There was a time when my skiing style was hard to overlook. Dressed in a vibrant Minion yellow onesie, reminiscent of the one Princess Diana made famous on the slopes, I zoomed down the hills with all the grace of Bridget Jones. It was the Nineties, and ski-rental shops in Yorkshire offered little in terms of chic winter attire compared to today’s options. The need for my parents to locate me as I raced down the slopes dictated my choice of outfit. And considering I was just seven, I was navigating the blue runs of Alpe d’Huez — not precariously lounging at Paradiso restaurant-club in St Moritz.
Having matured since then, my fondness for Minion yellow has faded, but my passion for looking stylish both on and off the slopes has surged. As a fashion editor, I earn my living analyzing the perfect shade of grey to pair with denim; it’s only natural that when given the chance to ski, I tackle it with the same dedication. Well, at least I’m keenly aware of what color my salopettes are and the best jacket shape to match.
Helen Atkin, center, skiing in Courmayeur in 2020
As I’ve delved deeper into the world of chic skiwear, I’ve found that the fashion industry has also embraced it. Ski fashion has evolved beyond the domain of just outdoor brands; it is now a legitimate sector that caters to both high-performance gear and stylish loungewear for places like Aspen. From Miu Miu to Prada, and Louis Vuitton to Gucci, many luxury brands now feature ski-appropriate capsule collections as part of their seasonal lineup. This trend reached its zenith in February, when Moncler launched its latest Grenoble collection atop a snow-drenched mountain in St Moritz. Models traipsed through picturesque landscapes showcasing snow-spiked furry boots, puffer capes, and cable knits that utterly captivated me.
While this represents high-end ski fashion for the elite — and a £2,000 puffer vest is out of reach for me — it does provide inspiration for my dream ski outfit. In this imagined scenario, I’m gracefully carving down a black run in Chamonix, clad in a black belted one-piece and the most exquisite cashmere cable knit.
I’m not alone in my fashion-forward approach. Just a decade ago, identifying a single brand that offered skiwear reflective of evolving fashion trends was a challenge. Now, platforms like Net-a-Porter, Mytheresa, and Farfetch showcase “snow edits” featuring sought-after brands like Perfect Moment, Cordova, Bogner, and Fusalp. With extensive experience catering to everyone from beginners to Olympic teams, these labels blend technical expertise with style, making them highly desirable. Even high-street brands have joined the ranks, with the likes of Free People, Zara, H&M, and Oysho incorporating ski gear, ensuring that fashionable snow bunnies need not break the bank.
For many skiers, especially myself, the ultimate style inspiration remains Audrey Hepburn in Charade and Lily Collins’s modern homage in Emily in Paris. Think classic Fair Isle designs, (faux) fur, and understated hues. Generally, I prefer to wear the colors and styles I’m comfortable with in my everyday life. This is not just a pragmatic choice, considering the investment in high-quality ski gear, but also because I want items that will endure changes in fashion. That funky zebra-print jacket may seem trendy now, but will I be inclined to wear it two years down the line? I lean towards black, navy, and cream in my day-to-day wardrobe, so it makes sense to reflect that on the slopes, opting instead for varied textures to enhance my look. Choosing high shine, tweed, or even corduroy can elevate an outfit’s interest without straying too far from conventional styles — Fusalp’s high-necked Barsy jacket is particularly striking.
I also appreciate incorporating a bold underlayer — Perfect Moment, Falke, and Sweaty Betty offer plenty of colorful choices — as it provides a splash of color or print to an otherwise neutral outfit. A reliable mid-layer is essential as well. A cozy knit not only provides added warmth but also serves its purpose for après-ski wear. Playful accessories like Goldbergh’s faux-fur mittens or a heated pair from Racer 1927 can add unique flair. When it comes to eyewear, I prefer Salomon goggles, a classic choice that remains unmatched in quality.
However, not everyone opts for traditional style. A glance at Instagram reveals influencers reveling in bright onesies, metallic outfits, and retro prints while dancing on tables at La Folie Douce. Renting skiwear has never been easier, thanks to websites like Blanqo and EcoSki, which feature some of the trendiest and most talked-about brands and items. Additionally, major fashion rental platforms such as By Rotation, Hurr, My Wardrobe HQ, and Front Row are excellent options to consider. This allows you to experiment with your style before making a financial commitment.
While fashion choices can spark debate, one thing remains unambiguous: slope safety is paramount. Therefore, I ensure that my gear is up to standard. Standard winter thermals and socks do not cut it on the slopes — always look for apparel with sweat-wicking properties necessary when transitioning from vigorous skiing to relaxing on lifts (or in mountain bars). Essential gear includes a helmet, goggles, and gloves.
As for après-ski activities? That’s where the fun begins. I swap my helmet for a knitted hood, my goggles for cat-eye sunglasses, and my high-tech gloves for cozy cashmere mittens at every opportunity. I also enjoy the retro charm of the Moon Boot from the Seventies. See you on the slopes!
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Best ski wear
Ski jacket, £679, helmet, £339, and goggles, £229, goldbergh.com
Bright young things
Mittens, £250, mackage.co.uk
Jacket, £1,380, and trousers, £740, fusalp.com
Socks, £39, colmar.com
Base layer, £225, bogner.com
Ski sleeve bag, £100, Dakine, snowandrock.com
Goggles, £715, gucci.com
Beanie, £34, freepeople.com
Jacket, £1,500, Jet Set, flannels.com
Trousers, £620, and jacket, £1,100, cordova.co
Hoodie, £630, aztechmountain.com
Sunglasses, £430, celine.com
Ski suit, £1,585, cordova.co
Keep it classic
Helmet, £630, Prada Linea Rossa, prada.com
Jacket, £1,416, Moncler Grenoble, moncler.com
Top, £110, mysundayski.co.uk
Skis, £5,600, celine.com
Ski suit, £259, oysho.com
Jumpsuit, £2,630, louisvuitton.com
Socks, £34, falke.com
Gloves, £650, Giorgio Armani Neve, armani.com
Neck warmer, £15, uniqlo.com
Jumper, £550, Guest in Residence, net-a-porter.com
Jacket, £71 for six days rental, Shoreditch Ski Club, blanqo.com
Trousers, £295, sweatybetty.com
Headband, £9, hm.com
Goggles, £80, izipizi.com
Jumper, £80, leggings, £26, boots, £90, hat, £30, and gloves, £46, zara.com
Alpine après
Head scarf, £98, Shrimps x Reformation, shrimps.com
Jacket, £679, goldbergh.com
Jumper, £2,650, Brunello Cucinelli, net-a-porter.com
Mittens, £19.50, marksandspencer.com
Ski pants, £455, Erin Snow, luisaviaroma.com
Sunglasses, £199, Tom Ford, opticiansdirect.co.uk
Knit joggers, £125, theupside.com
Socks, £380, loropiana.com
Top, from £33 for four days rental, Goldbergh, hurrcollective.com
Boots, £225, moonboot.com
Beige boots, £180, sorelfootwear.co.uk
Cape, £3,500, Moncler Grenoble, moncler.com
Balaclava, £195, Arch4, net-a-porter.com
Knit, £152, net-a-porter.com
Sunglasses, £440, Dior, mytheresa.com
