Rich-Looking Ski Outfits Inspired by Princess Diana and Jackie Kennedy

From performance gear to loud luxury, here's how to build the perfect alpine uniform.

Ski style
(Image credit: Launchmetrics and Getty)

A ski trip is as much about careening down a mountainside as it is the perfect opportunity to embrace winter dressing in all its forms. After all, layering is an art that invites both practicality and ingenuity. From heritage-rich Fair Isle sweaters to one of the latest hat trends or building your outfit around a faux fur coat find, ski wear offers the chance to play with a seamless pairing of high-performance gear with loud luxury fashion. Plus, ski style remains delightfully frozen in time, still harkening back to the same inspiration from Princess Diana in St. Moritz, Jackie Kennedy in Aspen, and Audrey Hepburn enjoying a ski break on the piste (with wine and fondue obviously). Of course, your winter jacket and thermal base layers are non-negotiable—we're not suggesting you forgo the necessary armor. But consider your next alpine excursion an invitation to experiment, especially off the slopes: Pair your snowproof pants with a furry Ugg, or offset that perfectly engineered parka with your new Bottega bag. The interplay of old and new, a bit practical and indulgent, makes slope-side style so much fun to recreate.

Start with a Sweater

Vintage ski sweaters

(Image credit: Getty and Courtesy)

Heritage-inspired ski sweaters in classic Fair Isle motifs—favorites of both royals and A-listers—and timeless cable knit weaves are must-pack staples for any slope-side trip. Off the mountain, you can elevate your après-ski look with tailored trousers and luxe fabrics like velvet and sequins that add depth and play with texture. Meanwhile, classic layers in cashmere and wool are always a good choice for water-wicking and warmth.

Play with a Personality Puffer

Ski puffers

(Image credit: Getty)

Keeping the cold away doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your personal style. A puffer jacket in a trending hue, a poppy print, or a geometric pattern can do everything—keeping you well-equipped on the mountain and in an aprés ski setting. Start with a water-resistant base layer for practicality, then layer on sleek ski pants and cozy, textured snow boots to keep the chill at bay.

Add Winter-Proof Accessories

Ski accessories

(Image credit: Getty and Courtesy)

Winter’s chill calls for cozy accessories that keep you warm and elevate your cold-weather wardrobe. Consider your outfit's winter essentials, functional necessities, and finishing touches. From charm-clad beanies to classic cashmere scarves, these pieces can actually become the standout heroes of your ski ensemble or everyday winter outfit. On super cold days, balaclavas and knit hoods offer extra insulation, while a colorful crochet version can inject a playful pop of color.

Style Some Statement Snow Pants

Ski outfits

(Image credit: Getty and Courtesy)

This season, finding snow-proof pants and bibbs that blend style and practicality is easier than ever as they take their design cues from winter’s biggest fashion and color trends. High-waisted silhouettes, retro '70s motifs, and utility-inspired designs reflect fashion’s enduring love for combining all-terrain ski wear with luxury.

Cozy Up in Base Layers

APPARIS ski outfit

(Image credit: Getty and Courtesy)

Thermal undergarments are as essential as outerwear when planning the perfect ski vacation look. Fleece-lined leggings offer unbeatable warmth in freezing temperatures while artfully sandwiching your sleek merino wool turtlenecks and sweaters, provides a breathable, moisture-wicking foundation for layering.

Lean Into Après-Ski

Apres Ski Sweaters from Vintage

(Image credit: Apres Ski Sweaters)

Let’s be honest: any adult ski trip is primarily about the après-ski experience. After all the hard work on the slopes, it’s time to embrace fun accessories—that both support your look—and enhance the glamour of après-ski. Now is the perfect opportunity to showcase the pieces you packed but couldn’t wear on the mountain. Consider indulgent fabrics like a faux fur or shearling teddy coat, which always feel right at home while enjoying a drink by the fire.

Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.