How to Look Stylish While Hiking: Build Core Summer Outdoor Outfits

Yes, you can look stylish even when hiking and exploring the great outdoors! If you're like me, you've always dreaded dressing for camping trips, thinking it somehow takes away from your appearance, making you look sluggish or messy. Scrambling to put together sale leggings with some matching top just doesn't cut it. Well, it all ends now! Let me show you how to truly look cute and Pinterest-ready on your next adventure.

The Biggest Mistake & What Works Instead

I've seen so many women, myself included, make the mistake of wearing expensive athletic wear on the trail. Let me be the first to tell you, it doesn't look good – it screams "city girl" and makes us look unprepared. I'm not going to the playground in my preppy dress and heels, so why would I wear a bright fuchsia top from Lululemon with a mountain backdrop?

The outdoor uniform is completely different from streetwear or running outfits. The colors, materials, and overall functionality of each piece serve a different purpose. While some athletic wear, in the right colors (think brown, grey, burgundy or black), can be layered for a woodsy camping look, generally, we need gear built for the elements. That means looking at outdoor wear brands like LL Bean, Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, Duluth, and Backcountry.

Building Your Stylish Hiking Wardrobe: My Top Picks

When I choose pieces for my hiking outfits, I focus on nature-themed colors (brown, green, burgundy, grey – like grass, plants, trees, rocks, mountains) and materials that are dry-fit, durable, waterproof, airy, moisture wicking and breathable, often with pockets. Functionality and comfort are my #1 criteria. Here are the core pieces I use to build chic, practical looks:

Shoes: Your Foundation (and Hardest Find!)

I always start with shoes. They're the hardest to find and absolutely must be broken in at least a week before your hike. My go-to is combining crew-length or quarter socks with my hiking shoes to protect my ankles.

• LL Bean Women's Trailduster Hiking Shoes (Burgundy):  

• LL Bean Women's Trailduster Hiking Boots (Barley):  

  

• Adidas Athletic Cushioned Cut Socks (Low Profile Arch Compression):  

• Crew Socks Rayon

Versatile Bottoms: Comfort Meets Style

I find focusing on one fitted piece, with the rest being looser, creates a balanced and flattering hiking outfit.

• Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop 5in Short (Red Mahogany):  

  

• Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop 5in Short (Sierra):  

• Athleta Transcend High Rise Shorts 5”

  

• White House Black Market Tailored Stretch Shorts

• Danskin Women's Performance Nylon High Rise Ankle Legging:  

• LULULEMON Align High Rise Skirt 13”

  

Tops & Layers: Ready for Any Temperature

Temperature can fluctuate wildly on a hike, so I always research ahead. My tops offer breathability, SPF coverage, and easy layering.

• Athleta Transcend Top

  

• Athleta Transcend Square neck Crop

• LL Bean Supima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt:  

  

• Eddie Bauer Women's Departure 3.0 Long-Sleeve Shirt (Pumice):  

  

• Danskin Women's Full-Zip Run Jacket:  

• Danskin Quarter zip Pull-Over:  

• LULULEMON Define Cropped Jacket Nulu:  

  

• Athleta Interval Jacket full zip:  

  

Build Your Pinterest-Ready Summer Hiking Outfits!

Now that you know my secrets and the specific pieces I love, you can put together 7 chic hiking/outdoor outfit ideas using pieces from your own closet, and maybe a couple of new additions for an effortless everyday look. Because when we show off all those amazing photos from the trip, we want to look cute!

Keep Learning & Growing!

• Want to know more about my fit lifestyle and how I stay in shape every day? I have a free workshop where I share my secret formula. Get it completely free at www.womenofhighvalue.com/ifworkshop.