How to Wear Après Ski Attire

by Lesley Kennedy (Subscribe to Lesley Kennedy's posts)
Posted Nov 23rd 2009 at 5:30PM

You spent all day layered in warm gear for your runs down the mountain but once you come down off the slopes it's time to ditch the snow pants and ski masks for something a little sleeker before heading into the village for drinks and dinner.
When it comes to dressing for après ski, it's not just about warmth, but also great style.

Start with basic leggings, says Max Martinez, owner of MAX boutiques in Aspen, Denver and Boulder, Colo. "Look for anything from stretch denim to leather to wool, and then put on your great Rick Owens cardigan sweater and you're good to go," he says. "And Prada Sport always works for après ski."

Accessories count, too.

"You can't go out without a great cashmere scarf," Martinez says. "Muted tones to bright colors to fringe – that's the accessory for après ski – the accessory of the season is your big, beautiful scarf. Between leggings, Rick Owens and a good scarf, you're good to roll in Aspen, Colorado."

More après ski tips and trends after the jump: The latest colors, prints and styles:

Echo's Roberts says herringbone and houndstooth vests and faux fur jackets are hot this season, as well as "plaids and ruffles in brights and neutrals."
"Big color blocking with bright pops are strong: reds, oranges, purples and blues together and separate are strong this season," says JD Hendley, senior designer for tech outerwear at Oakley. "Don't be afraid to mix colors. Prints are getting oversized and have lots of layers and depth to them." He says preppy fabrics, metal zippers and hardware are also trendy this season.

At the very least, these pieces would be good investments, whether you're hitting the slopes or not:

"A neckwarmer and trapper hat," says Roberts.
"I am always a fan of getting a three-in-one jacket that works well when traveling," says Hendley. "Having the jacket that layers into another jacket lets you wear the light jacket when traveling. And if you arrive at your resort and it is super cold or the sun breaks out, you can adapt to the changing conditions without having to own two or three jackets."

In order to keep your cool:

"I would stick to jackets that have great venting so you can let lots of heat out," says Hendley. "As far as insulation goes, it really varies on the area where you live and ride, but having jackets that are adaptable to the changes are always a safe bet."

Lesley Kennedy is the editor of Denveralamode.com, an online magazine devoted to fashion, beauty and trends in the Mile High City.

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How to Wear Après Ski Attire

Click through to shop for this season's most stylish après ski attire!

Oakley

How to Wear Après Ski Attire

Take the trench trend to the slopes with Oakley's Front Trench Jacket. This lined nylon coat sports functional details like underarm zip vents and a cozy hood, so you're all set for whatever turn the weather takes.

Oakley's Front Trench Jacket, $150, at Oakley.com.

Oakley

From the Gretchen Bleiler Collection from Oakley, The Cardy, this wool blend sweater gets a stylish twist with ruching at the shoulders and front yoke. Pretty wooden buttons line the rib-trimmed front. Available in black, white and purple.

The Cardy, $80, at Oakley.com.

Oakley

Fun, funky and fuzzy boots are a must when headed out to the ski village. The Crocs Haley boot is the dressed up version of the company's new Dutch clog family. Designed with a chic faux-fur and synthetic suede upper, these babies are comfy and cute. Simply tuck in your skinny jeans, add a long cardigan and grab a cocktail or two.

Haley boots, $69.99, at Crocs.com.

Crocs

You wore that giant snowboard coat on the hill all day, so now you want to show your fashionable side with something chic and sophisticated for dinner and drinks. Echo's super-soft faux fur jacket has a bit of sparkle, and, paired with dark denim, a black turtleneck and great boots, you'll be among the most fashionable revelers in the village.

Faux fur jacket, $88, at Echodesign.com.

Echo

We know. You don't want to muss your hair. But don't worry: No one will see your hat head, because you just won't want to take this quilted trapper hat from Echo off all night long.

Quilted Trapper hat, $48, at Echodesign.com.

Echo

An après ski ensemble is just not complete without a cool scarf. This one dresses things up a bit, with rosebud flowers and a pull-through style.

Rosebud flower scarf, $78, at Echodesign.com.

Echo

A long, cozy sweater gives warmth to a shorter dress – perfect for a chilly night in Aspen.

Diane von Furstenberg cardigan, $595, and dress, $685, at Neimanmarcus.com.

Neiman Marcus

Heading for a night out in the ski village after a day on the slopes? Trade your fleece for a chic military-inspired sweater. Just add jeans, cute boots and go.

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Nessa" sweater, $288, at Neimanmarcus.com.

Neiman Marcus

A car coat for the mountain set, Oakley's Auto Coat comes with a removable faux fur collar and shapely princess seams. Great for the city or the slopes.

Oakley's Auto Coat, $150, at Oakley.com.

Oakley

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