Over the past few seasons, après-ski has stepped off the mountain and onto the runway, but the truth is it never really left fashion’s imagination. Designers have been borrowing the cozy glamour of winter resorts for decades, and the latest collections simply made that inspiration impossible to miss. From bold alpine patterns to plush outerwear, the look taps into a fantasy of crisp air, warm lodges, and being effortlessly well dressed. It is winter dressing with a point of view, equal parts practical and cinematic.
In the early days, ski clothing was more about survival than style. At the start of the 20th century, women often headed down slopes in heavy, hiking inspired layers like gabardine coats, riding trousers, and even long skirts that were anything but streamlined. The turning point came when the first Winter Olympics took place in Chamonix in 1924, helping skiing surge in popularity. Soon, Paris fashion houses including Patou, Hermès, Chanel, and Vionnet began designing sleeker, more functional pieces that still felt refined, such as double breasted jackets and high waisted padded pants.
As the sport grew, so did the creativity around what ski style could be. Lucien Lelong introduced coordinated sets with Art Deco striping, while Elsa Schiaparelli, a devoted skier herself, brought a playful edge with her 1928 “Pour le Sport” collection. Her wool jackets and fitted sweaters became part of the St. Moritz elite’s uniform, proving that warmth and personality could share the same silhouette. Skiwear started to signal status as much as it served a purpose.
A major fashion breakthrough arrived in 1948 when the German brand Bogner unveiled stretchy ski pants made from nylon and wool. The sleek, close to the body cut became an international obsession, embraced by stars like Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, and Elizabeth Taylor. Hollywood amplified the fantasy through films such as The Pink Panther and Downhill Racer, turning resort life into a glamorous backdrop. One of the most memorable moments is Audrey Hepburn in Charade, wearing a rich brown knitted jumpsuit by Hubert de Givenchy in Megève.
By the 1960s, Space Age style made its way up the mountains with bright colors, shiny lurex, and vinyl details. Designers like Pierre Cardin, André Courrèges, and Christian Dior created playful ski looks for icons including Sophia Loren and Princess Grace of Monaco. Off duty muses also helped define the mood, like Jane Birkin in a fur coat in Avoriaz and Brigitte Bardot wrapped in shearling while vacationing in Méribel. The message was clear that the slopes were a stage for style.
No one captured that mid century ski chic more vividly than photographer Slim Aarons. His images of fur clad countesses in St. Moritz, elegant lunches at Gstaad’s Eagle Club, and even waiters on skis carrying trays made winter luxury feel timeless. Today, that spirit is alive in runway nods from Louis Vuitton, Acne Studios, Marc Jacobs, and Moncler Grenoble, and it shows up just as easily on city streets. Cozy knits, quilted jackets, oversized fur coats, and ski inspired sunglasses bring a dose of resort drama to everyday winter dressing.
What part of après-ski style feels most wearable to you right now, the bold patterns, the plush outerwear, or the sleek sporty accessories? Share your take in the comments.
