “It’s important on the golf course to look good—because if you look good, you play good (well)!”
Related: Young Miko named April 2026 music director
From Trail to Table: The Must-Pack Pieces
Gowarty’s packing list prioritizes both function and style. For hikes, she chooses practical pieces that still feel intentional.
Evening looks lean toward refinement. A sleek tank and matching silk trousers suit dinner at Bosq or dessert at Aspen Meadows. The same set can be styled with a tassel necklace or kept simple with minimalist sandals.
Accessories handle most of the transformation. A Chanel tweed flap bag appears in multiple outfits, while a triangle scarf from Guest in Residence works as a bandana, headband, or belt. Her cowboy hat, an Austin design from Lack of Color, fits a casual lunch. The most surprising item in her routine is a $235 tinted sunscreen from Sisley. “At this altitude, the sun is serious,” she said.
Where to Wear What
Gowarty’s approach to dressing in Aspen values adaptability over strict guidelines. What ties the outfits together is their deliberate feel, whether it’s the wide-leg denim or the slouch of a $2,250 Miu Miu boot.
Related: Daniel Caesar Named Music Director
For those who prefer clear suggestions, her advice is direct. Lunch at Butcher’s Block calls for a white tank, jeans, and a bandana. Dinner at Bosq requires a silk set and pouch bag. Golf at the local course means a polo, pleated skirt, and visor. Western accessories complete the look.
The secret, Gowarty said, is traveling light without limiting choices. “You don’t need a separate outfit for every event. You need pieces that do more than one thing.”
Staying at the Hotel Jerome and dining at Bosq are part of the experience, but the right clothes make it feel natural.
Leave a Reply