Ski Bunny Chic

To ski bunny or not to ski bunny – that’s the question every snow-bound traveler must ask as they contemplate hitting the slopes. Whether you’re donning the latest designer fashions or tech gear, let’s face it: Packing light is a challenge.

The good news is that outerwear from high-end labels like Bogner, Obermeyer, Spyder, and Kjus, as well as the more gently priced The North Face and Fera, is tapered and slim with plenty of stretch. And not only are the silhouettes understated, but so are colors. You won’t see any day-glo hitting the black diamonds on this trip. Bold black, white, red, and gray dominate the slopes.

Underneath the waterproof jacket and ski pants, it’s all about layering, which allows for freedom of movement and is essential to keeping warm and dry. Wear silk or high-tech blend underwear next to your skin to wick moisture and keep heat in. Kombi is the no-frills, tried-and-true brand, while Hot Chillys remains an insider favorite. Fleece is the next layer, and keeps you snug. To get the biggest bang for your buck, try The North Face Tri-Climate jackets. The zip-out fleece makes packing easy and is perfect for après-ski.

And, while ski fashion extends to your goggles, don’t forget that practicality is key. Women should look for brands with frames and nose bridges to fit smaller faces, such as Boile, Scott, Giro, Anon, and Native, which all come in designs that’ll have you rocking the slopes. So, whether you’re Lindsay Vonn, or queen of the ski bunnies, you don’t need to sacrifice function for fashion – or the other way around.