If there’s one place you can embrace cosy-glam completely guilt-free, it’s après ski. We’re talking warm chalets, fairy lights, slow-burning fireplaces and that delicious post-slopes buzz. Whether you’re heading straight from the mountain or skipping the skiing altogether – no judgement here – your après ski outfit needs to balance practical warmth and effortless style.
With a few smart layers, you can look like you wandered from a winter editorial, minus the fast-fashion footprint.
We’ve brought together the best après ski outfit ideas to help you stand out on the slopes. You’ll find glamorous yet wearable pieces, cosy essentials, and plenty of pre-loved style inspiration.
What is après ski, really?
Après ski is the unofficial reward for surviving a day on the slopes: a heady mix of music, mulled drinks, warm lighting, and good energy. Style-wise, it’s equal parts cosy, confident and just that tiny bit of extra. You want to look like you didn’t try too hard, even if your outfit is secretly curated to perfection.
It’s one of winter’s rare style spaces where function meets fun. You’re going to want to be wrapped up for the cold, so why not lean into some playful layers, rich textures and pieces with personality?
It just so happens that après ski fashion is perfect for second-hand styling: vintage ski jackets, preloved knits, retro fleeces, and faux-fur coats that were practically made for chalet life.
Building the perfect après ski outfit
Before we get into some specific looks, here are the basics that great après ski outfits tap into:
1. Thermal foundations
You’ll need to have a warm base layer that keeps you toasty without adding too much bulk. Consider choosing ribbed rollnecks, slim thermals or sleek long sleeves. These pieces quietly set your silhouette and make every layer on top look intentional.
2. Statement outerwear
Your coat is the outfit. Faux-fur jackets, teddy coats, padded puffers, retro ski jackets – they’re the instant elevation that turns functional warmth into a full look. So lean into this and choose outerwear that reflects you and your personality.
3. Textured layers
Après ski outfits thrive on texture: knits, fleece, velvet, quilted fabrics, shearling, faux fur. Mixing textures is the easiest way to look luxe with zero effort.
4. Accessories that bring the sparkle
Accessories can add that sparkle you’re looking for: reflective sunglasses, chunky beanies, glossy boots, metallic scarves, or statement earrings. These seemingly tiny touches make a massive impact.
Glamorous but still effortless
Classic and cosy
The basic principle here is adding a statement coat to some heritage knitwear.
There’s something undeniably alpine about chunky knitwear. A Fair Isle-style jumper or Nordic-patterned knit paired with a faux-fur coat creates that perfect cosy-but-glam look.
Why it works: it feels classic and photogenic, but still low-effort – like you just threw it on between sips of hot chocolate.
Perfect for: outdoor terraces, forest walks, and village exploring.
A sequin moment
If you love sequins, there is no better place to let them shine than in the snow!
Opt for a sequinned turtleneck layered under a puffer, a sparkly cardigan, or even a metallic gilet. You’ll stay warm, but feel fabulous.
How to keep it chic:
- Stick to neutral or muted tones (silver, gunmetal, champagne).
- Balance shimmer with matte pieces like knit leggings or fleecy joggers.
- Keep jewellery minimal – the sequins are the statement.
Luxe plush textures
Think velvet leggings, faux-fur gilets, teddy fleeces and sherpa-lined jackets. Après ski style thrives on a “soft-touch” vibe that’s cosy, comforting and visually luxe.
Pro tip: Look for these textures second-hand. They age beautifully, and vintage versions often have richer tones and thicker fabrics.
The après ski party outfit edit
If you’re heading somewhere with a DJ, disco ball or ‘boots on the table’ energy, go bolder:
- Metallic puffer
- Fitted knit or ribbed crop
- Snow boots with a chunky sole
It’s warm, wearable and guaranteed to get compliments. You can also try a fleece skirt and tights if you want something unexpected but still practical.
Skirt and knit combo
A mini skirt with thick tights and an oversized jumper or sweatshirt is one of the cutest, easiest combinations out there. It gives a soft, feminine vibe without sacrificing warmth.
How to make it work in the cold:
- Thick (ideally fleece-lined) tights
- Knee-high snow boots
- A cropped coat to balance proportions
Faux fur everything
Faux-fur jackets, scarves, headbands, and mittens – you name it! These pieces add instant glamour to any ladies’ après ski outfit. They’re also great second-hand finds.
Styling tip: Keep the outfit underneath simple so the texture shines.
Après ski outfit ideas for men
The elevated essentials
Start with a chunky knit, layer with relaxed chinos or thick joggers, and finish with a shearling-lined boot. This combination is tried and tested – simple, warm and looks great in every setting.
Colours that always work: navy, forest green, oatmeal, and charcoal.
Reviving retro ski jackets
Nothing says cool like a bold vintage ski jacket. Second-hand versions are insulated, durable and offer iconic retro colour blocking that gives you some instant style mileage.
To balance your look, pair it with a black rollneck, dark denim, and some snow boots.
Layering for style instead of bulk
Here is the formula you need to remember: Base layer → fleece → bomber or puffer → scarf. It keeps you warm, stylish, and doesn’t make you look like you’re wearing the entire contents of your suitcase.
Easy colour combos:
- Black, grey, red
- Brown, cream, olive
- Navy, cobalt, white
Accessories to rely on
Statement beanies
Classic beanies are a must for a ski trip, and just as essential for après ski. Beanies add personality without even trying: just think about chunky colourful knits, pom-poms, and vintage logos. An often underrated bonus is that they hide post-ski hair.
Stylish snow boots
Look for sturdy, insulated boots that don’t feel bulky. Second-hand snow boots are usually in great condition because they’re worn only a few times a year. You might even be able to bag a preloved designer bargain!
Gloves, scarves, and ear warmers
Mix and match soft textures like wool, fleece and faux fur when you’re choosing your cold-weather accessories. Colour can be your style moment here. We’re loving seeing shades of cobalt, cherry red, and icy blue on (or off) the slopes.
Ski trips are often short-lived, so buying brand-new gear for a single weekend just doesn’t make sense – for your wallet or the planet. From vintage puffers to pre-loved knits, second-hand is the smartest, chicest way to do après ski.
Take a look at our full collection of preloved menswear, womenswear, and designer pieces.
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