What to Wear Out West in The Fall

Sounds like a fun trip! I would suggest taking mostly warm-weather clothes, with a few sweaters or light jackets to wear at night. Depending on exactly where you travel, like you said the temp can range from 90's and 100's in the day to the 30's or 40's at night.

LibertyD - What about white and pastel shorts, and white sandals?

You'd be safe in taking those if you're just going to parks and rural areas. It's not taboo to wear light colors after Labor Day when it's scorching hot outside! If you plan on taking an excursion through a large city for dinner or something, you might take something more fashion appropriate, but for outdoorsey stuff, think cool and comfy.

White and pastels are kinda seen as 'senior tourist' clothes in a lot of areas. And most urban seniors won't be caught in them at any time. I know I wouldn't recommend them to anyone for any reason. It's kind of Seinfeld joke material, to be honest.

Sandals for most state park trips I can think of in the southwest should be good hiking sandals, such as Merrells, which are unlikely to come in white.

Never heard of that convention regards white below the waist before. Blue jeans work everywhere except for bank employees. I haven't checked on Mesa Verde since the fires, but that elevation can be distinctly chilly and windy in September. Wear, or at least bring a jacket which can be removed. If you were expecting to ride one of the old coal burning trains, say from Durango to Silverton, be aware of the airborne cinders and what they will do to good clothes of any color.

You are invited to lunch. I am at the rough center of a triangle including Mesa Verde National Park, the Chaco Canyon National Monument, and the Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Another thing to consider is that you can always do a little shopping once you get there -- then you can buy more southwestern styled fashions.

Where are you going, exactly?

ooooh, now there's a thought LibertyD. I bought some gorgeous, western-styled tops a few months ago. They really pepped up the simplest parts of my wardrobe. One of those shirts with either jeans, or a dressy black skirt - and I've got an OUTFIT. One of them has even become one of my going to court staples. Incredibly comfortable, and cool, very tailored. Perfect.

Yeah, there's nothing better than leaving town with just a few items to wear and coming home with new stuff!

I did that when I went to Florida a few years ago -- bought all the bright-colored tropical gear. I haven't worn them much here but it was nice to be more Florida-y when I was there. And, they make my closet look pretty!

For drivin' around, stoppin when and where the fancy strikes ya, I'd say go for comfort ... jeans and tshirts or pullovers oughtta be fine, with a warm sweatshirt and maybe a windbreaker ,,, trail boots are always good, cutoffs are just right for swimmin', and of course some open, rubber-soled sandals for wadin'. "Business Casual" is about as dressed-up as anybody in the Southwest ever gets ('cept for tourists) ... even for fairly tony restaurants. Then again, if you dress like a New Yorker, you'll probably get mugged; folks out there try to go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.

Aww, c'mon not Timber! We're not that helpful.

Not mugged, just laughed at.

Hi Phoenix...
Hmmm, Coldwater Creek meets REI!

I love the southwest, it is so casual. You will literally see everything! A lot of the natives will be in tan, khaki, or olive colored hiking shorts when they're not in blue jeans. They'll be wearing white or light-colored sleeveless tops to get through the heat. Remember to bring a pair and a spare of sunglasses. A fan & a spritzer are also great if it gets really hot. Take a light-colored towel to sit on when the car upholstery is burning your legs. When it is really hot, the most comfortable thing to wear is a cotton shift... something that you can slip on and feel the breezes.

Dress-up does happen in the big cities, but you can easily avoid places where that's required. If you do need a dose of dress-up... a light silky dress with a scarf & fancy sandles is plenty, while men might wear sport coats, slacks & open dress shirts with bolo ties.

If you're going to spend a lot of time in national parks, does that mean you are hiking? If so, I highly suggest a couple pairs of good hiking shorts with lots of pockets and comfortable lightweight boots & socks, even if the hikes you're thinking of are only a couple of miles. Combine that with a white cotton shirt & a cotton bandanna to protect yourself from dust. Be sure to bring a hat to shade your eyes. [A small pack or a fanny pack will be great. Carry a full water bottle, lipbalm, that handkerchief, and KNOW where you're going. I wouldn't go anywhere far from my car without those things & a good map.]

In small towns, if you want to look like a native then you need blue jeans or jean skirts with some walking sandals or boots (cowboy or hiking). Sleeveless tops with a light sweater during the day or a button-up cotton shirt with roll-up sleeves. An easy to manage & very dramatic nighttime look that I particularly like are blue jeans and a black velvet top with some chunky turquoise jewelry. You'll look absolutely gorgeous and be admired in any restaurant or bar. Two very handy items in the desert evening are a down or fleece vest and a jean jacket.

I usually take a couple of swimsuits & a coverup with me when I visit. I would also recommend bringing wading shoes or sandals... some of the lake shores & streams will have broken glass.

Have a super time!

Piffka's got it! (You should write the catalogue descriptions for Coldwater Creek -- you're good!)

Thanks Liberty! That's nice praise coming from you since you're from the great SW. It's a wonderful place... I've had the best of times in AZ & loved NM, too, but it can be unbelievably hot! Early mornings in the desert can't be beat. Ahhh, the smell of creosote bush in the morning.

I'm envious of you Phoenix!

Watching the sun come up in the desert with Piffka is a magical time. Great memories.

It WAS Magical! Thanks for driving around on those mornings with me Beth, searching for the best places to watch the sunrise.

Thanks for all the information. We are planning to amble along the Southwest, mostly in southern Utah, where we will check out the National Parks. We have no particular itinerary, but have a Triptik from AAA, and all the books.

What is nice, is that we are keeping this trip very loose. Since we are planning to spend a lot of time, we will just go where the spirit moves us. We probably won't go to any large cities, but concentrate on the scenery out in the wild blue yonder.

Piffka- We plan to do SOME hiking, but nothing major league. (I am wonderful going uphill, but usually cry all the way down! ) Thank you for your description of the clothing. It gave me a very good sense of what to take!

having spent all of my adult life in the southwest i offer 2 absolutes, WATER and more WATER, you have no idea how fast you dihydrate in the desert sun as you will feel very little sweat, also the sun is VERY bright and will burn you to toast in a manner of minutes. spf 1,000 is recommened along with a hat and sunny glasses. and also never go anywhere without WATER!!!

Big hats. Big, big hats. I prefer one that can shade anyone walking next to me - if they are very very short.