With the Winter Olympics under way and the Alps in peak ski season, it’s not just the sport drawing attention. Away from the competitions and beyond the slopes themselves, one thing has already taken over resorts and après-ski spots: ski wear.

Once purely about function, ski clothing has quietly turned into a fashion category of its own. Ski resorts now double as fashion showcases, as brands lean further into design and roll out new lines and collaborations aimed at serious skiers to weekend holidaymakers alike.

And like any kind of outfit, ski wear is all about how you put it together. The right mix keeps you warm and comfortable, but it can also give you that extra edge—whether you’re heading down the mountain or lingering over hot chocolate back at the chalet.

Statement Jacket

A good ski look always starts with a statement jacket. It’s the piece that sets the tone and pulls everything together. In European resorts, style has long been defined by elegance, heritage and a touch of alpine glamour, and in 2026 those influences are still very much present but expressed in a bolder, more expressive way.

Puffer jackets are back in focus, particularly belted styles that shape the waist and nod to a subtle 1970s influence. It’s a look that works just as well away from the slopes as it does back at the chalet. Vintage-inspired patterns are also making a return, from clean geometrics to more playful designs that add personality to winter outfits.

When it comes to colour, the season leans toward deep burgundy, cobalt blue and metallic finishes, while softer tonal shades continue to reflect the quiet-luxury approach, a style that remains timeless, polished and easy to wear.

Invest in high quality thermals

Especially for travellers arriving from the Middle East, winter temperatures in Europe can feel close to sub-arctic. Without proper layering, the cold quickly takes over, leaving you freezing on the slopes and taking the enjoyment out of the trip altogether. That’s where layering really matters. It may not sound like the most glamorous part of ski style, but it’s the most important — and there’s an art to doing it well. Layering doesn’t mean piling on five sweaters and feeling bulky; it comes down to choosing the right pieces and focusing on quality rather than quantity.

Good quality thermals should feel soft and lightweight and feel good against the skin. The best pieces are made from fine merino wool that trap heat, manage moisture and can breathe as you work hard going uphill or carve turns.

As for style, patterned thermals are a trend this season, a nice touch if you are wearing a tonal ski jacket ontop. Other styles follow the the expressive trend, with deeper shades and break out colours that create a contrast to the look.

Quiet Luxury Accessories

Accessories are essential to any ski look — they’re often what elevate skiwear from purely functional to making an outfit look complete.

This season, the focus is on quiet luxury, an area where high-end fashion houses naturally excel. From gloves and hats to ski masks, luxury brands are leaning into refined, performance-led accessories designed with understated elegance in mind. Labels such as Fendi, Prada, Chanel and Dior have released specific ski capsules for the season, with the overall trend favouring monochrome tones, subtle pops of colour and faux fur.

Knitwear for Aprés Ski

A nice knit wear is always a great option for those days apres ski. This season the style is leaning towards retro, with more playful designs and patterns. Thick turtlenecks, oversized sweaters are in style inspired by the 70's. These are chunky with norwegian inspired designs, making the look at the chalet feel chic and sophisticated. For those wanting a more trad