VivaVlog

In case you haven’t noticed, every season has its own aesthetic now — and that's especially the case for winter fashion.

While trends like cottagecore and regencycore pop up each spring, and dark and light academia rise in the autumn, winter 2023 has us (and many TikTok and social media influencers) channeling Apres Ski and figure skating fashion. And that's whether we’re hitting the slopes or not.

We're calling it icecore.

To translate, “Apres Ski” is French and, according to fashion stylist Christina Stein, means “after skiing, referencing the activities you do after you ski.” State-side, that might mean cozying up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate and a book. For the French, however, it means sipping champagne and snacking on fondu in a snowy cabin overlooking the mountains or enjoying an outdoor fire and cocktails. In other words, very social, very chic activities that call for outfits consisting of much more elevated athletic apparel than long johns, like puffer jackets, designer snow pants, and coordinated accessories from snow boots to gloves and fuzzy earmuffs.

As for the figure skating aesthetic making a statement across social platforms, this way of dressing is essentially the winter variation of balletcore. Inspiration can be drawn from the fashions of Michelle Kwan, Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lipinski, and Nancy Kerrigan, with pieces like tights and leg warmers, cropped cardigans, and pleated skirts on rotation.

Out of the two icecore aesthetics, figure skating fashion is a more attainable, everyday look than Apres Ski, particularly if your winter plans don’t include a snow-covered slope. That said, you don’t need to a rink or mountain to execute either way of dressing, and the fashion industry has the receipts to prove it: Celeb-loved luxury brand, Khaite recently dropped a limited-edition Apres Ski capsule collection. ASPENX is also on top of the trend, as founder and artist Paula Crown teamed up with luxury eyewear brand, Vuarnet to create a collection of four limited-edition, gender-neutral sports sunglasses that, according to a press release sent to InStyle, were inspired by “the trails and swift slashes left by skis across Aspen’s mountain terrain.”

Other retailers are also hopping on the icecore bandwagon by spotlighting inventory that can contribute to the wardrobes of those partaking in these types of winter activities. Under the Apres Ski umbrella, OFFLINE by Aerie and P.E. Nation have snow pant offerings, while Lorna Jane has a collection of stylish thermals from tech leggings to hoodies, tops, and jackets. Alo Yoga also launched its Aspen Collection in October 2022, with unique pieces like the Snow Daze Puffer Polar Hat and Polaris Puffer Skirt putting a fashionable spin on functional items.

For figure skating fashion options, Echo New York has been championing the aesthetic. The brand’s Cold Weather offerings include everything from knit snoods to cable headbands and arm warmers with faux fur detailing. But unlike the Apres Ski aesthetic that’s essentially made up of particular items, if you’re not looking to buy yourself a new wardrobe (or don’t exactly have the financial means to at the moment), figure skating fashion can be achieved with the pieces you likely already have in your closet.

According to stylist and fashion expert, Naina Singla, it’s as easy as wearing a white cropped sweater with a pair of black leggings, a short puffer coat, and accessories like “an oversized scarf wrapped around your neck, a knit pom-pom hat or faux fur earmuffs and ugg shearling boots.”

As for what to wear when channeling Apres Ski, Stein tells InStyle if you’re just there for the skiing after parties, you can’t go wrong with a puffer or faux fur coat and coordinating apres ski boots. For a base layer, designer Ramy Brook recommends a good cozy but chic sweater (the Ramy Brook Vermont Pom Pom Sweater is her fave) and leggings. 

No matter which icecore aesthetic you’re leaning towards this winter, as with any trend, Stitch Fix expert stylist, Jessica Sockel stresses the importance of making it your own.

“When it comes to styling clients in après ski looks, we make sure to pay close attention to their personal style,” Sockel tells InStyle. “The ski and skating fashions incorporate a number of trends, colors, and silhouettes and can really be catered to anyone.”

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