If you thought you only had to pay attention to vacation fashion when planning a visit to a beach resort, think again. Top designers have been getting in on the style action at the major winter sports resorts. Whether you are heading for the ski slopes for your own amusement or watching over the little ones as they try out tobogganing, what you wear tells a story – about your style, your fashion know-how and how up to speed you are with the latest sports gear. Here are a few tips if you are heading for the (snowy) hills in 2015.
Safety first
The first thing to know is that sportswear designers take your safety very seriously. For example, it’s not advisable to buy any old ski helmet unless you’ve checked out its credentials. To start with, try to make sure you get good professional advice about all the essential bits of equipment and clothing needed in terms of being fit for purpose. Rest assured, however, that the top names designing classy sports gear are just as prestigious as those designing for the fashion runways. For example, if you like Smith, POC and Salomon as designers for other sorts of clothes then you’ll probably love their winter sports gear, which includes ski helmets and goggles, gloves, body protection and race suits as well as skis and boots.
Experts will soon tell you that the base layer of clothing you wear on the slopes is often overlooked; however, it can make all the difference to how you look and feel. Breathable fabric is essential, and a close fitting design will give you freedom of movement as well as comfort.
Salomon also makes clothes and shoes for hiking and trail running and their accessories are much in demand, so they understand how to make great quality clothing that looks good. For example, the company produces a superb speed jacket for men, which comes in full-stretch fabric and is also lightweight. This has a slimline fit and a zip-off hood. You can wear this in a variety of colors, including a striking lime green. POC is an award-winning label that designs clothes for cycling as well as winter sports. They all know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to keeping you safe on the slopes.
Get the look
Celebrity Kim Kardashian has been spotted in a slimline monochrome skiing outfit with chic tinted goggles and a ski jacket adorned with a fur collar. Animal prints, so beloved of the upscale high fashion designers, are also a popular option for ski jackets, and chunky knitwear really looks at home on snowy mountaintops. The all-in-one snow suit is a very late 80s trend; however, vintage Chanel in black and white or Lacroix are still considered to be high fashion items – if you can find them.
Bobble hats have always been associated with winter sports, and these days many celebrities can be seen sporting them, while others have opted for the trilby when off-piste – men and women alike. Whichever options you choose, you’re bound to have a fun time in the snow, and to keep warm, but look cool.
