This interview was originally published by Design STL Magazine in the January 19, 2022 newsletter by Editor-in-Chief Veronica Theodoro. Read the full newsletter here.

St. Louis-based fashion stylist Laura K. Sawyier (pictured above in Jackson Hole, Wyoming) knows a thing or two about fabulous clothes and footwear. As the founder and CEO of LKS Consulting, she advises women of all ages about their wardrobes, with the aim of helping them look and feel their best. But Sawyier's expertise isn't limited to the fashion runway. She's also a style expert in what to wear on the slopes. With ski season in full swing, we asked the former competitive, high school skier to share her tips for looking stylish and staying warm on-piste.

What should a first-time skier pack for a ski trip? Layers, layers, layers. The most important layer is your outer layer, so you want to have a warm jacket and warm pants, preferably ones that are insulated. These [items] are usually made out of Gore-Tex fabric, so they’re breathable and lightweight but they’re also water-resistant and windproof. Your pants can either be a pull-on pant, or you can do a bib. It’s a preference.

What’s with all of the zippers on jackets? Zippers are your friends. You want a front zipper on your jacket. You also want to make sure you have pockets. I prefer not to ski with a backpack—some people do, [but] I just throw as much as I can into my pockets. The other thing with zippers is that you want to have breathable zippers that open up your clothing.

Describe some of the different looks you see on the slopes. This was my sport growing up, so I definitely lean into the sporty aesthetic. What that means is that you're going to be in a pant or a bib, and then you’re going to have a jacket. There’s the super-glam, fabulous-chic style, which I think is beautiful. It's a full onesie with pants, a long-sleeve jacket, and a furry hood. They’re typically belted or cinched around the waist. The last style is the retro approach. You can go the Slim Aarons–style, which is the quintessential 1960s ski chalet vibe, or you can go a little bit more '80s and '90s. I saw someone just the other day in a printed onesie that looked like [it had] Saved by the Bell graphics all over it.

What is après ski? It translates to “after skiing.” The best way that I can articulate it is it’s the ultimate celebration. You’re in a cozy setting with the people you just ripped down the mountain with. Now you're coming indoors and you just want to keep that good, natural high going. I change out of my ski boots and switch into a thick, tread-like snow boot. I'll wear a fleece-lined legging, and I'll have my knee-high performance ski socks on.

If you had to choose your favorite ski accessory, what would it be? I love socks, and there are so many performance ski socks out there. I like Fusalp for liners, but you can do Smartwool. I tend to wear black and white as my ski gear. My helmet is silver, but my ski socks are neon orange, blue, or bubblegum pink. They’re just my little funky under layer that nobody really knows about until we après ski, of course. They're out, and they're a good conversation starter.

Originally published by Veronica Theodor as part of Design STL Magazine’s weekly newsletter. Published on January 19, 2022 - read the full email here.

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