Zhuzh'ing Your Mountain Gear
the trick is with the small things...
As Kellyn put so perfectly: TOGS is always looking for ways to Fancify Your Mountain Outfits. This challenge heightens when you leave town for the trails, slopes, summits, and rock walls.
Technical clothing works so well these days-so I find that it’s in the accessories that I can keep my style going no matter the season, weather, or activity. Accessories in the form of
Neckwear
Sunglasses
Jewelry
Hairstyles
Pins
There’s only so many ways you can zhuzh up a jacket or fleece-but endless ways to use the little details to create your own style.
Neckwear
In the winter-I’ll almost always have a buff of some sort. Be it a handwoven one, a synthetic one, or this rather-ridiculous-because-who-skis-in-cashmere-but-I-still-love-it archival North Face cashmere snood.
In all the seasons-I still find myself covering my neck. Silk, cotton, and wool/cashmere rotate depending on the weather or activity. A perfect way to transition from the outdoors to lunch at a mountain hut, apres, or dinner in town.
Taking a nod from the cowboys of Wyoming-silk is versatile for all weather!
A gift from my bestie Leslie-I probably would be careful to not bring this into the dirtiest of conditions-but perfect for a casual day in the mountains.
Cotton is great for a summer hike. Another gift from two girlfriends for our backpacking trip in the Dolomites. It transitioned well from the trails to dinner under a sweater-making it easy to pack while still considering the weight of our bags.
Sunnies
I’ve never worn any sunglasses or goggles that aren’t Smith. They are one of my longest standing sponsors and for good reason. I love the variety of styles and quality. When I’m picking out what to order-I almost never go into the technical sections and stick with the “everyday” glasses. I dabble with fast glasses for biking-but generally speaking I love a classic, non-sporty frame.
Caper: My tried and true for years. If I had to pick one pair for the rest of my life it would 100% be these. Wide shape. Classic design. Looks good on every face. I’m not sure how long Smith will keep running this style so if you like them-grab a pair soon!
Eastbank or Snare The marking has worn off the inside of these glasses, which is to say these beauties get a lot of use, so I’m not sure if it’s the now discontinued Snare or the Eastbank. But either are great and give that smaller, chic look.
Venture These are the ultimate glasses for function and faction and the only technical glasses I wear-when it comes to recreating on glaciers I don’t mess with lenses that aren’t made for protecting against the refraction of the snow/ice. I waited years for these glacier glasses to be made and was thrilled all season long to have such a fashion forward style that still gave the highest level of protection.
Sway-These are probably the most bold…but I love how the coverage is thorough and how well they stay on my face. Photo by one of my favorite adventure partners- Michelle Parker
Jewelry
Jewelry is another go-to way to fancify my mountain outfits. I’m never without earrings or a necklace or two poking out of my technical fleece. I generally don’t wear a ring other than the Oura ring and even that I take off for climbing. Kellyn crushes it when it comes to ring style and hopefully she shares her ring layering secrets soon! Especially because I just got engaged and am on the hunt for a ring!
Hair
From the face framing strands, to half up, to clips, to braids and fishtails-I love playing with my hair style and hair ties for sports. Even if that means sometimes I end up zipping up the ends of it in my jackets-I’d rather have it in fun style than a ponytail with a simple elastic.
Pins
Historically in the outdoors, pins are reserved for mountain guides or secret ski clubs- I’m apart of neither but love the idea of fastening a small icon or jewell or in the below case a family Hammer pin to zhuzh up my outdoor jacket or fleece.
These aren’t the only options for adding flavor. Don’t forget about socks, hats or gloves too! Fun backpacks and belts are always a good way to add in color or style.
That’s it for me this week. We are on 26 days of rain over the last 31 days so hopefully the sun comes out soon and I can sport some summer dresses!
Hadley
One of my favorite pair of earrings were picked up from a London market, they’re made from vintage lingerie buttons (little gold loops). So many possibilities!
My most favorite sunglasses ever are the smith Crusader!!! I wish they would bring them back?? When I see a cheap pair on Poshmark I snag them and just keep switching the lenses 😅