Chalet chic (From The Northern Echo)

Chalet chic

3:43pm Tuesday 17th January 2012 in Lifestyle

Look stylish on the slopes with eye-catching skiwear. Lisa Haynes reveals how to stay warm while looking cool.

WHETHER you’re a whiz on the slopes or snow bunny beginner, your ski wear wardrobe should always be your first priority.

‘‘If your ski wear isn’t appropriate, or perhaps not warm enough for the conditions, you may look a little silly shivering at the top of the slope,’’ warns Andy Barrett, Decathlon ski product trainer. ‘‘There’s a reason why the best skiers and snowboarders always look so comfy and relaxed.’’ Thankfully, the typical ski queen wardrobe has come a long way from mismatched salopettes and jacket rentals. These days, you can hit the slopes in outerwear that’s both functional and fashionable.

Turn the mountain tops into your snowcapped catwalk with our guide to looking good on – and off – the slopes. It’s time to take the ski lift to style...

ON-PISTE PANACHE

Technical clothing is essential to withstand those freezing climates and make like Eddie the Eagle – but that doesn’t mean you can’t look ice-hot.

‘‘Make sure you adapt your ski wear to the conditions,’’ advises Barrett. ‘‘For example, skiing in America will require much warmer clothing than skiing in Europe.

For those who are unsure of what to buy, always seek out sound technical advice.’’ They may not be visible, but base layer thermals are the essential starting blocks for your ski wardrobe. Either go with basic neutral colours, or try bold colours and quirky prints as you don’t have to worry about them matching with anything.

Ski jackets and salopettes are the slope staples where you can really flaunt your fashion prowess. ‘‘The trend at the moment is the brighter, the better; yellows, greens and blues are currently very popular on the slopes,’’ Barrett says. Goggles are another necessity to ensure you can see those risky runs safely and clearly.

APRES-SKI ATTIRE

With technical wear hanging out to dry for the next day on the slopes, the stylish snow bunny can come out to play with an apres-ski wardrobe.

Layering is key to your look since you’ll be pinging from the snowy outdoors, to bar, to sweaty dance floor.

Snug ribbed leggings are a good place to start, which you can add to with chunky contrasting socks or leg warmers to ensure you can still feel your feet.

Heels are a no-go when you have potential ice and snow to encounter en route to the bars – invest in a good snow or moon boot instead. Famed for its wellies, Hunter has even come up with a patent-trimmed snow boot in time for ski season.

Balance out your proportions with oversized knitwear that you can pull on and off easily, like poncho shapes.

For a trend-led take on apres-ski style, try the Navajo-inspired look, as seen on Isabel Marant’s autumn/winter catwalk.

Choose big knits with shearling-lined collars, bold graphic prints and vibrant hues to brighten up your cold weather wardrobe.

Apres-ski is the perfect excuse to overdo it with accessories, too. Go wild with woolly hats, scarves and mittens that you can stash in your bag while you’re throwing dance floor shapes after one too many peach schnapps.

SKIWEAR ESSENTIALS

Don’t get bogged down on the slopes with an all-style, no substance attitude.

Simply wearing a neon coat isn’t going to get you promoted to the black runs. Phil Power, head of equipment at Surfdome.com, has this advice on the skiwear fashion features to look for:

Vents – Usually placed in the arm pits (pit zips) or on the front of the jacket, these are great for those bluebird days where temperatures can rise.

Snow skirts – They attach your jacket to your ski pants, and are very important for keeping the snow out of your underpants. You can get removable or fully fixed varieties, so investigate whichever you prefer on the jacket you’re buying.

Zips and Seams – Ensure they’re waterproof or sealed, because not all are and can let water in.

Pockets – Those all-important ski essentials including goggles, MP3 players and ski passes need a home, and pocket positioning should be dependent on where you like these items placed.

Hoods – Check to see if they have a peak, or are removable. If hoods have a faux fur trim, can you take it off so it doesn’t get wet or can be easily dried?

Cuffs – Make sure your jacket’s cuffs are adjustable and waterproof, and that they fit with your snow gloves, depending on whether you wear them over or under your sleeves.

DON'T FORGET

A good helmet can install confidence and ensure you’ve ticked the safety box. Worryingly, more than half of skiers (51 per cent) rarely or never wear a helmet on the slopes, according to a recent survey by Post Office Travel Insurance.