Update: For the latest 2012-2013 Ski Fashion Forecast, please visit this post: Ski Fashion 2012-2013: The Hottest Looks on Snow.
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.)
Spyder Portillo Jacket
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.
Salomon Brilliant Jacket
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.
North Face Gimme More Jacket
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.
Spyder Hitch Jacket
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.
Obermeyer Nicole Jacket
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.
North Face Snow Cougar Jacket
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.
Obermeyer Leighton Jacket
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.
DC Brixen Jacket
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!
Holden Estelle Jacket
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.
Volcom Yale Jacket
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.
Burton Dandridge Down Jacket
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.
Snow Angel’s CyberSilk
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!
WinterWomen.com Giveaway
Kombi Charlotte Glove
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.
686 Tala Beanie
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 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!
This drawing is now closed. Congratulations to Ashley for winning.
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.
© 2011 – 2014, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
Now I’m inspired to look better when I ski. I mean, dress better…you know what I mean!
I do know what you mean! I want to dress better and ski better too!
Those look really nice. Way better than what I usually wear! Clearly I am in need of a winter overhaul. lol
No better way to start the overhaul than with a new pair of gloves and a beanie! Good luck!
I love the “Cougar Jacket”, NOT for it’s name, but the large floral print. The beanie looks comfy. Those black charlotte gloves could be a real compliment to my winter stylin….
The name cracked me up too. It is a very cool jacket however! Good luck.
Love the ski fashion report!
Fun to look isn’t it? Might be even more fun to buy! Good luck!
Is it bad that I want to wear everything on here? Especially the Snow Cougar…that is my favorite!
How can that be bad?! It just sounds like you have good taste. Good luck!
Ok, I left out an important fact in the “lost my child” story… YOU and your kids should not wear a black or navy jacket. Everyone does. These news styles and colors are perfect for style and for the kiddos to see you!!!! (Other’s too, for that matter.) I was thinking the dayglo duct tape on my dark jacket…ugh, NOT SO COOL!
Thanks for the great review, K.!
That’s a good point. And, the Leighton Jacket by Obermeyer comes in a really rocking shade of Peridot (I learned that Peridot is green). WinterWomen will have it soon!
Good luck!
Love all the great jackets! I’ve been snowboarding for 14 years and every season I get excited about the new jackets that have come out!
Me too! What do you think? Can a skier wear a snowboarder jacket? Or would I look silly? Good luck!
Wow – awesome! I really need a warm hat and gloves – cold here in New Hampshire!
Yes it is cold in the Northeast! But so gorgeous too with fall colors! Good luck!
Thanks for the fashion lesson. Can’t say I’ve embraced the “less bulky” trend yet, but now at least I know what I’m supposed to be aiming for.
Well, remember rule #1: if it’s in your closet and you love it, that is all the fashion you need! Good luck!
Love the bright colors this season. My kids will spot me easier when I’m flying past them!
You’ll be a fashionable blur! Good luck!
I’m not a big fashionista, but I did kinda like the cougar jacket. You’d stand out on the slopes that’s for sure! I can always use a spare pare of gloves. Here in the PNW we get lots of “wet” ski days and an it’s always nice to switch to a dry pair of gloves mid-day.
More than one pair of gloves is key! Good luck!
Thanks so much — it all looks great! Love the faux-fur!
They are all great jackets aren’t they? Good luck!
I’ve been trying to convince my wife to get a new winter jacket. Maybe this look will help!
Oh and she’d love the gloves! Her hands are always cold!
My husband is often the instigator behind me getting a new jacket. Luckily he has good taste! I’m sure you do too! Good luck.
I’d love to win this. These look awesome.
Don’t they? Good luck!
Thanks for the fun article. I’m glad to see a few darker colors…powder blue and white are unrealistic for some of us 🙂
I certainly can’t keep them clean, though I do love my white ski pants (well, off white really!). The dark colors look pretty classy.
Good luck!
I really like the Spyder’s Hitch Jacket in Blue Bay very nice!!!
Nice cut and color, don’t you think? Good luck!
Not a snowboarder but I love the DC Brixon jacket! Rockin’ patterned pants would look great with that too!
I love that jacket too! And you’re right about the pants. Good luck!
I love the Snow Cougar Print Jacket , no snow bunny here! heehee
It is a great jacket, isn’t it? Good luck!
I love the faux fur! WHAT a cute little beanie!!
So many cute things…Good luck!
Love the beanie, and an extra pair of gloves is never a bad thing
It’s a great beanie! Good luck!
Apparently I am SUPER out of fashion…….and I LOVE that beanie!!!
Me too! On both counts. Good luck!
It’s time for me to get updated on winter apparel!!!
One great feature at WinterWomen.com is the “Buy the outfit” option. You don’t have to buy the outfit, but it shows you all the pieces you may need. Cool! Good luck!
Love the obermeyer jacket
Obermeyer makes some great gear! Good luck!
Joyce needs some winter fashion.
No one, NO ONE, is as fashionable as Joyce!
Hey,
Enjoyed that post very much. Have you had time to have a look at Elevens 2011/2012 range, Westbeach also have cool range out this year, although think they’re more geared towards boarders specifically. The faux fur is interesting, I’ve also seen a little rise in the “pea coat” style.
Curiously, have you seen the beardo beanies? They’re a comedy item to hit the slopes this year. Very funny.
Thanks for the leads! I’ll have to check out these coats and beanies. Cheers.