For all the adventurists and sports enthusiasts packing up for another weekend (or week) of hitting the slopes—be it in Park City or a little more transatlantic over in St Anton am Arlberg—there’s undoubtedly a few key pieces of gear needed for gliding down the mountains. Once the skis, snowboards and goggles have been dug up from hiding, it’s also time to dust off the quintessential ski jacket and pants. While après-ski activities often get all the credit for offering the stylish moment of any winter-weather getaway, what you’ll wear to embrace the fresh powder can be just as sartorially savvy as the plush, woolen Fair Isle sweaters to thrown on while sipping mulled wine.
Ski jackets of decades past have long been bulky and crafted in hard-on-the-eyes colors like bright red, cobalt blue and even searingly neon yellow. Today’s frontrunners blend practicality with a crisp aesthetic. Slimmer (even belted) jackets have eliminated the need for boxy fits, while ski pants have taken on more snug silhouettes as well. Slick waterproof shells, padded insulation and fleece linings will keep heat in, while nifty pockets ensure essentials are always nearby.
Perfect Moment, which counts Kate Middleton as a major fan and has been seen all over Instagram, has a slightly retro feel, from colorful ’80s chevron to bold houndstooth. Other brands, like P.E. Nation and Cordova similarly tap into a refreshed color palette, leaning on pastel pinks, crisp whites and a streamlined look. And lest we forget, the one-piece ski suit has also gotten a makeover with a more tapered, cut-to-the-body feel.
Whether you’ll be on the bunny slope or mastering the black diamond, these stylishly minded ski gear picks will (warmly) carry you through.