Skiing-for-sport saw its popularity rise in the 1950s, by and among society’s elite who could afford the travel, the time, and the equipment required of the sport. Consequently, skiing has long been synonymous with glitz, glamour, sophistication, and style.
It happens to be my favorite sport (and not just because of the outfits; nor because it is pretty much my only sport).
The setting, the scenery, the STYLE of it all … (okay so maybe a little because of the outfits).
“A girl can look sexier in ski clothes than in a bathing suit.”
-Fred Picard, 1950’s skiwear designer and self-styled “international authority on glamour in the snow.”
More than seventy years later, monsieur Picard’s statement remains relevant; style remains as significant to the ski situation as it was back when every outing was a reason to dress up. Today, fashion’s finest houses are collaborating with some of the world’s most technical performance-wear brands to introduce magnificent mélanges where function and fashion collide.
Whether you find the endless options overwhelming or are simply looking for ski outfit inspiration, our Slope-Style-Edit curated by yours truly in collaboration with Aspen-based stylist Kristen Strope, has you covered.
The Clothes
#1 BOGNER
Bogner and Moncler, founded in 1932 and 1952, respectively, are two brands that have remained at the forefront of ski fashion for decades. Bogner has two main skiwear lines, Bogner Sport’s aesthetic can best be described as a Posh Spice/Sporty Spice mashup. Bogner Fire & Ice is the brand’s younger, louder child that plays with bolder colors and this year, through its collaboration with LoveShackFancy, fresh and floral prints.
Both deliver top-of-the-line performance wear one would expect from the official outfitter of the German ski team.
#2 MONCLER
Have you ever worn a down jacket? Iconic skiwear brand number two on this list, Moncler, invented it, and continues to improve on its original design. Sleek and sophisticated, Moncler Grenoble, the brand’s peak slope-driven performance line delivers functional, high-concept gear that makes for ski-style so chic it will compliment your #streetstyle as any ready-to-wear piece ever could.
#3 FUSALP
Third on the list is Fusalp, another skiwear brand that stands the test of time. Known for top-line tailoring and form-fitting flair, Fusalp has changed the ski fashion game with its creation of the “fuseau” (skin-tight stirrup pant). Couture collaborations such as 2020’s Fusalp x Chloe collection and this year’s Fusalp x Pucci line make for a perfect high fashion/performance apparel pairing for anyone seeking that “the slope is my runway” vibe.
#4 PERFECT MOMENT
For a look that is a little more laid-back but still, 100% luxe, look no further than Perfect Moment. Created in 1979, this brand has taken off over the last five years, and the vintage vibe is fierce, fun and fabulous! In addition to their ski ensembles and one-pieces, I am obsessed with their retro color-blocked graphic ski sweaters. This year Perfect Moment has also joined the collaboration collective and created a 6-piece denim-inspired capsule collection with DL1961.
#5 MACKAGE
New for me (thank you Kristen) and last on this list is Mackage. Launched in 1999, this is the baby of the bunch but has all the characteristics of a future icon. High performance, sustainable, modern, and minimal, Mackage skiwear is slick, sleek, subtly sporty, and has my full attention.
These Boots Were Made for Walking
When you look this fabulous on the mountain, transitioning from skiing to all the fun that follows requires nothing more than a ski-boot-to-snow boot swap. My après ski boots are no-name vintage amazingness, my most treasured possession; and hopefully, the only après ski boots I will ever own. I have not even looked at another pair for over a decade and have no idea what’s on this front. Fortunately, @Aspen_Style has us covered. Thank you, Kristen!
First up on her list is Kristen’s personal snow boot brand of choice, Ulla Johnson. Made of exquisite Italian leather and lined in genuine shearling, Kristen’s boot, the Etna, is a combat boot with just the right touch of femininity.
Next we have Sorel. Sorel’s longstanding reputation for withstanding the elements is why I chose them for my 2-year-old on his first trip to Aspen, and have continued to do so every year since. What I did not know until now (thanks again Kristen) is the brand behind the boots on all the women whose outfits I admired on my last Aspen visit! My personal favorite is the Tofino II boot in Fawn.
Number three on Kristen’s list of snow boot brand recs is Aquatalia.
“They are different and really well made,” she says.
I had no idea! And yet, I cannot say I was surprised. As a longtime fan of Aquatalia shoes, I should have known their commitment to quality would make for a snow boot that not only looks fantastic but offers optimum comfort and prime protection from the elements. The problem here is deciding! I love them all! #YESPLEASE to the Arlo, the Mya, the Amalia, and the Casandra.
Kristen’s Honorable Mentions: Cougar also garners her stamp of approval. While any of the skiwear brands mentioned above will undoubtedly deliver fashionable and functional footwear, Kristen also loves Moncler and Mackage.
My Own Honorable Mention:
Realizing that it had been years since I had seen the distinct outline of a Moon Boot in any snow, I could not help but wonder,
Did the iconic Moon Boot fall off the fashion face of the planet?
I reached out to one of the best-dressed and even better-traveled skiers I know, who also happens to be a Gstaad local. Turns out, the Moon Boot is not just très au courant in Europe, but it is the boot for jet setters skiing Europe’s most exclusive ski destinations such as Gstaad, St. Moritz, and Courchevel. Good to know this one big step for fashionistas.
