Ski Fashion 2012: What’s Hot When You’re Out in the Cold

Last season, I wrote a slightly silly post about ski fashion. Entitled the Fashionista of the Piste-a, I reviewed a couple of fashion trends and then made excuses for why I couldn’t follow them. Then, out of the blue, I got a new coat from Columbia. A little less bulky, a little bit shiny and suddenly I was stylish (and it went with black, which is of course, the NEW black). I have to admit, I enjoyed it.

So, this year, with a lot of help from the great women at WinterWomen.com, I’ve got a real Ski Fashion 2012 preview. Cue the music. Dim the lights. Let the runway show begin….

What Stylish Skiers Will Be Wearing

1.  Less Bulk. The trend toward sleek and clean lines continues. Spyder’s Portillo Jacket in White/Sharp Lime/Black is a perfect example of the clean and simplified look we’re seeing for 2012. This feminine ski jacket features a few sophisticated lime green lines on a 360° three-layer stretch fabric that provides a body hugging fit for the woman who wants a jacket that moves with her on the mountain. (And, for a larger view of any of these great fashions, click on the photos.)

The Brilliant Jacket from Salomon in Black/Cerise is another new ski jacket featuring sleek and clean lines that won’t put you to sleep. This jacket is loaded with features and is perfect for the skier who wants to look good without going overboard on colors, patterns, and bulk.

2. Bright, simple colors.  If you’re looking to stand out on the mountain in style, you can’t miss the Gimme More Jacket in Bastille Green from The North Face. This down jacket twists your average green and features a bright and bold color that adds a breath of fresh air to any woman’s ski wardrobe.

Spyder’s Hitch Jacket in Blue Bay is another great example of a fresh and bright ski jacket. Without going overboard on color, the Hitch Jacket in Blue Bay features a bright, but effortless, shade of blue that is sure to make you stand out of the rest in style.

3. Simple designs. Can you say stripes? Obermeyer masters the art of stripes with the Nicole Jacket in White. This jacket features super bold stripes in vivid colors, like coral, maroon, and teal, for a truly distinctive jacket design.

4. And if not stripes, then prints. If you’re looking to get noticed on the mountain, you must check out the Snow Cougar Print Jacket in Black Flower Burst from The North Face. This patterned jacket features bright flowers in orange and pink that stand out in style, yet blend in with plain white ski pants, making it a perfect mix for a classy print outfit.

5. Faux fur. It never dies. Obermeyer’s Leighton Jacket is one of those coats that looks good on the mountain and looks even better during Après Ski. You’ll feel elegant and stunning, and look it too. Throw up the faux-fur hood on this coat and you’ll turn heads wearing one of the most posh and feminine ski jackets out there this season.

The Trends Hold True for Snowboarders, Except…

1. Darker colors rule. Dark oranges and reds, blacks and dark greens. DC’s Brixen Jacket in Dark Shadow/Black is a chic jacket perfect for the snowboarder who is over bright colors and crazy patterns. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, to-the-point snowboard jacket that will keep you warm, this will do the trick.

Holden’s Estelle Down Jacket in Burnt Henna has that vintage look with a dark and rusted orange color that not only looks good on the mountain but works as your everyday winter coat in the city. This low-key jacket is a style winner and a favorite among the ladies at WinterWomen.com! The Estelle hasn’t hit the streets yet, though, so make sure you check back at WinterWomen.com to take a closer look.

2. Color-blocking is big. Volcom’s Yale Insulated Jacket in White managed to fit six bold colors in one cool-looking snowboard jacket. Purple, blue, yellow, pink, black, and white all mold together to form this trendy, youthful jacket that is sure to appeal to anyone who likes to brighten up their winter funk with vivid colors some may only dare to throw into their summer wardrobe.

3. Shiny fabrics catch attention. These shiny jackets are chic and stylish, but not blinding. Burton’s Dandridge Down Jacket in Risque is a prime example of a shimmering and chic snowboard jacket. This vintage-style jacket features simple buttons, a few pockets, and a shiny fabric that will draw people to your taste and talent on the mountain. And, look for shiny to cross over in a big way to ski coats as well.

Underneath It All

Baselayers are lighter this season, in color, not weight. If you like wearing an all black ski outfit, Snow Angel’s Cybersilk High V-Neck in Iris lets you rock some color where no one can see. Let this bright purple layering top be your little secret under your black ski jacket.

So there you have it. Ski Fashion 2012 in all it’s glory. Just remember Brave Ski Mom Fashion Rule #1: If it is already in your closet and you love it, that’s all the style you need! Otherwise, happy shopping!

The WinterWomen.com Giveaway

In anticipation of the upcoming ski season, WinterWomen.com is very kindly giving away one pair of Kombi Charlotte Gloves (love the silver rivets on the knuckles!) and a 686 Tala beanie, with a stylish chunky hand knit.

I put this 100% acrylic beanie on and fell in love with it. Especially because it can either be slouchy or I can cuff the bottom for a different look. As for the Charlotte Gloves, they are fully insulated with Primaloft with a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable liner. And, they’re anti-microbial. And I did mention how cool they look, right?

While it hasn’t been cold enough to actually need to wear either the gloves or the beanie, I’ve checked out both of these products, and I can hardly wait for the snow to fall.

One winner, of both the Kombi Charlotte gloves and the 686 Tala beanie, will be chosen in a random drawing on Tuesday, October 11.  

TO ENTER!!!! Leave a comment by clicking here at BraveSkiMom.com.

And for more great styles, do visit the WinterWomen.com website. You can also follow them on Twitter @WinterWomen_com  or “like” them on Facebook!

Good luck!

Thank you to WinterWomen.com for their excellent fashion sense and descriptive ability! They chose all the featured products and did a fantastic job. I thank them also for allowing me to preview the Kombi Charlotte Glove, the 686 Tala beanie, the Burton Approach Mitt and the Coal Frena Beanie in Magenta.  As always, all opinions expressed by me are my own and are exactly what I would share with family and friends.

~BraveSkiMom

 

 

 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: WinterWomen.com