I fell in love with après-ski style the way most people fall in love with a song stuck on repeat.
One trip to a mountain town, one Fair Isle sweater borrowed from my aunt’s closet, and I was hooked.
If you’ve been pinning cozy lodge photos and Bogner ski suit throwbacks for months but haven’t actually built the wardrobe yet, this is your sign to stop scrolling and start planning.
Après-ski isn’t really about skiing at all, if we’re honest. It’s about the fireplace, the mulled wine, the boots you kick off by the door, and the sweater that makes you look like you belong in a 1970s ski lodge photo.
The trend has serious staying power, too. Searches for the aesthetic on Pinterest jumped more than 12 times over a single year, which tells you this isn’t a passing phase people forgot about after one winter.
Below you’ll find 23 outfit ideas pulled from decades of ski fashion history, plus my honest take on what actually holds up in real mountain weather versus what just photographs well.
Save the ones that speak to you. Pin the rest for next season.
Why vintage ski style refuses to die
Ask anyone who’s spent time around a ski chalet why the retro look keeps coming back, and you’ll get some version of the same answer: it just works.
The silhouettes from the 1950s through the 1980s were built for a lifestyle that mixed function with genuine glamour, not the stripped-down athleisure most winter brands push today.
Fashion houses figured this out decades before Pinterest existed. Bogner introduced the first stretch ski pants back in 1948, and Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe wore them off the slopes almost as often as on them.
That crossover between sport and evening glamour is exactly what makes vintage après-ski outfits feel special instead of costume-y.
IMO, that’s the whole appeal. You’re not dressing for a ski run. You’re dressing for a lifestyle that happens to involve mountains.
Cozy knitwear looks that never go out of style
1. Fair Isle sweater with high-waisted wool trousers
Start here if you’re new to the aesthetic. A traditional Fair Isle knit paired with wool trousers reads instantly retro without trying too hard.
Tuck the sweater in, add a leather belt, and you’ve nailed the look in under two minutes.
2. Turtleneck under a chunky cardigan
Layering a fitted turtleneck under an oversized cardigan gives you warmth and a silhouette that flatters almost every body type.
I wear this combo more than anything else on my own ski trips because it works from breakfast at the lodge straight through to dinner.
3. Cable knit dress with knee-high socks
A cable knit sweater dress with thick knee socks and lace-up boots feels like something out of an old European ski poster.
This is one of those outfits that photographs beautifully by a fireplace, which, let’s be real, is half the point of après-ski dressing anyway.
4. Argyle sweater vest over a collared shirt
Argyle had a huge moment in vintage ski clubs, and the pattern still reads preppy-meets-mountain today.
Layer it over a crisp collared shirt for a look that works for casual lunches at the resort.
5. Oversized mohair sweater with straight-leg pants
Mohair sweaters have this fuzzy, soft texture that just screams cozy.
Pair one in a cream or burgundy shade with simple straight-leg pants so the sweater stays the star of the outfit.
Bold colors and shapes that make a statement
6. Monochrome jumpsuit in a single bold color
One-piece ski suits from the 1970s came in colors like mustard, burnt orange, and deep plum.
A modern jumpsuit in one of those shades instantly nails the retro vibe, and you only have to think about one garment instead of coordinating separates.
7. Color-blocked puffer with matching pants
Space Age skiwear from the 1960s leaned into bold color blocking, and it’s back in a big way.
Pick two contrasting shades, silver and cobalt work particularly well, for a set that feels playful rather than clownish.
8. Metallic vinyl jacket
This one’s not for everyone, and honestly, that’s kind of the appeal. A metallic vinyl or lurex jacket references the Space Age ski era and turns heads at any lodge bar.
9. Plaid flannel shirt tied at the waist
Sometimes retro doesn’t need to be flashy. A plaid flannel tied over a base layer and paired with jeans gives off relaxed cabin energy that works just as well for a Pinterest flat lay as it does for real life.
10. Striped ski sweater with contrast piping
Bold horizontal stripes in contrasting colors were everywhere in mid-century ski catalogs.
Find a sweater with contrast piping at the collar or cuffs and you’ve got an outfit with built-in visual interest.
Denim and shearling combos worth stealing
11. Shearling-lined denim jacket
A shearling collar or full shearling lining turns a basic denim jacket into a genuine cold-weather piece.
This combo bridges the gap between rugged Western wear and alpine style, and it works in nearly every casual winter setting, not just at a resort.
12. Corduroy pants with a wool vest
Wide-wale corduroy has quiet retro appeal that doesn’t scream costume. Add a quilted or wool vest on top and you get texture variety without the outfit feeling busy.
13. Denim overalls over a turtleneck
Overalls sound unexpected for ski style, but vintage catalogs actually featured them often as a practical layering piece.
