From Princess Diana to Cher: How dopamine dressing has hit the ski slopes

What do I wear on the ski slopes?

From my position beside a log fire nursing a breakfast schnapps, I can tell you that the hills are alive with … bursts of colour, retro styles and downhill Dynasty chic.

My skiing abilities generally require me to share lessons with toddlers who, within five minutes, are flying down black diamond runs like bullets while I graduate to the après-ski. But I can steer you towards expert style. Slowly, while I snow-plough.

Read more: Shut out the cold, seal in the cool: Ski-field chic from $23

For a number of seasons, snow-goers were transferring their approach to gym gear to their ski wardrobes, which meant that chairlifts were dotted with skiers in top-to-toe black, like villains in a James Bond movie. But dopamine dressing has finally returned and they’re taking inspiration from Cher’s violet attire in Aspen in the ’70s or Princess Diana’s berry-pink suit with white boots on the ski fields of Liechtenstein in 1985 (pictured above). Former ski champion Ivana Trump’s metallic jackets are also making a show.

Draw inspiration from luxury brand Cordova’s retro-inspired collections, or pricier offerings from Dior and Khaite. Single-suit styles are gaining traction over separates, with bib-fronts scoring immediate points for vintage cool. Scandinavian brand We Norwegians offers beautifully slim silhouettes.

Just don’t let former Victorian premier Dan Andrews’ preference for The North Face make you rule it out. Looking good is important, but safety and warmth come first. Maybe save the schnapps until you come off the slopes.

Got a style conundrum? Email damien.woolnough@nine.com.au

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