Planning a ski trip and wondering what to wear? Beyond the thrill of the descent, it's about owning your alpine narrative. The wealth of options out there right now are incredibly enticing, and make a compelling case for taking to the slopes. This collection of ski outfits is engineered for the It Girl who commands attention, from first lift to last orders at the liveliest après ski spots. Discover your definitive ski suit, or assemble individual ski clothes into a look that’s undeniably you.
We get it: your après ski outfits need to be as considered as your on-slope gear. Because when the skis come off, your style shouldn't. Curated for every mountain moment, these pieces make your statement, effortlessly.
Finding the Perfect Ski or Snowboard Gear
We’ve been getting some questions about the cutest (and most functional) ski or snowboard gear, so here’s what I’ve been wearing for years, as well as some new (and very exciting) pieces that I recently tried (a few of these were recently tested on the slopes as well!). I tried to include notes on the varying lengths of snowpants (I found a HUGE range of lengths - some are perfect for tall mamas), as well as which particular jacket will be the warmest in really cold weather conditions.
Brands to Consider
The brands reviewed include my tried-and-true (Spyder, Sweaty Betty), classics (Burton, The North Face) and a really exciting, women-owned newcomer (Halfdays). And that’s not even counting the sudden influx of innovative winter sport-focused labels, like Shoreditch Ski Club and Halfdays, as well as heritage mainstays like Fusalp and Moncler.
I personally did both recently for the first time in about 20 years (!), and found way more fun options out there now then as a suburban middle-schooler in the ‘90s. I’m already plotting my next moment on the mountains just so I can buy things for it.
Read also: The Future of Field Hockey Uniforms
Puffers in every color (and print) you can imagine? Check. Snow pants with a kicky retro flare? Check. Cozy knitted layers I’ll wear well beyond my aprés-ski moment? Check, check, and check if you count the thermal, thin ribbed turtleneck, and chunky cardigan I’m wearing together.
Ski Outfit Ideas
Ahead, see and shop the looks inspiring me right now.
Classic Black
As with most any occasion in life, you can’t go wrong with wearing all black. For skiing, I particularly enjoy accenting the palette with hints of optic white and red - it really stands out against a snowy background should you be angling for a photo op.
Pretty In Pastel
Who says snow gear needs to be aggressively sporty? If you’re the kind of skier with a closet of swishy skirts and embroidered sweaters IRL, opt for a matching jacket and pants set with soft lavender and blush swirls.
Rad Red
Even the simplest jacket and bibs set reads as a statement in five alarm red. I’d definitely wear this jacket outside of a ski getaway to amp up all my jeans and sweater pairings.
aprés-ski aesthetic | internet fashion trends explained ❄️ winter outfit ideas
Bond Girl Vibes
Few things read more bad*ss than a tight, curve-hugging cat suit - except, you know, wearing one while you shred down a mountain. For full impact, pair it with a sleek helmet (and a slo-mo video of you taking it off to shake out your perfectly blown-out hair).
Après-Ski Chic
If you’re one of those people who enjoys cozying up at the lodge with hot cider more than actually skiing (hi, hello - me, too!) then be sure to zero in on chic layers you can pile on and peel off as needed. These versatile styles will work wonderfully for the rest of your cold weather wardrobe, too.
Fun With Florals
ICYMI: Florals for winter are definitely a thing!
Retro Glamour
Want to look like a classic movie star? The look for you is inspired by the slope side styles of Audrey Hepburn in Charade. Think: neutral and understated layers, sleek frames, and an elegant jacket. Also, add a balaclava. You won't regret it.
Sparkle Sparkle
An Après fondue goes well with this crystal embedded balaclava, keeping you warm all the while ensuring that the Alpines have never looked more opulent.
Alluring Eyewear
Serenity comes easy when wearing an eminent pair of sunglasses such as these, with tortoise shell being the star of the show.
Foolproof Bodysuit
The only way to be ready for any post-ski soireé is to double layer with this all-around turtleneck.
Sporty Pops of Color
Going for functionality doesn't mean sacrificing style. Lean into the sporty aesthetic with clothing to keep you warm and moving well-like Iman, who opts for practical gear with pops of color.
Puff of Cherry
It's impossible not to turn heads whenever a pop of red is in sight and we trust that you will want this jacket to be packed along with all of your ski gear on your next trip to Vail!
Sporty Stripes
Opt for a mid-layer versatile enough to wear on the slopes but with eye-catching stripes at après.
Fire & Ice
It's exciting to know that the essence of the 90’s skiwear remains alive and intact when wearing these ultra fit, bell-bottom pants
Neutrals and Animal Print
For a dash of joie de vivre, add in a sultry animal print. Shades that go along-blacks, browns, and tans-ground the outfit in a flattering neutral too. Better still, the print is currently trending.
Leopard Jacket
In case you haven't heard, leopard print is proving to be the hottest trend of the year. Having that in mind, this jacket should be the only hint of prowess you shall exhibit this winter, forever yielding the balance between polished and daring.
Bundle of Bubbly
Rumor has it that champagne cashmere is the way to go while watching the New Years Eve fireworks this year. Keep it effervescent with a knit that subtly transmits the relaxed, bubbly vibe.
Hot Cocoa
There is never a dull moment when wearing a flared pant, especially this ski season: it is undeniably the only way to hit the slopes.
Don't Mess with The Plush
Chic, charming, and cushy is the essential trio needed for any given moment - on and off the ski mountain. With this faux shearling mitten set, you shall certainly achieve all of the above.
Avant Garde Apres Ski
While yeti boots may be less frequented as an après style nowadays, the retro revival is here. Go avant-garde with patterns, oversized fur boots, and a heavy-duty dose of color.
