BEFORE, DURING AND APRÈS SKI

BY LAURIE BROOKINS

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or you want to look chic on chilly SoCal nights, this curated selection of apparel and accessories adds a dash of high-end design to every winter wonderland. 

DIOR

From bunny to black diamond, the arrival of ski season inspires glee among every snow sports enthusiast — also because it’s an opportunity to embrace the winter-themed designer looks that just arrived in boutiques. Clothing and accessories created specifically to indulge in skiing and snowboarding increasingly have become standalone collections from a variety of high-end labels, debuting in the fall months and arriving in stores ideally before the first snowfall. From Balenciaga to Bally, Saint Laurent to Courrèges, today’s most coveted fashion houses are crafting styles that suit everyone who craves the ski sensibility, whether you’re speeding down a snow-covered mountain or cozying up to a roaring fire with a hot toddy. 

How to update your ski-season wardrobe? Start with the item everyone will notice: the statement jacket. Plush sweaters and ski pants are equally important, pieces that are rooted in comfort, performance and the tactile pleasure of soft textiles. And don’t forget the accessories, from a cute hat and luxe scarf to high-style gloves and footwear perfect for on and off the slopes. Finally, for true designer cred, opt for sports equipment that likewise has been fashioned by a chic label for the ultimate entrance-making moment (even if that entrance takes place on a mountaintop). 

With that in mind, we gathered 15 stylish pieces from the chic boutiques at South Coast Plaza, all ideal for the ski-season moment you’re envisioning. 

CANADA GOOSE

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SOUTH COAST PLAZA

THE SKI & SNOW EDIT

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GUCCI

Ski Goggles

Levels 1 & 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.557.9600

Maurizio Gucci owned a ski chalet in St. Moritz, so it should come as no surprise that the Italian label crafts winter-themed accessories that are as practical as they are glamorous. The black and ivory striped frame with Gucci lettering is offset with a wide, lilac-hued back strap with a bold double-G insignia, while the solid bordeaux lens offers 100-percent UVA/UVB protection against the bright white of the slopes.

BALENCIAGA

Men’s Ski Straight Pants

Levels 1 & 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.668.0557

Demna has crafted ski pants so cool, you’ll wear them on the slopes and around town. Crafted in Italy of grey camo ripstop nylon, these sleek, straight-legged pants for men look terrific with a parka or a tight-fitting black T-shirt. Details include five-pocket styling, water-resistant inside zipped pockets, a reflective-effect motif, and a bonded lining.

CANADA GOOSE

Expedition Parka

Level 1,Carousel Court
949.503.9022

For performance-level cred, look no further than the Expedition Parka by Canada Goose, which originally was developed for scientists working in Antarctica. Shown here in the brand’s North Star White, this Canadian-made jacket is offered in an oversized fit for comfort and comes with a variety of details, including a lined chin guard for comfort, an interior drawcord along the waist to customize fit, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and rib-knit cuffs to lock in heat.

AMIRI

Women’s MA Quad Cropped Down Jacket

Level 2, Carousel Court
657.384.1104

Mike Amiri’s signature Quad monogram is emblazoned against a chocolate-hued background on this comfy down jacket, designed in a modern cropped cut that looks great with denim or a sleek black midi dress. From Amiri’s Pre-Spring 2025 collection, this polyester and down jacket highlights a stand-up collar, MA Icon hardware, and side pockets.

PORSCHE DESIGN

Women’s Porsche Head Ski 7 Series — Turbo No. 1

Level 1, Carousel Court
714.662.2992

Taking its cue from the luxury carmaker, Porsche Design crafts a variety of sleek, high-tech products, including these skis from the brand’s Turbo collection, designed for women to enable maximum flexibility on the slopes. Made from a combination of Titanal, a high-tech aluminum alloy, and Karuba beechwood, these skis are both lightweight and versatile. Their design, meanwhile, is inspired by the tartan pattern of the first Porsche 911 Turbo, part of the brand’s celebration of the legendary sportscar’s 50th anniversary.

