The apres-ski wear

For those about to ski, I hope you have your apres wardrobe ready. Ski resorts from Aspen to Chamonix have been a playground for the stylish since skiing became seen as the sport of choice for the rich and glamorous. Audrey Hepburn was the epitome of off-piste chic at the start of the movie Charade, in ski pants and fur hat. Indeed, stretch pants - the precursor of today's leggings - had only been introduced to ugg boots uk the slopes in the 1950s, while snowflake jumpers (which are about to make a comeback) were just the ticket in the 1930s.

Why you need it now

'Tis the season! Now, we would normally be focusing on one particular item of clothing at Wardrobe 101 but given it's slope o'clock, here are some top tips for pulling together a hot ensemble after a long day in the snow. Thredbo may not quite be Saint Moritz but that doesn't mean you shouldn't make an effort. Perhaps you don't want to go the full snowflake-knit catsuit a la D&G. However, just off the slopes there are certain things you can get away with that should never be attempted in town. The furry boots seen at the autumn-winter shows from Chanel and D&G put mukluks back front and centre (moon boots begone!). Let's extend this to ugg boots - for once acceptable outside the house (gulp!).

What to look for

Lurid colours are so passe (like Midori and lemonade), as are high-tech fabrics (leave your Gore-Tex on the mountain). Look for neutral tones of grey, chocolate, black and cream, with perhaps a punch of deep red true religion jeans on sale (or a large mulled wine). Look for the softest fibres - cashmere, merino wool - in oversized jumpers, cardigans, shawl wraps and scarves.

Wear these over leggings - this is the only situation in which leggings can be worn as pants. So your silhouette should be chunky on top, slim in the legs, then yeti-like in the boot department.

Also, try to find retro touches of snowflake knits, whether in jumpers, gloves, scarves or beanies. Texture is also important, so look for hints of fur - fake or otherwise - edging hoodies and on boots and vests.

Style to suit you

Petite shapes Don't swamp yourself. Don't let jumpers and jackets run lower than the hip line and wear boots to mid-calf, or you might not see that slim leg line.

Pear shapes Wear jumpers and jackets that are long enough to cover your bottom but don't have so much volume in that area that you look bigger than you are; volume at the shoulder and the bust will balance out the look nicely.

Busty shapes Go for zip-front hoodies and V-neck jumpers - wearing high necklines will just make you look bustier.

Larger frames Again, keep bottoms tiffany jewelry covered; and bring focus to the face with charming hats and scarves.

Where to shop

The House of Cashmere, Banjo & Matilda, Jac + Jack for gorgeous cashmere knits; Supre, Sportscraft and Witchery for leggings; Larry Adler for pattern-knit beanies; Ugg Australia, Emu and Peter Alexander for ugg boots.