As Canadians, we know a thing or two about enjoying mulled wine by the patio fire after a long day slogging it on the Peak to Creek… but when it comes to formulating the perfect après-ski outfit to accompany said adventures? There’s always room for improvement.
A show-stopping après-ski ensemble is equal parts cozy layers and pops of colour, with a dash of glitz and glam for good measure (maybe you’ve seen the faux fur, moon boots, festive turtleneck sweaters and shiny sequins that are making the rounds on TikTok). But in the case of Vancouver fashion, we also need to make sure that there’s some functionality involved… because no one wants to compromise comfort after carving out black diamonds all morning. We need to be in the fighting condition to enjoy a litre of melted cheese and bubbly by the fire afterwards, after all.
From eco-friendly furs to quiet luxury staples, take a peek below at our top selections to sport at your next champagne shower adventure—all with Vive le Canada in mind.
The slope-side sweaters
Quiet Luxury Approved: Erika Knit Turtleneck Sweater, Rudsak
What better way to get into the après mood than having it… written across your turtleneck? Pair with a classic black pant, and you’ve got a quiet luxury outfit, stat. $225, rudsak.com.
Katrina Half-zip Sweater, Quartz Co: European Chic
In European ski culture—particularly in France—red has long been revered as the sport’s colour of choice. Pay homage to ski culture’s past with the alpaca wool half-zip from a Canadian brand keeping us warm since the ’90s. On y va! $62.50, quartz-co.com
Gaelic Treasures: Harlow Sweater, Aritzia
Make the afternoon-turned-evening jaunt from Longhorn’s patio to Hy’s moody steakhouse cozy as heck with a nice Scottish print. $178, aritzia.com
Itch-Free Wool? Yes Please: Women’s Cable Sweater, Kotn
Bundle up in an extra fine lambswool made—according to the Toronto-based fashion brand—without the itch. Need we say more? $198, kotn.com
The throw-it-on-and-go bottoms:
Bibs for Adults: Avanti Softshell Ski Bib Pants, Helly Hansen
Anyone else think bib pants are secretly… chic? If you’re uninterested in making the full outfit swap post-ski hill, nab this pair from Helly Hansen for the slopes and sport it with a black long-sleeve underneath. Timeless! $500, hellyhansen.com
Mocha Mousse Galore: High-Rise Pull-On Pant, Lululemon
Pantone’s colour of the year is here with these Lululemon high-waisted trousers—the perfect base if you’re looking for an elevated look without compromising comfort. $158, lululemon.com
First Base: Kick-Flare Pants, Kit + Ace
We all need a classic pair of black pants—and it’s a great colour to conceal any droplets of spilled wine when the night is kicking off. From Vancouver’s technical luxury brand hails a low-maintenance base to partner with more festive layers. Tres chic. $150, kitandace.com
The necessary accessories:
Head’s on Fire: Nola Balaclava, Quartz
Known as the must-have winter accessory by Scandinavia’s most fashionable women on Instagram, this balaclava promises to keep your hair intact while en route to your first beverage of the evening (or two) in the village. $125, quartz.com
Victoria Beckham Coded: Twenty Nine Sunglasses, Bailey Nelson
Remember VB’s iconic ski outfits swooshing down the slopes of Europe’s chicest alpine destinations back in the day? Yeah, same. For a similar look—sun-permitting—opt for this ’90s-inspired pair of frames from our favourite down-under spectacle retailer. $199, baileynelson.com
All Wrapped Up: Cuffed Beanie, Aritzia
Since we got your bases covered earlier, top off your outfit with a beanie—we mean toque—made with 100-percent merino wool. Bonus points if you can snag a matching scarf. $55, aritzia.com
iPhone Ready Mitts: Pom Pom Gloves, Auclair
Here’s to not getting lost as you map out your next adventure in the middle of a snowstorm. Quebec brand Auclair’s pom pom gloves are digit and touchscreen-approved. Too easy. $20, auclair.com
Barking Dogs Be Gone: The Slouchy Sock, Province of Canada
Keeping your toes warm has never been so charitable: Province of Canada donates a pair of socks to Canadian homeless shelters in need with every sock purchase. $16, provinceofcanada.com
The not-so-subtle footwear:
Loud Luxury: Rossy Mongolian Fur Moon Boots, Rudsak
Faux fur’s back, baby. Dabble in the trend with a pair of statement-making moon boots, sure to keep your little piggies warm for the rest of the season. $345, rudsak.com
Hearts Will Go On: White Conquer Boots, Mackage
If Celine Dion wears Mackage, WE wear Mackage. The Montreal-based outerwear brand also boasts shoewear, including these shearling-line boots constructed with their signature leather. $650, ssense.com
Aspen Inspired: Bekah Riding Boots, Call it Spring
The perfect duo for tired legs? Tall boots and black leggings, of course. Score these low-heeled riding boots from Call it Spring—promising any Bambi-on-ice moments while gallivanting through Whistler village can be averted. $101, callitspring.com
Vancouver Utility: Estrella Boot, Maguire Shoes
For those on the search for more understated footwear to take you from cold days to *cries into fondue* even colder evenings, the Montreal-headquartered Maguire Shoes takes on sleet and snow with these 100% leather boots lined with oh-so-soft sheepskin. $370, maguireshoes.com
The final shield (jackets and vests):
The Instagram Look: The Super Puff Shorty, Aritzia
A puffer for Canadian winter? Groundbreaking. Not, but really—the cropped, high-gloss variant from Aritzia elevates any casual post-slope beer. And as a Vancouverite… there’s always room for one more item from the everyday luxury institution. $275 , aritzia.com
Bluebird Days: Crop Puffer Jacket, Adhere Studios
With blue making its mark on runways and in our wardrobes this season, Adhere Studios’ cropped puffer is an ode to a West Coast bluebird day. And it’s made with 100-percent recycled down. Win, win. $560, adheretostudios.com
Pops of Pink: Cypress Vest, Canada Goose
Dressing Canadians for over 50 years, Canada Goose also makes lightweight puffer vests (who knew?). $695, canadagoose.com
