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Regardless of whether you’re hitting the slopes this winter or staying in the city, when the temperature drops, achieving the cosy, chic and nostalgic après-ski look is always in style.


The widely used French term, which literally translates to ‘after ski’, was made popular in the 50s, 60s and 70s, when leisurely skiing was taken up by members of high society. Nowadays, the phrase commonly refers to all the entertainment and fun events held after a day of skiing, with official après-ski activities tending to commence in the late afternoon and carrying on until the wee hours of the morning.


During their time in the limelight, legendary fashion icons and screen sirens including Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Romy Schneider and Charlotte Rampling were often spotted at famed ski resorts wearing effortlessly elegant ski fashion looks that were not only weather-appropriate but also fashionable, functional and fuss-free — thus, the après-ski style was born.


Whether it was in St. Moritz, Aspen, Courchevel, Gstaad or another other exotic ski resort, the ideal après-ski wardrobe, spotted on these remarkable women, consisted of only a few essentials that could be worn over and over again.

Bardot, Hepburn and Jackie O would often sport a pair of giant oversized sunglasses to elevate their polished off-piste look and shield themselves from the sun (or crowding paparazzi). A roundish pair with coloured gradient lenses, available at Chloé, will give off a cool 70s vibe, while Louis Vuitton’s fashion-forward styles in glossy black acetate would go well with practically anything in the closet. Alternatively, a pair of 60s-inspired frosted white frames from either Saint Laurent or Celine will undoubtedly stand out.

A comfy and durable jacket or coat, reminiscent of the statement outerwear pieces often spotted on the elegant Grace Kelly, is ideal for anyone who’s going straight from the ski slopes to shopping in town.


Oversized Marc Jacobs silhouettes or Chanel’s eye-catching and versatile jackets — there are tweed, shearling, metallic and puffer iterations — are the perfect choices for uncertain weather conditions, while Fendi’s array of neutral-coloured, cosy coats will be warm enough when the degrees really start to drop. If the piece is from Gucci’s menswear-inspired line, then use the cape, tailored coat or blazer pockets to stash some personal essentials.

For nights spent inside the luxury chalet, emulate the fabulous styles of actresses Marilyn Monroe and Romy Schneider by sporting a thick graphic sweater over a thin vest, T-shirt or turtleneck. Contemporary renditions of the classic and festive Fair Isle sweater, spotted on Miu Miu, Chanel and Balenciaga’s catwalks, would match nicely with a beanie and pair of slim-fit trousers. For an impromptu night out in the city, Christian Dior’s heavy-duty wool sweaters or Loewe’s electrifying multi-coloured numbers will go perfectly with skinny jeans, ballerina flats and a modern designer version of a chapka.


Lastly, no alpine adventure is possible without a couple of chunky boots to stomp around the snow in. Whether it’s smooth, printed, furry or adorned with logos, opt for practical and non-slippery styles, from Burberry, Hermès, Prada and Dior, to wear during the freezing temperatures. Charlotte Rampling and Elizabeth Taylor would certainly approve.

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