I Just Moved Back From Europe—These Are the Aprés-ski Looks I’m Copying for My Winter Trips, From $20

These are the fashion-first ski styles I brought back from Europe.

By Kristy Alpert

The ski bum in me had a lot to learn when I moved to Europe and began spending my ski holidays in Lech, Les Trois Vallées, La Clusaz, Gstaad, and Courmayeur. Namely, that ski style in Europe often meant skiing the part and looking the part. I now have an entire folder on my phone of winter inspo photos I took while waiting in line (or, more accurately, waiting in a crowd) for the gondola.

Form-fitting coats, designer goggles, and sleek ski pants were the norm for women, while high-performance brands with a retro bent dominated for men—and that was just the ski gear. After skiing, the après looks were as functional as they were chic, and always with an effortlessly European touch. I grew to love having a wide-banded headband and insulated après-ski boots for drinks on the patio, and a statement puffer vest thrown over my thermals was an easy transition from skiing to sipping. 

This year will be my first ski season living back in America after moving back from France, and, while I’ll miss the European vibes—and the raclette—I won’t have to miss out on European ski fashion. From my favorite French-style headband at Amazon to a retro-inspired sweater that just begs to be après-ed in, here are the European styles I’m shopping stateside for ski season in America.