I quite literally tumbled into the world of skiing in 2016, taking on the bunny slopes in borrowed black salopettes and Uniqlo Heattech. Six years later, I now know an awful lot about GORE-TEX 3 layer technologies for a fashion editor, because my husband Ernest Amoako has founded a ski business, Blanqo, which rents stylish but high-performance skiwear. A lot of our dinnertime conversation now centres around which are the best waterproof technologies and new skiwear brands, making me an accidental expert in what to wear on the slopes.
Since my first trip in 2016, a more adventurous approach to mountain dressing has emerged, and I’m not talking about the advances in technologies for off-piste outerwear. The Alps has always been a glamorous playground, where you’ll find guests cocooned in beautiful Fair Isle knits and cashmere, however recently there has been a more flamboyant approach to on-piste style. The classic heritage pieces will always remain an investment – think Fusalp’s navy and red chevron jackets and Moncler quilting – however there are also so many new brands offering a fresher take.
Back in 2021, Miuccia Prada transported the Miu Miu autumn/winter show to the Dolomites, with models walking through the snow in padded all-in-one ski suits and knitted balaclavas. If a pastel pink Miu Miu one piece is too “fashion” for your next ski trip, there are lots of brands offering a more style-led approach to technical skiwear, that still proves reliable for bracing the elements.
The Alps often feels frozen in time, with the exact same gingham tablecloths, menus (raclette, fondue, raclette) and wooden interiors you’d have found back in the ’80s. The fashion is the same in many ways, as many of the emerging labels still stay true to a retro aesthetic that looks straight out of a Slim Aarons picture. Perfect Moment is one of the most popular skiwear brands for statement, nostalgic outfits thanks to its distinctive racing colour palette, bold houndstooth checks and retro jumpers emblazoned with the names of popular resorts.
What do I need to pack for a skiing holiday?
There are some items that are non negotiable—a ski jacket and salopettes or a one-piece, a helmet (it makes sense to borrow this unless you will make regular trips), goggles, proper ski socks (trust me—your normal socks aren’t good enough) and thermal base layers. Depending on the time of year and how cold it is, the general rule is you want three layers of clothing so will have a mid layer in between your jacket and thermals for added warmth—I personally wear a North Face fleece.
Where should I shop for skiwear?
Over the past decade, luxury brands have been increasingly leaning into the skiwear market, and so now the likes of Net-a-Porter, Selfridges and MyTheresa all have impressive ski shops; stocking brands that balance performance with style. Renting is another option, and an excellent way to try high performance or more expensive looks without the commitment of buying or having to worry about where you’ll store it for the rest of the year. If you want to try renting a ski outfit this year, Selfridges, Hurr and Blanqo all have strong selections of outerwear and accessories.
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Ski one-pieces
All-in-one ski suits have a nostalgic, retro appeal that I just love, and have a really streamlined look, which will make you look instantly put together. The one-piece has certainly been soaring in popularity recently, with ’80s baggier fits also making a comeback. There are several brands that lead in this space, including Bogner, Goldbergh, Cordova and Perfect Moment.
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Goldbergh lieke belted faux-fur ski suit, $2,121
Available on Net-A-Porter.
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Ski jackets
If you buy one thing for your trip, let it be a ski jacket. As much as you might convince yourself that your trusty puffer will cut the mustard, take it from me: it won’t. The material must be completely waterproof with some form of elastic around the waist so the icy wind can’t find its way under the hem of your jacket. Most designs will also feature a nifty ski pass pocket that will allow you to smoothly beep through the ski-lift barriers without scrambling through pockets with gloved hands. The best thing about ski jackets? Some styles, like J.Lindeberg’s padded leather iteration and Aztech Mountain’s printed version, will work just as well on city streets as they do on snowy mountains.
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J.Lindebergh jolene leather padded jacket, $2,358
Available on J.Lindebergh.
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Mackage hooded appliquéd down ski jacket, $2,105
Available on Net-A-Porter.
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Aztech Mountain daisy nuke hooded ski jacket, $2,837
Available on Farfetch.
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Perfect Moment houndstooth moment puffer, $1,230
Available on Perfect Moment.
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Free People all prepped ski jacket, $1,175
Available on Free people.
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Ski trousers
Salopettes or ski trousers might be a million miles away from your usual wardrobe, but they’re an essential pre-trip purchase. You can either go for a style that flares over your ski boots, with gaiters to stop the snow travelling up the trouser leg, or you go for an in-boot stirrup leggings for those blue sky days when the snowfall is less heavy. I also like bib pants with braces, as they stop snow from entering at the waist, provide extra warmth and remain really secure while you move.
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J. Linderberg w stanford trousers, $505
Available on J. Linderberg.
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Goldbergh pippa belted straight-leg mid-rise ski trousers, $756
Available on Selfridges.
