It could be the fact that you’re surrounded by mountains for a ski weekend or tucked away in the wilderness for a cabin getaway, but there’s something romantic about cozying up in the middle of a Canadian winter in your finest knit sweaters. “It’s kind of a beautiful idea, isn’t it?” says Alice Whittick, the general manager of Misch Boutique in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood. And with a cabin weekend, comes chic chalet-wear with it. So we asked Whittick to share her top style tips on how to master après-ski winter fashion.

1. Quick change into your après-ski look. There’s nothing inherently luxurious about thermal underwear and snowsuits—unless it’s perhaps a Versace ski jacket—but it’s best to change into your finest chalet loungewear after hitting the slopes. “Take off your waterproof jacket, pop up to your room to change and head to the chalet for a Bailey’s hot chocolate,” says Whittick. Opt for cozy and chic oversized sweaters and fur-lined boots. “Luxury is not snowpants,” she adds, laughing.

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2. …Or just look après-ski chic. Whether you’re coming off a run at Whistler’s Blackcomb or sitting fireside with your favourite must-read back at the chalet (no judgment), there’s something alluring about nestling up in chalet chic wear. “I would do a super soft, big cardigan—there’s a beautiful ivory one from Isabel Marant,” says Whittick. “And stick with a winter palette.” Pair with light grey sweatpants, gathered at the bottom, and taupe high-top sneakers from luxe shoe label Common Projects. Now’s also your chance to also test out a dramatic head-to-toe winter white look, she adds. And top it off with a slouchy toque.

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3. It’s all about the cashmere. There’s a rustic vibe to chalet wear and lounging in style against the backdrop of the mountains. “It’s very wild, wild west,” says Whittick. Her favourite chalet chic look? “I’m all about cashmere in the winter.” Try a cashmere or merino-blend luxury knit sweater and cashmere sweatpants. The key is to look as toasty and warm as you feel. Bundle up in an oversized cashmere cardi from luxe knitwear brand Inhabit and a pair of slouchy denim skinnies.

4. Think comfy and stylish. The trick to mastering chalet chic is to look comfortable, but not to let that rule your style. Comfort and style “form the basic of a cool and elevated casual look,” Whittick explains. “It’s about balance.” One of our favourite comfy chic looks from the winter runways is a slouchy plaid funnel-neck sweater paired with a tartan skirt wrap skirt seen at Célline—bonus? Not having to wear pants!

5. Layer your coziest pieces. Rather than swaddling yourself in the thickest coat, opt for layers of your favourite winter fashion pieces. Try a linen tee with a cardigan (cashmere, of course) over top, then add an oversized coat and a scarf. It all comes back to personal style as well. “Never underestimate the power of a hoodie with a leather jacket on top!” says Whittick. Just be careful, warns Whittick. “The look can be bulky if not done right.”

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