LOEWE

Whale Scarf

Level 1, Nordstrom Wing
714.464.7420

The brand’s fanciful prints and styling extend to this scarf in bouclé wool knit, which is emblazoned with a sperm whale jacquard motif and overall dot pattern. Measuring 190 centimeters long, 30 centimeters wide and featuring ribbed edges, this soft scarf is a collaboration between Loewe and Kyoto-based ceramic studio Suna Fujita, resulting in a print that’s both playful and wearable.

MAX MARA

Teddy Fabric Short Cape

Level 1, Jewel Court
714.754.7900

Fans of Max Mara’s iconic Teddy Bear Coat are sure to love this modern update, a cropped cape style perfect for layering with a wide variety of looks and to wear in multiple chic scenarios. The sleeveless cape features a wide lapel neckline, side welt pockets and an elasticized insert at the back waist for subtle gathering and fit. A long leather strap with buckle creates an asymmetrical closure.

A.P.C.

A.P.C. X Subu Winter Belt Sandals

Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.477.5636

For Winter 2025, A.P.C. has partnered with Japanese brand Subu, known for its stylish, weather-resistant footwear, on a collaboration that includes these ultra-comfortable sandals, crafted in a mule style for ultimate wearability. A shearling-like fabric is used for its plush exterior, with fit reinforced via a Velcro strap, while the insole is lined with synthetic down to create an enveloping sense of comfort. A four-layer, reinforced non-slip sole finishes a sandal you’ll wear around the resort or on your daily errands.

ANTHROPOLOGIE

French Knot Joyful People Earflap Beanie

Level 1, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.540.9001

This stylish-meets-whimsical winter hat is handcrafted by French Knot, a company that employs women artisans living in Nepal, who knit from their homes while caring for their families, all while French Knot follows fair-trade principles and pays artisans a living wage. 

ARITZIA

Women’s The Super Puff₂O™ – Rainstop™ Puffer Jacket

Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.662.4452

Among the latest styles from Aritzia’s celebrated Rainstop collection — with each design crafted from a fabric that’s high-performance, waterproof, windproof and sourced from a Japanese mill — is this Super Puff₂O™ jacket, a puffer style that contains 100-percent responsibly sourced premium down. Details on this waterproof garment include sealed seams and bonded channels to keep the wearer dry and insulated, while its premium down is both warm and lightweight. Fold in a bold color like Catalina Red, and this jacket excels at both performance and on-the-slopes style.

BALLY

Winter Capsule Turtleneck Sweater

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.557.1914

Against its black merino wool background, the hand-applied beaded design on this luxe turtleneck exudes an Alpine vibe and is inspired by a heritage design from Bally’s archives to create a look that can be dressed up or down. Details on this five-gauge knit include ribbed cuffs and a wide ribbed hemline.

COURRÈGES

Zipped Ribbed Wool Sweater

Level 2, Din Tai Fung Wing
714.852.3777

The iconic French house, which recently opened a boutique at South Coast Plaza, has always embraced modernity, and that includes the unisex styling of this chic wool sweater, which highlights a zipped front that can be worn open or closed. Crafted in Italy of 100-percent virgin wool, this toffee-hued sweater features ribbed styling and long sleeves.

BERLUTI

Aspen Leather Boots

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.641.3582

This stylish lace-up boot is crafted using incollato construction, a technique that minimizes stitching details to create a sleek look that’s also highly durable. The Italian-made boot in a rich cacao hue is made of Venezia leather, calf leather and suede leather, all on a tough rubber sole, and features hook-and-eye lace-up detailing.

SAINT LAURENT

Faux Fur and Leather Gloves

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.429.0101

Made in Italy, these stylish black gloves in smooth leather are not only exceptionally glamorous, they’re also designed responsibly, with their plush cuffs rendered in an animal-free fur that will fool even the most practiced eye.

TUMI

Asymmetrical Heavyweight Puffer Jacket

Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.429.0997

Known for its classic-meets-tough designs, Tumi has updated the puffer jacket with a design that’s highly durable and decidedly modern. Details include an asymmetrical full-zip closure, adjustable drawcord hood, a premium down lining for long-lasting warmth, magnetic cuff adjusters, and interior and exterior pockets.

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