Wear them over a fitted turtleneck for a look that’s warm, easy, and genuinely comfortable for long days outside.
14. Sherpa-lined denim vest with a flannel underneath
This layering trick keeps your core warm while your arms stay free to carry a hot chocolate, which, let’s face it, is a top priority at any ski lodge.
Lodge-glam evening looks
15. Velvet jumpsuit with a fur-trimmed collar
Once the sun goes down, the aesthetic shifts.
A velvet jumpsuit with a detachable fur-trim collar channels that old-Hollywood-meets-Alps glamour that made après-ski culture famous in the first place.
16. Sequined top with wide-leg wool trousers
Pair something sparkly on top with wide-leg wool trousers on the bottom for a balanced look that reads dressy without being formal.
This is my personal go-to for a night out at the lodge because it photographs well and still lets me move around comfortably.
17. Silk scarf blouse with a pencil skirt
Vintage ski towns had a real appetite for elegance, and a silk scarf-print blouse tucked into a fitted skirt captures that energy perfectly. Add tall boots and you’re set for dinner.
18. Faux fur coat over a slip dress
Wow, this combination photographs like a dream.
A faux fur coat thrown over a simple slip dress gives you drama without any real effort, and it works for both cold walks between venues and the venues themselves.
Accessories that finish the look
19. Tortoiseshell sunglasses
Big tortoiseshell frames were an après-ski staple for decades, largely thanks to icons like Audrey Hepburn wearing them off the slopes.
They’re an easy, low-cost way to add instant vintage credibility to any outfit.
20. Fringe suede gloves
Fringe details on gloves add movement and texture to an otherwise simple outfit. IMO, small details like this are what separate a costume from an actual style statement.
21. Knit headband or earmuffs
A wide knit headband keeps your ears warm without flattening your hair the way a full hat can.
Earmuffs work just as well if you want something a bit more playful.
22. Chunky knit leg warmers
Leg warmers over ski pants or leggings were everywhere in the 1980s, and they’ve quietly made a comeback.
They’re practical, honestly, since they add an extra layer right where the cold sneaks in first.
23. Statement belt over a sweater dress
A wide leather or woven belt cinched over a sweater dress adds shape and structure to an otherwise loose silhouette.
It’s a small addition that makes a huge difference in photos, and yes, I’m speaking from experience here after ruining a few too many flat, shapeless outfit shots.
Random thought while writing this: I once wore a full velvet jumpsuit to a ski lodge dinner and spent the whole night worried I’d spill fondue on it.
I didn’t, but the anxiety was real. Anyway, back to the outfits.
10 Simple Apres Ski Party Theme Outfit Mistakes To Avoid And What To Do Instead
Check It Out →A quick decade-by-decade cheat sheet
Here’s a simple breakdown if you want to pin outfits from a specific era rather than mixing decades together.
| Decade | Signature piece | Best modern pairing |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | Stretch stirrup pants | Fitted turtleneck and loafers |
| 1960s | Color-blocked jumpsuits | Ankle boots and tortoiseshell sunglasses |
| 1970s | Fair Isle and cable knits | Wide-leg trousers |
| 1980s | Leg warmers and metallics | Denim and a chunky sweater |
How to shop for vintage pieces without overspending
Building this wardrobe doesn’t require a designer budget. Secondhand marketplaces have entire sections dedicated to vintage après-ski outfits, and thrift stores near ski towns are often goldmines for authentic 1970s and 1980s pieces.
A few honest tips from someone who’s made both good and bad vintage purchases:
- Check seams and zippers before buying. Vintage ski gear takes a beating, and a broken zipper on a one-piece suit is a real dealbreaker.
- Buy sweaters slightly oversized rather than fitted. Wool shrinks, and a snug vintage sweater rarely gets more comfortable with time.
- Don’t chase exact decade accuracy. Mixing a 1970s sweater with modern trousers looks more interesting than an outfit that reads as a costume.
- Set a firm budget before browsing resale apps. This one’s IMO the hardest rule to actually follow, but it saves you from buying five sweaters you’ll never wear.
FAQ
Is retro après-ski style actually warm enough for real winter weather? Most of it is, especially wool knits, shearling, and lined jackets. Just add proper base layers underneath if you’re spending real time outdoors rather than mostly indoors at a lodge.
Where can I find authentic vintage ski pieces? Thrift stores in mountain towns, resale apps, and dedicated vintage sellers on Etsy tend to have the best selection. Ski swap events are also worth checking if your area hosts them.
Do I need to match every piece to one specific decade? Not at all. Mixing eras usually looks more original than a strict head-to-toe recreation of one specific year.
So, which of these 23 looks are you pinning first? Drop a comment or save your favorites, and if you end up building one of these outfits for your next trip, I want to hear how it turned out. This whole aesthetic only gets better the more people actually wear it instead of just admiring it from a board.
