Do not challenge a Coloradan to an impromptu game of strip poker.

You will lose.

Sartorially speaking, we here in the Centennial State are a deeply layered people.

Dressing for the occasion is both art and necessity when playing with a deck full of weather wild cards, where whimsical seasons can bring single-day temperature swings of 50 degrees or more. Yes, the coldest winter and hottest summer I ever spent was a spring day in Colorado Springs.

Layering like a boss doesn’t mean bulking up a la Ralphie’s brother in “A Christmas Story,” so insulated your joints won’t bend. Quite the opposite: Doing it correctly means multiple sleek, subtle, versatile strata that can be peeled off and stashed as easily as tugged on, and which still leave plenty of room for personal style and a person-shaped silhouette.

Layering like you’re from Colorado isn’t only about the duds.

Every Colorado resident worth their sidewalk salt has a scarf, hat and gloves close at (or on) hand year-round.

For those who argue these are merely accessories and not layers, a knit cap is also great for keeping precariously perched sunglasses (a perennial need in the Rockies) and over-ear headphones from falling off your head when you lean over. And under those gloves, (surprise) more gloves!

The scarf is just a scarf, but it can and has doubled as a dog leash. Versatility is also the name of the game.

As to the clothes: Each ply should represent a seasonal ensemble on its own, each layer removed without disturbing the vestments underneath, or vice versa. You shouldn’t need to seek out a dressing room for these wardrobe changes.

Summer clothes are our base, but they can also work as a top layer if you play your cards right.

Enjoy a few of my favorite Colorado layering game pieces, for practice.