From Mountain Towns to the City

Fall in Colorado is one of those seasons you wish would last just a little longer. Golden aspens, cool mornings, sunny afternoons, mountain weekends and patio weather in Denver all happen within a few short weeks — and figuring out what to wear can be just as unpredictable as the temperatures.

The secret? Layers, layers, layers.

Whether you’re heading to Steamboat Springs for a weekend getaway, leaf-peeping around Breckenridge and Frisco, spending the day in Vail Valley or enjoying fall in Denver, here’s what we’re wearing this season — plus when you can typically expect some of the best fall color along the way.

Steamboat Springs: Cozy Mountain Casual

Fall color timing 2026: September 13–27

Steamboat in September calls for that effortless mountain-town look: cozy without feeling like winter just yet.

Start with your favorite denim and a lightweight sweater or knit top, then bring along a jacket for mornings and evenings. A utility jacket, denim jacket or lightweight puffer is perfect for layering without adding too much bulk.

Finish the look with ankle boots or casual sneakers, sunglasses and a crossbody bag that can take you from a walk around town to lunch or happy hour.

What we're wearing:
Denim + cozy knit + lightweight jacket + boots + sunnies

If you're heading out to see the aspens, Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass are beautiful areas to add to your fall itinerary.

And while you're downtown, stop by Ruby Jane & Valleygirl in Steamboat Springs for a little fall shopping along the way.

Breckenridge & Frisco: The Art of Layering

Fall color timing 2026: September 15–29

Fall arrives quickly at higher elevations, which means Breckenridge and Frisco are all about smart layers.

Think straight-leg or wide-leg jeans paired with a fitted tee or long-sleeve top, then add an oversized cardigan, sweater or fall jacket. You want pieces you can easily take off when the Colorado sun comes out — because there's a very good chance you'll need your sweater at breakfast and be carrying it by lunch.

This is also where we love leaning into the season's earthy palette: chocolate brown, camel, cream, olive, denim and warm neutrals feel right at home against the changing aspens.

Add comfortable boots or sneakers if you'll be walking Main Street or heading out for an easy hike.

What we're wearing:
Jeans + fitted tee + oversized cardigan + casual boots + crossbody

For fall colors, take a drive up Boreas Pass in Breckenridge or spend some time around Dillon Reservoir while you're in Frisco.

You can also find us right in the middle of both mountain towns at Ruby Jane & Valleygirl in Breckenridge and Frisco.

Avon + Edwards + Vail Valley: Elevated Mountain Style

Fall color timing 2026: September 20–October 4

Vail Valley fall style is a little polished, but never overly dressed.

This is the perfect place for great denim, a beautiful sweater and a statement jacket. Try a chocolate brown knit with cream or dark denim, or layer a structured jacket over a simple tee for an easy outfit that works from afternoon shopping to dinner.

A midi or maxi dress can also work beautifully in early fall. Add a cardigan, denim jacket or cropped jacket and trade summer sandals for boots.

Accessories make the difference here: oversized sunglasses, simple jewelry and a great bag instantly make your layers feel more intentional.

What we're wearing:
Dark denim + sweater + statement jacket + boots + elevated accessories

Spend some time wandering Vail Village, take in the mountain views and then head down the valley to shop our Ruby Jane & Valleygirl locations in Avon and Edwards.

Denver + Littleton: Fall Without the Heavy Layers

Fall color timing 2026: October 12–26

By the time the mountains are starting to lose their leaves, Denver is often just hitting its fall stride.

October along the Front Range can still bring plenty of warm, sunny afternoons, so this is where lighter fall layers shine.

Pair jeans or flowy pants with a tee, button-down or lightweight sweater. Throw a jacket over your shoulders in the morning, then lose it when the afternoon warms up.

It's also a great time to keep wearing your favorite dresses. Add boots, a denim jacket or cardigan and suddenly that late-summer dress feels completely ready for October.

For a more city-inspired look, try wide-leg denim with a fitted knit, loafers or sneakers and a structured jacket.

What we're wearing:
Wide-leg denim + lightweight knit + jacket + loafers or sneakers

Washington Park, City Park and the tree-lined neighborhoods around Denver are especially beautiful as the leaves change. Make a day of it with brunch, a walk and a little shopping at Ruby Jane & Valleygirl in Denver Highlands or Littleton.

The Colorado Fall Packing List

No matter which Colorado town you're visiting, a few pieces will take you almost anywhere:

• A great pair of jeans
• Lightweight sweater
• Cardigan
• Utility or denim jacket
• Comfortable boots or sneakers
• Easy layering tees
• Crossbody bag
• Sunglasses! Colorado sunshine doesn't disappear just because it's fall
• One slightly dressier sweater or jacket for dinner

Most importantly, don't dress for just one temperature. A September morning in the mountains can feel like fall, while the afternoon feels surprisingly warm. Pieces you can add, remove and layer are always the best bet.

Follow Fall Through Colorado

One of the best parts about fall in Colorado is that it doesn't happen everywhere at once.

The mountain towns typically start changing first, followed by Vail Valley and eventually Denver and the Front Range. That means you can spend several weekends chasing golden aspens — and finding plenty of excuses to pull out your favorite fall outfits along the way.

Wherever your Colorado fall takes you, stop in and see us at Ruby Jane & Valleygirl Boutique in Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Frisco, Avon, Edwards, Denver Highlands and Littleton.

New fall arrivals are coming in all season long, online and in stores.

Shop online or visit us at one of our Colorado boutiques.

Fall color timing is approximate and can vary each year depending on elevation, temperatures and weather conditions.