It’s finally full-on ski season. And whether you’re headed to Vermont or the heights of Colorado, life’s about to get a lot more fun.
But wait. There’s one just one problem: How to dress for the snowy mountains without looking like an overly bundled-up Michelin Tire Man. The snow bunny route can seriously backfire when you go for cute outfits over warm ones—you find yourself freezing in under an hour, and trying to thaw out by the lodge’s fire instead of out having the kind of exhilarating experience outside that you deserve to have.
So here, then, are a few thoughts about how to be bundled but not bulky.
Exhibit A: we give you Mark Miller, the Boston designer whose super chic outerwear conjures up the kind of international panache that might just as easily be found on the chairlifts of Gstaad, but at nothing like the price. Think gorgeous tech soft-shell jackets and micro-fleece-bonded 4-way stretch with high water-repellency and Thinsulate insulation, plus hydrophilic stretch turtlenecks, pants, and 8-ply cashmere sweaters. All of that’s just a fancy way of saying: “It keeps you extremely warm in the extreme cold.” The pants are hi-rise and clean-lined, with a fit that feels like your most flattering everyday jeans, but just a tad puffier. The jackets (some with fur lining, some without) are streamlined and cut to give you curves, but keep you cozy. Overall, they’re a win-win of style and function.
When you’re packing for the trip, black and white looks are easiest to mix and match, add to or subtract from. So Gore-Tex jackets like Mover’s fitted shell are ideal, as are sleek snow pants like Toni Sailor Anais Pant, with sporty racing stripes on the side that have a slimming illusion. Stella McCartney for Adidas also makes incredibly comfy snow pants with suspenders that fit almost as well as regular pants—so much so you might be tempted to wear them off the slopes, too.
But all of that’s only half the story; accessories are absolutely key in the winter wonderland realm. The fur pom pom-topped wool beanies by Kjus add luxurious warmth to any outfit, and the brand’s puffy down mittens keep hands stylish and toasty, but aren’t too big to grip your poles. Eyewear’s obviously an essential in this mix (for the protection, sure, but to finish off the look, as well). Simple Ray-Ban aviators will do nicely, but if the wind’s whipping up a frenzy, go for goggles—the sleeker, the better. I love Fendi’s colorful and sculpted designs, which come in shades like orange and raspberry sherbet.
And for après-ski? Unzip your jacket to reveal a cozy but fitted cashmere sweater—color-blocked turtlenecks look great with the above fitted Stella McCartney pants—and cozy up to the fire and throw your hair up into a ponytail for a refreshed look after the long say of going downhill.