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Perfect Moment vegan leather mid-rise aurora ski pant, $1,105
Available on Perfect Moment.
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The North Face mono shell bib trousers, $758
Available on The North Face.
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Ski base layers and thermals
Base layers are really important in ensuring you are warm when skiing and there are several things you’ll want to consider. Firstly, whether you are going in winter or spring will dictate the level of insulation you will require. I’d advise wearing thermals marketed specifically as ski base layers or thermals, because you will want them to be moisture wicking. You want the fabric to dry quickly when you swear, as trapped moisture underneath your jacket will make you feel much colder. Merino wool is the very best for this, so is worth investing in this fabric where you can.
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We Norwegians soss striped merino wool-blend piqué leggings, $227
Available on Net-A-Porter.
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We Norwegians setesdal merino wool jumpsuit, $498
Available on Net-A-Porter.
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Cordova stowe ribbed wool-blend turtleneck base layer, $284
Available on Net-A-Porter.
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Marks & Spencer heatgen™ thermal scoop neck top, $26
Available on Marks & Spencer.
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Ski goggles
Whether you love goggles or hate goggles, the fact is: you need them. Of course, a pair of stylish sunglasses will look chic paired with your weatherproof outfit of choice, but when the wind blows and the snow falls, you’ll need solid protection for your eyes. Although I’d usually turn to brands like Oakley, POC and Salomon for thoughtfully-designed styles, contemporary eyewear brands Jimmy Fairly and Ace & Tate have recently launched pairs that are definitely worth a try.
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Chanel pre-owned ski goggles with leather detail, $1,507
Available on Hardly Ever Worn It.
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Ski socks
Please withhold judgement when I proudly divulge that I’ll be wearing the same ski socks this year as I did five years ago. When I first bought my beloved Falke socks, I couldn’t believe how much I spent on them, so I hoped that they would do what they said on the tin by withstanding heavy use and battling sub-zero temperatures. If you hadn’t already guessed, they’ve done just that. I speak from experience when I say that there isn’t anything worse than feeling uncomfortable in your ski boots and suffering from chilly toes on the slopes. A specifically designed ski sock will make a world of difference.
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Ski helmets
A helmet is an essential piece of kit for a skiing trip – it’s a legal requirement in most countries and resorts now, and is so important to offer you protection. You can hire these when you arrive at the resort to save on luggage space, but if you’re a seasoned skier, it’s probably time to invest in your own.
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POC black matt obex BC mips ski helmet, $210
Available on Hardly Ever Worn It.
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Ski gloves
You simply can’t go skiing without ski gloves. Waterproof styles are best for keeping hands toasty, and darker colours will stay looking newer for longer. I personally prefer gloves over mittens, as they make it much easier to grip your poles in a comfortable position. However, after discussing the matter of mittens over gloves with other keen skiers, I discovered that a number of them find mittens are the warmer choice.
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Snow boots
Thanks to the rise of the chunky boot, snow boots have had a notable resurgence in recent years, with styles from Ugg and Moon Boot leading the charge. Luxury brands like Prada and Dior also offer a number of chic iterations that will keep you looking cool and feeling comfortable while stomping around the resort. Arguably, my favourite part of a long day’s skiing is when I get to take off my hard-shelled ski boots and slip into my snug, slipper-like mini Moon Boots.
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Penelope Chilvers cosmos fleece boot, $453
Available on Penelope Chilvers.
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More layers: mid-layers and après-ski jumpers
Layering is an essential part of outfit planning. Pack a range of jumpers to cover all situations, or even better, those with two-for-one properties to save on suitcase space. Perfect Moment’s jumpers are perfect as a mid layer over your thermals and look chic for your après ski plans, too. What ski trip would be complete without donning a classic knitted jumper?
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Lisa Yang natalia brushed cashmere jumper, $1,204
Available on Harvey Nichols.
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We Norwegians stryn intarsia-knitted merino wool-blend piqué ski top, $357
Available on Net-A-Porter.
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Massimo Dutti cashmere striped knit polo sweater, $284
Available on Massimo Dutti.
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Aztech Mountain off piste shell-trimmed printed fleece hoodie, $1,297
Available on Net-A-Porter.
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Winter warmers
Though not technically protective, it goes without saying that a bundle of cosy knits is a must, especially when off the slopes. If you haven’t already taken note of the knitted hood trend on the city streets, now’s your chance. Plus a soft cashmere pair of gloves is an instant comfort for hands after a long day on the slopes.
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Aspinal cashmere-lined leather gloves, $185
Available on Aspinal of London.
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Goldbergh valerie brand-embroidery knitted beani, $133
Available on Selfridges.
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Loop Cashmere ribbed cashmere hood, $336
Available on Harvey Nichols.
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Marni brushed alpaca logo scarf, $488
Available on Ssense.
This story was originally published on British Vogue.