Fair Isle Dream
Perfectly crafted from a cable-knit, wool-mohair blend, the patterned and preppy design of this insulated jacket is especially appealing to the eye as a result of its equally stylish and functional use. Truly, no one executes skiwear like Moncler.
Electrifying Blue
Luxury sportswear brand, Goldbergh, provides a series of ski pants in multiple colors that will surely make you stand out amongst the crowd!
Yeti Boots
Instead of shearling-lined boots, go all-in with these all-over furry boots. Better yet, their rubber soles still have excellent traction.
Chic Sunnies
Don't forget to add a pair of cool shades as you hit the slopes!
Key Components of a Ski Outfit
Let's break down the essential components of a stylish and functional ski outfit:
Double-Duty Ski Sweaters
One surefire way to cut down on your packing list is by sourcing knits that work just as well with ski pants and salopettes for skiing early in the day as they do with denim and stirrup leggings for fireside moments in the afternoon. That means they have to both look good and keep you warm. Whether you’re planning on spending two weeks in the Dolomites for the holidays or are just taking a quick ski trip to Stowe or Tahoe for the weekend, be prepared, and shop knits that earn their keep on and off the slopes.
Slopeside Salopettes and Ski Pants
Ski pants and onesies are offered in as many iterations as denim these days, which means your options for trending ski suits and bibs are almost endless. A legging with or without stirrups looks great with an oversized knit, while a flare pant lends just the right drama at high altitudes. And you can never go wrong with a great salopette with a bib for easy layering-just add a heattech turtleneck underneath and be on your way.
Base Layers
Base layers are the unsung heroes of any après-ski look-essential for both function and form. Whether you’re layering a heat-retaining Uniqlo Heattech under a sleek salopette or slipping a featherweight cashmere turtleneck beneath a glossy puffer, these second-skin pieces provide warmth without bulk. Think of them as the foundation of your mountain wardrobe: streamlined, insulating, and impossibly chic.
Puffer Jackets
No après-ski wardrobe is complete without a statement outerwear. Beyond their practicality, the best puffers for women anchor your entire mountain look-zipped up over your go-to base layer and a pair of flared ski pants. You’ll appreciate the extra coverage when combating those biting, sub-zero snowcapped temperatures.
High-Performance Leggings
Consider high-performance leggings your most versatile alpine essential. Equal parts athletic and elegant, they move seamlessly from slope to chalet.
Alpine Accessories
Accessories absolutely make the look and that standard holds true in winter sportswear as well. Come prepared with mittens, beanies, aviator sunnies, goggles, and a great scarf and wool socks to help you look cool while you stay very, very warm.
No Ski Boots, Yes Snow Boots
The truth is they’re best left next to your skis and poles after your last run of the day and traded in for a great pair of winter boots. Invest in something down or suede and shearling-lined to gracefully maneuver slippery paths on your way to post-run dinner, drinks, or shopping.
Fireside Cozies
Evenings off the mountain call for peak comfort. A matching cashmere set is as comforting as it is chic, finished with cozy socks or a snuggly shearling boot.
Gear Reviews and Recommendations
Here's a breakdown of some specific gear based on personal experience:
Spyder
This is the set I’ve been wearing for YEARS. While my bibs are still available (they tend to come back in stock every year), Spyder tends to update their ski jackets each season. I typically go for the warmest one available, in black.
- Waterproofing: The bibs have a waterproof rating of 10K, which means that I stay warm & dry in all but complete downpours. The jacket’s waterproof rating is even higher.
- Insulation: Spyder always makes at least one jacket with pretty epic insulation - that’s the one I go for, whenever I need an upgrade.
- Notes from the slopes: Most people are good with a 10K waterproof rating. Pax, however, is literally rolling around in the snow all day long, sliding on his butt, etc. I recently upped his kit to 20K…and it still wasn’t enough. I’m going to have to go fully waterproof with his stuff, and the only way to do that?
Burton
These bibs are AMAZING. However, they run VERY LONG. They actually don’t look that bad in the photo, but rest assured, these were ridiculously long on my 5’2″ self.
- Waterproof: The bibs are GoreTEX, and 100% completely waterproof.
- Insulation: If you are a cold baby, Burton’s jacket is the warmest jacket I’ve ever found. The longer length will keep you toasty (and dry) in any weather, and the insulation on this one is seriously impressive. The pants, however, are chilly. I did give these guys are run on the slopes, and my bum was freezing. They are just one thin little layer.
Halfdays
I’m a HUGE fan of Halfdays. I bought their olive set last year (my full Halfdays review here), and my biggest complaint was that they didn’t have bib overalls. They’ve also expanded their gorgeous color selection (two of my favs are below), as well as adding a new style - a puffer jacket.
- Waterproof: 10K rating, which is just…OK. The olive set, when worn during a wet, Spring skiing day, showed dark patches where water soaked through. Not great.
- Insulation: The bibs aren’t insulated, but they are thicker than the Burton or North Face bibs - similar to the Sweaty Betty (but not *quite* as warm). The Lawrence Jacket is decently warm (not my first choice for below zero skiing), but the Puffer jacket IS much warmer.
- Notes from the slopes: I’ve now skied in both of their jackets - as expected, the puffer is much warmer than their classic (Lawrence) jacket, but I still like the Lawrence jacket better. I find it more comfortable to wear, and has all of the pockets I need while skiing.
This entire set is so freaking cute, but because of the waterproofing issues, better saved for cold, dry conditions.
Waterproof Ratings Explained
Here's a simple guide to understanding waterproof ratings:
| Rating (K) | Performance | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 10K | Good | Most conditions, except heavy downpours |
| 20K | Very Good | Wet conditions, but may not be enough for constant snow contact |
| Gore-Tex | Excellent | Completely waterproof, suitable for all conditions |
