Half the fun of a ski trip happens off the mountain. The fire, the hot chocolate, the long lunch on a sunny terrace and the evening in front of a crackling fireplace all call for clothes that are warm, cozy and a little bit festive. Apres ski style has become its own category, and you do not need to ski at all to enjoy it. Fair isle and patterned sweaters are the centerpiece, ideally in thick wool that looks good with leggings, flares or jeans. A plush fleece or sherpa jacket handles the walk from the lodge to dinner. Puffer vests add warmth without the bulk of a full coat. On your feet, shearling lined boots and moon style snow boots keep toes warm on icy paths. Finish with mittens and a pom beanie, and you have a look that works for a mountain getaway or a snowy weekend in the city.

Layer for temperature swings, because indoor spaces in the mountains run hot. A thin base layer under a chunky sweater lets you peel down without losing the look. Keep colors warm and classic, with cream, red, navy and brown, so every piece mixes. Waterproof boots with good grip matter more than you think on icy streets. A big knit scarf doubles as a blanket on chilly chairlifts and terraces. Sunglasses are essential on bright snow.

We would invest in one great patterned sweater and one pair of warm, grippy boots before anything else, since those two pieces define the whole chalet look. Our tip is choosing knits in natural fibers like wool or alpaca, which stay warm even when damp and look better after many wears. Novelty slogan sweaters are fun but date quickly, so balance them with classic fair isle. A fleece jacket is the most useful layer for travel days. And always pack mittens, because they are warmer than gloves. Keep a spare beanie in your bag.