Snow bunnies rejoice: alpine adventures are back on the agenda. Whether you’re off to Gstaad or St Moritz, Chamonix or Morzine, what you wear on the slopes is as much a part of planning your trip as booking your flights or choosing a chalet. From statement ski suits and winter warmers to bold balaclavas and everything in between, we have you covered with our definitive guide to the best luxury ski wear for women.
Retro Revival
Until recently shunned by skiers in favour of high-tech, low-fuss ski wear, ‘80s silhouettes are seeing a big revival this season. Think Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson in Switzerland circa ‘87: all wide shoulders and waspy waists. For a retro twist on chalet girl chic opt for a classic ski suit with a looser fit on top and a slim fitted bottom, or a blouson-style jacket paired with ultra-chic stretch stirrup pants.
Statement ski suits
For a look that screams altitude, an all-in-one is the obvious way forward. Loud colours and eye-catching prints have always been a go-to for making a statement on the slopes: easy to spot in a white-out or when joining your pals at après, they’re as much about practicality as looking good. Whether you prefer to stay streamlined and slim-fitted or go full Michelin man with a down-filled puffer, the statement ski suit is always a winner on piste. Just remember, the bolder, the better.
Pick ‘n’ mix your salopettes
If you like to have options on holiday, invest in a technically-focused jacket that promises to keep you protected from the elements and style it with an array of salopettes in coordinating colours for a new look every day. Especially great for this are streetwear-inspired styles that can be worn off-piste once you’ve hung up your helmet and returned to real life, like Prada’s puffer or Fendi’s reversible jacket with the iconic FF monogram.
Don’t forget your thermals
Thermals may not be sexy but they are essential when you’re getting ready to hit the slopes. Once hidden under woolly jumpers and jackets at après, a whole host of activewear brands have given base layers a much-needed facelift, making them the star of the show. Perfect Moment and Sweaty Betty take their alpine inspiration to the next level with star prints and Fairisle patterns across crop tops, turtlenecks and one-pieces. Ski wear super-brand Bogner looks to the Swinging Sixties with its cool-girl graphic prints. These are definitely not your grandpa’s long johns.
Chic snow boots
Ask any skier and they’ll tell you the best part of a day spent on the slopes is wiggling your feet out of unforgiving ski boots and welcoming waves of relief once back at the chalet. Why, then, would you choose anything but the cosiest of snow boots for traditional treks to le supermarché and tobogganing trips? An all-time mountain favourite, Moon Boots keep your toes toasty while providing enough grip to avoid any icy accidents, while Inuikii’s shearling-lined snowproof sneakers will feel as much at home in Covent Garden as they do in Courchevel.
Cosy club
Just as important as your ski suit for staying warm, accessories are your best friend to your ski wear on the mountain. Whether you go gloves or mittens, snood or scarf, beanie or balaclava, stay safe from the elements while upping the ante with your slopeside style.
Slim shady
Sunglasses are great for après-ski, or for catching some rays with a vin rouge at lunchtime, but if you’re planning on picking up some speed on a red run, goggles are the way forward. Channel a Sixties snow bunny aesthetic with Moncler’s rounded retro designs, or future-proof your look with the latest ski-tech: Zeal’s interchangeable lenses make changes in weather easy to manage, allowing you to swap out each insert on the move.
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