For many people, the best part of a ski trip happens after the lifts close. The fire, the hot drinks, the long dinners in the village. Après-ski has its own dress code, somewhere between cozy and polished, and it rewards a little planning before the trip.

Straight Off the Mountain

Après-ski often starts in ski gear. Unclip the boots and swap them for snow boots or shearling-lined slippers if the lodge allows, pull off the shell and keep the base layer and a good mid-layer. A fitted fleece or a quilted vest looks intentional; a sweaty shell does not.

Back at the Hotel

After a shower, the classic look is chunky knitwear: a cable-knit or Fair Isle sweater, a turtleneck, or a cashmere hoodie. Pair it with dark jeans or wool trousers and a pair of shearling-lined boots.

Dinner in Town

Ski towns are relaxed, but many have restaurants that feel like a big night out. A fine knit with a velvet or wool blazer, tailored trousers and leather boots is right almost everywhere. A long, warm coat is essential for the walk there.

The Accessories

• A knit beanie or a fur-trimmed hat for the walk between places.
• Leather or shearling gloves rather than ski gloves.
• A large scarf.
• Boots with real grip. Icy streets are where most après injuries happen.

Packing Tip

Ski kit takes up most of the luggage. Keep the evening wardrobe to one coat, two sweaters, one pair of trousers, one pair of jeans and one good pair of boots, and mix them across the week.

Shop the Edit

• Vince Cable-Knit Crewneck Sweater, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Vince Cashmere Turtleneck, Vince
• Khaite Danielle Straight-Leg Jeans, Saks Fifth Avenue
• UGG Classic Short II Boot, Zappos
• Barbour Corden Quilted Gilet, Nordstrom
• Alice + Olivia Sable Velvet Blazer in Dark Fern, Nordstrom