Bridget Devine reviews the ski wear trending this season with staple colours, classic silhouettes, and graphic prints all hitting the mountain.
It’s that time of year when many are getting excited for their next trip to the mountains. That nostalgic feeling of clipping into your skis ready to take on the elements of the freshly piste-bashed slopes. The icy wind against your face while the white, snowy bowl reflects the cool winter sunshine. Whether it’s your first or millionth time on the slopes; if you are off on a getaway this winter and want to look the part, keep reading…
Ski wear is all about standing out on the slope, be it spotting your friends in the white blizzards or simply looking the best as you race past fellow skiers and snowboarders. What you wear matters for all reasons as you want to stay warm, while not sweating under all the layers and you also want to be the best dressed at aprés-ski of course.
This season’s ski wear trends and styles consist of staple colours, classic silhouettes, and graphic prints.
Luxury brands like Perfect Moment and Goldbergh are styling dynamic skinny-flare salopettes with puffer jackets in shades of electric blue, nautical navy, cool pink and the classic flame red. Both brands are staying loyal to their iconic star motif with their cosy evening jumpers featuring oversized stars or all-in-one ski suits covered in a houndstooth check style star print. Helly Hansen are also showing these houndstooth prints but in more muted, relaxed colours of moss green and warm beige.
For the serious, black runs only skier or snowboarder Arc’teryx and The North Face offer windbreaker style jackets in pastels and neutrals like burgundy and teal, while focusing on the practicality of their jackets with snowskirts, ski pass pockets and down feather insulation. The North Face also feature colour blocking in lots of their jackets which are becoming very popular in ski wear, if it be multicoloured chevrons, pockets, zippers or contrasting logos.
If you are more eccentric in your ski style make sure to look at Fusalp’s sixties prints, aviator style collars and eighties style purples. Moncler has also been styling cool pinks and greens with their graphic sweaters and colour block jackets that are very much the essence of retro ski wear.
In most seasons for ski wear bright, bold colours are all the rage and this year is looking no different. If you are buying new gear this winter make sure to get a bright jacket and pair it with either matching loud salopettes or a more neutral plain trouser to contrast. If you want to go all out, think about the colours in your skis, if you own any, and match them to the main colour of your jacket for a perfectly put together ski look.
An affordable way to change up the vibe of your ski wear would be investing in a new balaclava or Buff, these are essential on the slopes to protect your face from the elements and they come in absolutely all colours and prints you can think of. Just like the ski’s try to match your Buff with the colours running through your existing ski wardrobe – if your jacket and trousers are already bright and colourful maybe opt for a more subtle colour like black or grey to balance the colour – or go all out and match everything!
I think with ski wear the main thing to focus on is of course price point as for many it is difficult to afford some of the newest fanciest kit but still look and feel good. Therefore look for items that cater for all the elements like the snow and rain but also make sure to layer so if it is warm and sunny this season you can take off a few layers and still be properly protected.
I would recommend brands like The North Face, Patagonia and Goldbergh as they are all very functional while catering to a range of price points and styles. As well as investing in a few good quality jumpers for evenings and aprés-ski, brands like Perfect Moment, Uniqlo and Patagonia have plenty to choose from.
Most importantly though, skiing is not just about style so make sure to make the most of your trip by spending lots of time on the slopes and just as much time in the cosy restaurants and bars.
And if you are splashing out on some new kit, my top picks are…
