How to Dress for Skiing and Outdoor Winter Sports.

Staying warm and stylish isn’t as easy as it seems! If you enjoy outdoor sports/activities, you can absolutely relate to this.

With MLK wknd coming up, I thought it was a good time to talk “ski fashion.” Also, this is one of the few sports that are deemed safe during these uncertain times as it’s primarily outdoors and easy to social distance. Many people are still hitting the slopes this year (some for the first time or even coming out of retirement). Skiing is a sport I have loved dearly since age 12. My parents put me in ski club to keep me busy on Friday nights, since I consistently had FOMA. Skiing almost instantly became my favorite winter sport. Not only because of the fashion, but the fresh crisp mountain air, gorgeous views, and the high you get from crushing (learned this term from my 5 yr old) a hill you looked up at for weeks. I made some great friends and the social side of it was so. much. fun.

Given my passion for this sport, I honestly tried it ALL when it came to dressing for the slopes. From risking frostbite in spandex + Bugaboo + yarn gloves (early 90’s) to attempting enough hooded sweatshirts and turtle necks that I practically passed out halfway down the hill. I certainly spent many nights ”freezing for fashion” Yes, that is a thing! If I only knew then, what I knew now I would have been able to stay out much longer, before reverting to the lodge for the free hot cocoa (again, it was the 90's).

Below are some examples and my rules for staying fashionable and warm:

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LAYER, LAYER, LAYER. You can layer without looking like a blown up version of yourself, just have to do it right and in ORDER. It definitely takes a lot effort and trial and error in the beginning but once you have it down, you are golden. Here's how I get dressed for a day out:

START AT THE TOP

Ribbed tank (anything comfortable will do, nothing too restricting) + Long sleeve merino wool base + Quarterzip or Sweater + Light Jacket/Vest (colder days) + Ski Jacket/Shell. Ski Jacket/Shell Ski Jacket/Shell

BOTTOMS

Merino wool base to match top + Second layer (colder days) + Ski Pants: I ski often, so I have a few options for jackets and pants I mix and match depending on the weather.

HEAD, NECK & FACE

Mask + Neck Gaiter/Balaclava (both on colder days: balaclava doubles as a mask) + Helmet

HANDS & FEET

Mittens + Liners (colder days) + Light Wool Socks. I’ve learned that gloves (for skiing in the Northeast at least) are a waste. My hands are much warmer in mittens. I have a lighter pair for warmer days, and I swear by these for colder. When it’s in the teens I have liners with my warmer mittens. For my feet, I prefer lightweight since ski boots are so damn tight and can be restricting for anyone with foot issues or bigger calves, like me.

**For other winter sports like paddle tennis or running, I recommend Fleece Lined Gloves, and Wool Running Socks, followed by the same layering concept above, minus a few pieces. Hiking, tobogganing and ice skating are more aligned with ski wear, Just throw jeans over those base layers instead of ski pants (skating), nix the goggles/helmet, and add a cute knit scarf and hat.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

If you think you can’t accessorize even while every inch of you is covered from head to toe, think again. I can spot a fashionista on the lift line from 20 ft away. Bright colors are very on trend for 2021 and even proven mood boosters, if done correctly. I love a little color in every outfit, which is also a great way for my kids to spot me on the slopes. Color and patterns are a great way to accessorize essentials like Hats, Gloves, Helmets, Neck Gaiters, Masks and Jackets/Pants etc. and add some fun to a ski day or any outdoor activity.

Hope this post encourages you to get out and enjoy some winters sports, walks with your kids or just extended time spent watching them play in the snow. We could all use a little sunshine and fresh air right about now! Feel free to DM me or leave comments below with any product or style questions.

Happy MLK wknd.

Xo,

Nichole