10 Après-Ski Outfits for Any Destination

Honeymoons don't always mean warm weather, nor do bachelor or bachelorette parties. A trip to the mountains during the colder months of the year to tear up the slopes on boards or skis is just as great a way to cut loose after tying the knot as it is before tying it. When it comes to winter sports, function tends to take precedence over fashion (and rightfully so - it's cold out there!) but après-ski meets the two in the middle. It's a time-honored seasonal tradition, and one sure to have you looking cool but staying warm after you hit the slopes.

In this article:

• What is Après-Ski Attire?
• Après-Ski Outfit Essentials to Pack
• Where to Buy Aprés-Ski Clothing
• Après-Ski Outfit Ideas for Every Destination

What is Après-Ski Attire?

The term "après-ski" literally translates from French to "after ski." It technically refers not to a clothing style but rather activities, specifically the sort you'd do after a day out on the ski slopes. This could be everything from drinks to dinner to sitting around a cozy fire with a mug of hot chocolate or dipping into fondue. In sartorial terms, après-ski refers to the sort of clothes you'd wear to those after-ski activities–but also to the slopes. In the case of après-ski, we're talking trendy (weatherproof) jackets, great knits, and functional but stylish accessories.

Après-Ski Outfit Essentials to Pack

There's no formal après-ski checklist, but if you're looking to lock down your look for an upcoming mountain trip, this is a good place to start.

• Jacket: Hey, it's gonna be cold. Bundle up, but do so with style. A great après-ski jacket isn't a gorpy, hyper-functional winter coat but rather something with some style, some flash, and some color. Think of a high-quality puffer or a shearling coat.
• Beanie/Hat: Your hair's gonna be messy after a day on the slopes, especially given that you will be wearing a helmet (do not go skiing or snowboarding without a helmet). Cover up your hat hair and make a fashion statement with a trendy beanie or a hat with ear flaps.
• Sweater: Layering is king with après-ski. A sweater under your jacket is essential. We'd advise a chunky knit with a turtleneck or a luxe cashmere pullover.
• Boots: Something stylish but functional here works best–waterproof with ample treading and plenty of panache.
• Gloves or Mittens: Again, it's cold out there! Puffy, colorful mittens or sleek leather gloves are a must.

Where to Buy Aprés-Ski Clothing

With après-ski style, some retailers specialize in it, though what's more common is capsule collections and seasonal drops. Here are some of our favorite places to shop the style and a few designers who specialize in it.

• Moncler: This brand has long been synonymous with the sort of designer puffer jackets après-ski thrives on. Their eyewear and goggles are also perfect for a day on the mountain.
• Sak's Fifth Avenue: One of the best designer clothing departments in the country is, to no surprise, a great place to shop for après-ski attire. Their selection is going to vary based on the season but come here for the latest slope-ready looks from your favorite brands.
• Huckberry: Après-ski isn't all about fashion–function plays a part, too. Huckberry is a hub that focuses on the latter but doesn't forget the former. This is a great place for thick sweaters and jackets that will keep you warm while you're out in the cold. Their boot selection is also pretty killer.
• Gorski Montreal: Luxury outerwear is the specialty of Canadian designer Gorski Montreal. Their jackets are exactly the uber-chic pieces you want to be spotted wearing to the ski lodge happy hour after heading up and down the ski slopes.

Après-Ski Outfit Ideas for Every Destination

Whether you're looking for a great new après-ski piece, trying to find wardrobe inspiration, or want to buy a full look outright, you've come to the right place. Here are some of our favorite curated après-ski outfits, inspired by some of the most popular ski destinations.

A Classic Cortina d'Ampezzo Après-Ski Vibe

Cardigan: Casatlantic,Goggles: Saks Fifth Avenue,Gloves: J.Crew

Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy is a classic destination and hub of traditional après-ski style–this fit takes all the right notes from it. Sweater in creamy off-white accented by red? Check. Trendy designer goggles that match the color scheme? Check. A pair of luxe black leather gloves to top it all off? You get the point. Piece this look together for classic après-ski vibes.

Black on Black in Chamonix

Jacket: Moncler,Beanie: The North Face,Pants: Mytheresa

You know what's still an undefeated look? Black on black. It works just as well for an après-ski moment, especially at a European destination like Chamonix in France.

Cozy Mode in Tahoe

Sweater: Banana Republic,Vest: Huckberry,Boots: Huckberry

At the end of the day, après-ski isn't that complicated. If you're hitting up an all-American destination like Tahoe, a good sweater, some solid outerwear (maybe even a vest), and a good pair of boots are all you need to dip your toe into the style.

Suit Up in Niseko

Suit: Mytheresa,Boots: Celine

A good ski suit is the answer to all of your sartorial conundrums. It provides a full fit, so you don't have to worry about matching tops and bottoms–and the right ski suit splits the difference between function and fashion. Pair it with some designer boots and you're ready for an après-ski day. This look is torn straight from the slopes of Niseko, a modern icon of winter sports and winter fashion alike.

Geometric Moment in Verbier

Sweater: Moda Operandi,Pants: Farfetch,Mittens: Lululemon

Geometric patterns–especially on sweaters–are a can't-miss après-ski staple. For a winning look perfect for the Swiss slopes of Verbier, wear them with coordinating ski pants and a nice pair of mittens.

A Snug Stowe Fit

Sweater: N. Peal,Pants: Mytheresa,Beanie: Urban Outfitters

Speaking of geometric patterns, they weren't made to be subtle so get loud. To nail the look, it's best to make sure any coordinating accessories are either neutral or pair with the colors of the pattern. This fit would be right at home in a lodge in Stowe, Vermont, a popular east coast skiing destination. Also, if you're looking to go with a matching couples' après-ski look, the sweater comes in men's and women's sizing.

Caping for Aspen

Cape: Gorski,Sweater: N. Peal,Mittens: REI,Boots: Bergdorf Goodman

One of the undersung pros of après-ski style: you can get away with a cape, especially on the fashion-savvy slopes of Aspen, blending fashion-forward layering with elegant winter staples like cashmere sweaters. Take advantage while you can–it's a look that exudes elegance and confidence. Throw it on with a good sweater and appropriate accessories and you'll stun in the snow.

Keeping It Simple and Sporty in Ischgl

Pullover: We Norwegians,Pants: Mammut,Earmuffs: Neiman Marcus

Want a look that leans into having spent the day on the slopes? This look inspired by the Austrian ski hub Ischgl is exactly what you want. Go with functional ski gear with a fashionable touch–just remember to take care of your helmet hair before heading to the cafe for hot chocolate (it's easy with a pair of fun earmuffs).

Adventuring in Valle Nevado

Jacket: Private White VC,Sweater: Banana Republic,Sunglasses: Vallon

Tap into your adventurer's spirit with this rugged après-ski look that would be right at home in Valle Nevado. A belted leather jacket will keep you cozy and looking great, while the ski aviators from Vallon make for the perfect accessory.

Go Rustic in Big Sky

Jacket: Free People,Sweater: Neiman Marcus,Hat: Stetson

Montana après-ski begs for rustic Americana. Lean into it with layering, complex patterns, and hearty materials like leather and shearling. Top it off with a wide-brim hat and you've got a look to remember.