‘Bye bye helmet’: Apres-ski style you need to know this snow season

The Australian snow fields have become an unofficial runway, with these Princess Diana-inspired looks trending this season.

Forget the thermals – it’s all about the leather pants, chunky knits, faux fur headbands and stirrup leggings on the Australian ski fields.

With Australia enjoying one of its earliest and best ski seasons, fashion experts have revealed their tips on how to dress for the so-called “apres-ski” – meaning “after-ski” socialising, with the late Princess Diana considered an icon of the style.

Such is the style relevance of post-ski wear that “it” brand Balenciaga staged its latest runway show in a faux snow field, starring Bella Hadid.

Celebrity stylist Elliot Garnaut said key to apres-ski style was “about transitioning” from the slopes to socialising.

“They key to a chic apres look is incorporating your pieces from the slopes: your ski jacket becomes your going out jacket,” Mr Garnaut said.

Bella Hadid at Balenciaga’s runway show, staged on a faux snow field. Picture: Balenciaga

“Ditch the thermals and skivvys from day, replace with a oversized knitted turtle neck for evening.

“Bye bye helmet, woollen hat or beanie, replace your face covering with your favourite scarf. It’s as simple as replacing your technical elements to those of fashion items.”

Stylist Jess Pecoraro – who counts Jesinta Franklin and Kate Waterhouse among her clients – said cashmere turtle necks layered with an oversized puffer vest was a “go to look that can also be easily worn off the slopes”.

“Wool suiting is also a great option for dinner looks brands such as Scanlan Theodore and Max Mara are a great go to for a classic wool suiting and are pieces to always invest in,” Ms Pecoraro said.

Henne’s vegan leather ‘Sanna’ pants, $209, would be ideal for a night out at a ski resort. Picture: Henne

Snow style via Aje’s ‘Gaia’ knit. Picture: Aje

“Can’t forget a great set of thermals Uniqlo are a go to and of course a pop of colour with a bold lip can help elevate any look.”

Los Angeles-based Australian luxury fashion expert Gab Waller said her clientele requested “unique pieces” to dress up their post-skiing attire.

“In terms of luxury, all the big houses will do a ski capsule each year with the likes of Chanel, Fendi and Prada. Chanel even did an apres pop-up in Aspen earlier this year,” Ms Waller said, speaking from her styling residency at luxury hotel, Jackalope.

Model Karlie Kloss shows off ski style. Picture: Instagram

“Then there are more functional brands like Moncler and A Perfect Moment that we’ll get lots of requests for.

“As always, whatever the celebs wear on their ski holidays tends to influence the slope style for the season. So when Kendall Jenner wore New Zealand brand, Entire Studio, snowboarding we got several requests for their oversized puffers.”

Ski style icon Princess Diana, on the slopes of Switzerland. Picture: Getty Images

Prince William, Princess Diana and Prince Harry, far right, in Lech, Austria. Picture: Getty Images

Princess Diana, with her then-husband Prince Charles, on holiday in Klosters, Switzerland. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Waller pointed to the late Princess Diana – known for her daring snow outfits, including thick headbands and red snowsuits – as an icon of ski style.

“I am a huge fan of the iconic looks by Princess Diana from the 90s,” she said.

“My tip for great apres-ski style is definitely to stay warm but play with colour and accessories to accentuate your look.

“A bold ski goggle or helmet goes a long way to making a look pop.”

Vogue Australia fashion features director Alice Birrell said apres-ski style came to the fore in the 1960s, defining the seminal imagery of photographer Slim Aarons “who gained entry into the glorious and previously private world of the upper classes at play, apres-ski centred on the ski-adjacent social scene that exploded on the mountains of Switzerland, Austria and Italy”.

“From cocktails on the slopes at ice bars, to stand-up picnics and drinks by the (heated) pool, there was an occasion to dress for and, continuing through to today, it demanded comfort as much as style,” Ms Birrell said,

Cher in Aspen, Colorado circa 1977. Picture: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

“Apres-ski means high-winter style cues like faux fur-accents, luxurious soft knits, with an undercurrent of sportswear; think athleisure with the glamour factor dialled up.

“More than anything, it’s an attitude. In a throwback to those salad days of the jet-set, it’s about luxuriating in the post-ski glow of knowing you’ve put in a decent session on the slopes and rewarding yourself with a hot buttered rum (the drink de jour back then) in an outfit that signals elevated ease.”

Ms Birrell’s style advice for this season? “Try a matching knit set – a jumper and long pants in monochrome or matching print,” she said.

“Those who prefer the sportier side of ski are leaning into second-skin jumpsuits – think a modern catsuit worn under boots- or leggings.

“Look for accents that nod to performance wear like contrast colour details, or high-vis colours. For accessories it’s oversized sunglasses – to block out the glare – and the return of the moon boot.

“Kendall Jenner, Paris Hilton and Dua Lipa are wearing them, hot on the heels of Chanel and Miu Miu who did luxe versions last year.”