Cute Ski Outfits for Your Next Alpine Adventure

A ski vacation is about so much more than just the skiing (opens in new tab). It's also very much about the outfits. Blending high-performance gear with high-style pieces will allow you to conquer black diamond runs and master an après ski attitude with ease. We're not suggesting you oust traditional skiwear altogether (you still need the proper gear, of course), but why not take a more intentional approach to your ski outfits, both après and when you hit the powder?

"This season, the two words I would use to describe the aesthetic of the slopes are 'bold' and 'bundle-up,'" says Emilia de Poret (opens in new tab), Fashion Director at the global payments and shopping service Klarna (opens in new tab), about the ski-related fashion rends for winter 2023 (opens in new tab). "Cold weather does not mean we must hide under our bland-colored layers. Instead, wear bright colors, playful patterns, and chunky knits, and why not add some bling? Dare to stand out whether you choose to ski, snowboard, or just read by the fire sipping hot chocolate," she says, indicating that maximalism's wide-spanning influence on fashion filters into this season's skiwear trends, too.

Ahead, we've got seven chic ski outfits for you to try on your next slopeside getaway. You'll find a wintery edit of trending items—embellished sweaters (opens in new tab), statement puffer coats (opens in new tab), and knit hoods, to name just a few—readily available for you to shop, too.

Indomitable Ski Sweaters

“I love a cozy ski sweater in the winter," says fashion editor, stylist, and influencer Caroline Vazzana. "Baggy jeans always pair perfectly with a knit, but I also love styling mine with sequin pants or a mini skirt and tights," the maximalist style icon shares on her favorite après ski outfits featuring.

As for exactly what sweater you should try this winter for your apline adventure, de Poret offers a breakdown of Klarna's trending styles. She shares with Marie Claire that purchases on the shopping platform for chunky cable-knit sweaters increased by 1,349 percent, cashmere sweaters by 691 percent, and wool sweaters by 525 percent since the end of summer, specifically within the last three months.

Personality Puffers

Keeping the cold away doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. As Vazzana explains, a puffer jacket is a prime opportunity to make a stand-out statement, both on the mountain and in the lounge. “I’d personally opt for [a puffer jacket] in a bright color or bold print which kind of does the styling itself. Color” she says, “is key here to help you stand out and still feel chic even when wearing so many layers.” Start with a water-wicking base layer, then add sleek ski pants and fuzzy snow boots for added warmth whilst slopeside.

Winter-Proof Accessories

You need the proper cozy accessories by your side when you brave winter's cold (and sometimes cruel) temps. And for this season, we encourage you to think of your cold-weather accouterments as not just seasonal necessities but statement-making touches. From multi-colored beanie hats to luxurious cashmere scarves, trend-driven winter accessories can actually be the pièce de résistances, so to speak, of your ski outfit.

De Poret shouts out fingerless gloves, which Klarna observed a 63 percent bump in sales this past month, as "an accessory that ensures you are able to snap the perfect picture at the top of the mountain by keeping your fingers free." Vazzana, for one, loves a balaclavas and knit hoods. “A balaclava is amazing on super cold days," the stylist shares. "Look for a colorful crochet one to add a pop of color to your puffer.”

Cute Snow Boots

Waterproof, all-terrain footwear is, admittedly, hard to find but unlike the elusive and mythic abominable snowman, cute snow boots do actually exist. (No offense to cryptozoologists). A foolproof tactic to finding stylish snow-proof boots is to take lead from winter's shoe trends—statement lace-up stompers or boots with zip-up pockets, for instance, tie into fashion's ongoing interest in utilitarian detailing. Vazzana shouts out Moon Boots, too, saying the space age-inspired shoes "are definitely the moment and a must for any ski trip."

Long Johns, But Make it Fashion

De Poret emphasizes that thermal undergarments are equally as important as your outward-facing outfit when dressing for a ski vacation. "Fleece-lined leggings are perfect for those cold temperatures, and Klarna consumers are loving them this season with a 50% purchase increase in the last month," shares the Klarna fashion expert.

Peak Coziness

Reach peak coziness with furry, textured pieces. Klarna's fashion director shouts out sherpa hats, which increased 61 percent in purchases, and faux fur bomber jacket purchases, which saw a staggering 1,261 percent boost in sales over the past six months and 83 percent since the beginning of December.

"And it is as important to be cozy inside as it is to be warm outside," says de Poret. "With that being said, shearling slipper purchases have increased 500% in the last three months. And when it comes to accessories, fur headbands (which experienced a 104 percent surge in the past two weeks) are the perfect addition to a winter look."

A Retro Alpine Attitude

If you prefer the classics as opposed to contemporary fads and trends, lean into a vintage vibe. Take on the mountain in a retro ski suit and a functional belt bag that will keep your ski pass and SPF safely secured at the waist. Or style snow-proof stirrup ski pants in an iconic, '60s-esque Pucci print with a vintage-inspired knit (according to Klarna, sales for 'retro sweaters' are up 117 perfect from the past year) for bluebird mornings on the mountain.

Meet the Experts

Emilia de Poret

Emilia de Poret is one of the leading figures of the Swedish fashion industry, where she is active as a journalist, TV personality, brand consultant, and angel investor and has been the fashion director for Klarna since 2020. She is a fashion expert for Swedish TV4, where she regularly comments on trends, fashion shows, and industry news. Emilia is alsothe co-founder of Säker Stil, one of Scandinavia’s largest fashion media platforms, including a podcast with 300,000 monthly listeners and three best-selling style guides.  She also sits on the board of the Swedish Fashion Association, as well as Nordic fashion retailer Gina Tricot. 

Caroline Vazzana

Caroline Vazzana is a fashion editor, stylist, influencer, and the author and founder of “Making it in Manhattan.” She began writing “Making it in Manhattan” back in 2015 while working at InStyle and subsequently launched her brand as one of New York City’s most colorful influencers. Aside from running MakingManhattan.com, Vazzana has also styled celebrities for various red-carpet events such as the MTV Video Music Awards, The Tony Awards, and Comicon and is also involved in a wide range of social media brand collaborations and campaigns.