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Ski season is upon us, and with that comes the annual conundrum of what to pack for a ski trip. Baggage allowance woes linger in the back of every weekend snow-seeker's mind, and what to wear on a plane now includes layer upon layer of cold-weather essentials. But there's one item that everyone heading on a winter getaway should consider, and it's come full fashion circle, just like any memorable trend piece.
The fleece was first designed in the 1970s by Patagonia as a way to stay warm in the Chilean mountains. As with most clothing items initially designed for function (read: denim, Dr Martins, sneakers...), it's darted in and out of fashion. Right now, it's well and truly back, and the best thing about it is the way it translates from city, to in-flight, to apres ski.
Free People's 2024 version is appropriately named 'Hit The Slopes', and it comes in such a range of designs that it's almost tempting to choose one for each day of the trip. It's ideal for those like me), who like to fast-forward to cosy fire-fuelled fondue nights and sauna sessions at the hotel spa after a morning shoop-shoop down the slopes. Plus, when I get on the flight with this on, it's comfortable and can double up as a blanket significantly better than a waterproof coat.
There's also a lot to be said for exploring a snowy town - again, not one you want to be wearing a bulky ski jacket and salopettes for. Arket's AW24 designs are lovely, but at the beginning of this year, I chose another Free People design for a trip to Austria and bought it a few sizes bigger than my usual to make sure there was enough space for lots of layers underneath.
For Charley, her Pangaia fleece stays firmly away from the snow. "I am a deeply uncool person, but you'd never know when I put on this Pangaia fleece. The brand has done what many try to but few get right, creating an oversized fit that looks oversized, rather than as if you're donning a hand-me-down that's too big. On top of that, it's the warmest, cosiest thing I've ever put on in my life. I'm not even sure I'll need to reach for my winter coat, but now I have this; I wore it on a blustery seaside walk on a cold November morning in Brighton, and I overheated. I also like that it's made from fully recycled fibres, as is in keeping with Pangaia's ethos. I've barely taken it off since I got it."