The ski season is in full swing and there has never been a better time to show off in style on the piste. The designers of ski wear and sportswear have surpassed themselves lately, and even the high street fashion stores have cottoned on to the trend. Today's skiers are looking for an up-to-the-minute look which combines safety, and enables them to perform well.
It is no longer the norm to turn up at the ski resort with a bulky, weighty all-in-one ski-suit. Now, the latest look for those who want to look cool but stay warm, is lean, fitted and streamlined.
The only jacket for the ski-diva to wear nowadays is contoured anatomically to fit the body snugly, keeping in the warmth but giving a neat, slim look that can only help as you speed down the piste. Stretch fabrics in wonderful colours, such as hot pink, electric blue and even gold, have been transformed into ski-wear that will definitely get you noticed, as well as keeping you visible to all those around you.
Ski-wear designers have come up with lots of extra goodies. One of the most useful is a pocket designed to hold a litre bottle of water (or something stronger!), and another is a pocket that will hold a personal stereo, with a special feature that allows the headphones to be used.
Salopettes are also made in the same vibrant colours, and with the same heat-retaining qualities, but still allow thermals to be worn underneath, if desired. The seams are kept to a minimum so as not to interrupt the smooth look and feel of the garment.
Socks and gloves are now available in bright patterns, such as jacquard or Argyle, as are ski hats. A popular design in woolly hats this season, both on and off the slopes, is the Icelandic hat; made from thick fleecy fabric or knitted and thermal-lined, they incorporate ear-flaps and ties which ensure that the skier looks stylish and keeps the whole head as warm and toasty. Some of these hats also have embellishments, such as plaits giving a fun aspect to the entire outfit.
Ski-boots are one of the most important elements in ski-wear, and fit and safety should not be compromised for the sake of fashion; having said that, there are some very stylish designs available, in a huge choice of colours, which offer a trendy fit whilst not forsaking safety, wear and performance. It is better to be cautious and put those bling-heavy boots back on the retailer's shelf, even settling for some that are less-than-stylish, but fit and perform well. The last thing the uber-trendy skier wants to be seen doing is lying on a stretcher heading for the nearest ambulance, knowing they'll be missing the après-ski in the evenings.
The ski-wear designers have brought a whole new dimension to skiing; it is possible to present yourself on the slopes in almost the same way you would at a red-carpet event - cool, sophisticated and stylish, but safe.
http://www.sweatybetty.com/ski-wear/
By Kirsty Mcallister
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