Finishing my last (epic) run at Aspen’s Snowmass Resort, I headed back to base to shed my gear. Some might see “boot-up areas” as simply storage cubbies with room to unfasten shoe buckles and unclip helmets, but while observing those around me, I noticed something fabulous happening here: Despite the active day behind us, there was a newfound energy in the air. With the prompt, “Where to next?”, a flurry of discussion erupted.
Amidst our après-ski planning, one of my shred-buddies replaced her goggles with designer sunglasses. Another removed a base layer, and threw his bright-blue knit sweater back on. I folded over my retro, color-blocked snowsuit, rocking the same outfit with a new flare. With just a few swaps, our performance wear transformed into fresh, bold après-ski outfits.
While there’s no dress code for après-ski, it’s not a look you can wear often (unless of course, you’re based in a ski town). If I learned one thing from dancing at The Snow Lodge in Aspen, or sipping on hot toddies at Queenstown Ice Bar in New Zealand, it’s that it’s most fun to do après in fashion. Most après-ski hot spots are a quick walk or drive away from the mountain base itself, so you can head straight to a live music dance party or toast Champagne at a more relaxing, swanky gathering. Whichever your preference, read on for après-ski outfit ideas, plus shoes and accessories to tie your looks together.
Sweaters & base layers
When mountainside, base layers are essential. They regulate your body temperature, provide warmth with insulation, and absorb any sweat you might build up when active. Avoid packing cotton base layers as they might not be odor-resistant. For an extra layer of insulation once you’re back on your feet and hopping around town, a cozy, athletic-inspired sweater is ideal.
Women’s base layers
Halfdays Johnson top
The Halfdays Johnson top nylon base comes in bright, splashy limited colors, and is highly recommended by pro skiers. For a monochrome moment, pair them with the brand’s matching leggings.
Gorsuch merino wool compression top
This sweet Gorsuch merino wool compression top is made out of merino wool and a heat-memory technology that ensures insulation. Gorsuch is a Colorado-based hotspot for ski apparel, but you can also order pieces online.
Fleur Du Mal Knit Après Ski catsuit
A bold base: this full-body Fleur du Mal knit catsuit—an option that will both keep you warm, and pair nicely with ski pants or an open ski suit when dancing later on.
Women’s sweaters & long sleeves
J. Crew Heritage fleece graphic sweatshirt
Own the après look with this J. Crew fleece graphic sweater—it’s both chic and cozy.
Alp N Rock Retro Ski II Crew
An absolute necessity: this casual, flirty, retro Alp N Rock Ski II long-sleeved crew, paired perfectly with a pop-of-color puffer vest.
Men’s base layers
We Norwegians pullover
For those shopping men’s styles, this soft merino We Norwegians Pullover is the perfect retro base, and can even work as a mid-layer in white or black.
Helly Hansen Lifa Merino base layer top
The simple Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight is both breathable and warn, making it ideal for both the slopes and jiving on the dance floor afterwards.
Topman Sno Ski half zip top
Another great base layer coming from Topman—this half zip top is soft and stretchy, and perfect for layering under ski jackets or sweaters.
Men’s sweaters
Rag & Bone Eagle Cotton Crew
A swanky look is inevitable in this Eagle Cotton Crew from Rag & Bone.
L.L. Bean Heritage Sweater
Made of premium wool, this Nordic-inspired L.L Bean crewneck sweater is a great option to layer on top of a base on extra-chilly days.
Outerwear: ski-pants, jackets, & suits
When packing for any ski trip, outerwear is a given, but there are ways to make those essentials— ski jackets, suits, pants—feel more special. Look for tactical, yet stylish, pieces, and don’t be afraid to play with bright colors, asymmetrical fits, and bold one-pieces.
Women’s styles
Halfdays Aston jacket
This chic, belted Halfdays jacket is both technical and aesthetically pleasing, especially when paired with the matching Snowboard Pant. Both pieces come in a slew of eye-catching limited edition colors like Spritz, shown above. We recommend keeping the monochrome look alive with this set.
Moncler Grenoble All in One Puffer jumpsuit
Neiman Marcus’ All in One Puffer jumpsuit adds both a pop of color and a unique style to your mountainside fit. It’s sleeveless, so you’ll have to wear the perfect base underneath (and a sweater, depending on how low the temps drop.
Yves Soloman soft shell ski suit
This Yves Soloman soft shell ski suit comes in black or white, and is a classy yet form-fitting style that’s so easy to pull off (especially when paired with the right accessories).
Perfect Moment Isola striped ski salopettes
These whimsical Perfect Moment overalls have stars along the straps and stripes up and down the legs. Pair them with a sweater underneath for a sporty look that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Alp N Rock Georgia pant
These Alp N Rock Georgia pants are iconic. They have the perfect slim to wide-leg silhouette and pair well with pretty much any jacket you choose
Men’s styles
Patagonia Powder Town Bibs
Leave it to Patagonia to offer to the best of the best in activewear. These Powder Town bibs have a two-layered shell and offer solid wind protection. They’d pair nicely with any jacket, especially a matching Patagonia Powder Town jacket.
Hugo Boss x Perfect Moment belted ski suit
If you’re looking for a one-piece, pack this retro-inspired and color-blocked Hugo Boss belted ski suit. Perfect for après, you can rock the suit folded over half-way down, and cinch it with an adjustable belt.
The North Face Men’s RMST Steep Tech Gore-Tex work jacket
With a classic yet reimagined design, this North Face RMST Steep Tech Gore-Tex Work Jacket was built with 100 percent recycled fabric and is totally durable. The chic, athletic style is an effortless pick for après-ski rendezvous—especially when paired with the Steep Tech Smear pants, sold separately.
Accessories
Don’t forget accessories when putting together your après-ski packing list. Whether it’s a simple hat, sunglasses, or watch, details matter here. Even when coming off the mountain, accessories are essential for tying your outfit together and adding a little flair.
Watches
Why stop shredding to take off your gloves and check your phone for the time? Watches are a welcome addition for both convenience and style. For the quintessential ski resort watch, it’s Longines all the way. Beyond the sleek look and luxurious details, Longines is also the official timekeeper of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), timing all FIS competitions around the globe for almost two decades.
Longines Conquest Marco Odermatt
Rock the newest version of the Conquest Marco Odermatt watch, created in collaboration with the Swiss multi-champion skier and brand ambassador himself.
Longines Hydroconquest GM
For a true, tactical, and stylish sports watch, a new model from the Hydroconquest collection is a must.
Longines Mini Dolce Vita
A daintier, quiet-luxury look can be achieved with the timeless women’s Mini DolceVita watch. Whether adding a pop of color with green or pink or going classic with silver or ivory, these minis are elegant, classy, and fun.
Sunglasses
While your mountain get-up might not change entirely, one thing you’ll want to take off post-slopes are your clunky goggles. You can still rock icy shades for your ski-trip in its entirety, though—we love these commanding styles.
Alo Yoga Infamous sunglasses
The Infamous sunglasses from Alo are a great place to start. Resembling ski goggles themselves, these are the perfect shades to rock midday and will match every outfit you pack.
Max Mara Emil Acetate Shield sunglasses
Similarly, these Emil Acetate Shield sunglasses are a trifecta of chic, bold, and radical. You can own any après outfit with these bad boys.
Hats
For the slopes, prioritize safety and wear a helmet. For après, prioritize fashion and pack a hat or muffs to keep you warm for the rest of the day. Plus, if you’ve fallen victim to helmet hair, why not hide it with style?
Alo Yoga Winterfun Zhivago hat
Stylish and cozy, soft and suede, Alo’s Winterfun Zhivago hat is the cutest addition to any après-ski outfit.
Free People faux fur ear muffs
Whether to keep your ears warm, or protect them while standing close to the DJ, Free People’s fuzzy Smitten Faux fur ear muffs are an adorable and functional pick.
Fjallraven Expedition Down Heater hat
Made of a lightweight and compressible fabric, REI’s cobalt blue Fjallraven Expedition down heater hat screams cozy, comfort, and après all the way—plus, it’s easy to pack.
Snow boots
The most committed après-skiers will be out and about, more than likely after several hours on your feet. Comfortable, warm snow boots are key to extending the party. They should be waterproof, have a great grip for icy conditions, and offer plenty of support. But like any shoe, snow boots can add a level of fun to any outfit—the picks below were selected with both comfort and fashion in mind.
Women’s styles
Prada Shearling Après Ski boots
Lined with removable padded fleece, these Prada Ecru shearling boots will hug your feet and give you a little added height thanks to the platform lug sole.
Sorel Kinetic Impact boots
These Sorel Kinetic Impact boots pull on and lace up in a sweet simplicity, tying any après-ski outfit together.
Men’s styles
Hunter Short Buckle snow boots
These short, stylish Hunter Buckle snow boots are a new addition to the brand’s winter shoe collection. Offering protection from all weather conditions, these are the perfect winter boots for a day of bar-hopping, dancing, and anything else you might have planned.
Aldo North Pole Lace-up boot
Aldo’s lace-up Northpole boot is the ultimate companion for a day in the snow. Designed for warmth and comfort, the rubber sole and waterproof construction will keep you dry in any conditions, without sacrificing style.
