Winter fashions in Arizona usually include skinny jeans and leather boots, or t-shirts and hoodies. But, once ASU students head to the mountains, fashion is a whole new game. Keeping warm is much more important that looking cool, but most winter sport enthusiasts find a way to do both.
Kristin Busk, an inter-media junior, is an enthusiastic member of ASU’s Snowdevils, a group of zealous skiers and snowboarders at ASU that organize different winter sport vacations.
Busk recommends thick pants and brightly colored jackets to stay warm while looking good, but also points out that no matter what you wear, “people notice your snowboarding style before your clothes.”
When shopping for snow sport clothing, Busk advises students to ask for help. “Don’t just go in there blinded. You need function more than style. Don’t buy just for the brand names. It’s not about how cool you look. It’s more comfort,” she says. Busk shops at Utility at the Tempe Marketplace as well as Ski Pro at Chandler Mall.
Kacie Irby, a journalism and photography sophomore and snowboarder, likes, “really bright colors and patterns; whatever makes you stand out.”
Irby says she has noticed a trend in male’s snow-wear on the mountain. “I’ve seen a lot of camo on men,” Irby says.
Busk warns men to avoid sunglasses and baseball caps while on the go in the snow — if it’s not functional it doesn’t look good. She recommends sticking to goggles and a beanie.
Derek Sadie, a biology senior, is a skier rather than a snowboarder. He disagrees with the common notion snowboarders and skiers dress differently, and says that skiers are starting to pick up some of the snowboarding clothing styles.
“Skiers that ride in the park a lot are dressing more like snowboarders: bright colors, wearing bandanas, baggy pants and baggy jackets. The freestyle skiing culture is starting to look like that. It’s definitely getting a lot less separate. They are starting to infuse and mix,” Sadie says.
No matter which sport people prefer, all three students and Snowdevil members suggest comfort and warmth over style. Students can still buy jackets and pants in bright colors and wild patterns to develop a certain look, just as long as they make sure they’re warm.
Accessories
Although jewelry and purses aren’t necessary on the mountain, a whole new set of accessories takes their place.
“You want to make sure your gloves are really thick, and tight. The tighter the gloves the better,” Busk says.
She explains that if there is too much space inside the glove, cold air will keep those fingers freezing.
For gloves, Irby suggests, “anything with vortex, because it keeps you warm.” Irby also predicts that mittens are making a comeback up on the slopes.
Goggles are also very important to a skier or snowboarders comfort.
“A lot of people wear sunglasses when they start out,” Busk says, “but goggles are the way to go no matter what.” Busk explains googles, unlike sunglasses, potect the eye from the weather.
Irby sees a lot of “crazy, cool looking goggles,” such as the brands Spy or Nixon that have bright colored rims, studded rims or patterned elastic. There are even goggles with multi-colored lenses.
Sadie explains many pro athletes often have signature goggles, so other people try to find unique styles that are personality fitting.
“Goggles are a huge fashion statement. It’s a small part of your gear but it says a lot about people,” Sadie says.
Busk urges the ladies to go easy on the makeup while conquering the mountain.
“Wear a waterproof mascara, bring chapstick not lipgloss. Carry a powder with you, but you are going to get red anyways. It’s kind of hopeless,” she says.
Just Don’t
There are a few looks that students should avoid at all costs. A lot of people will compromise warmth and comfort to save a little cash or obtain a certain look, but ultimately this is miserable and doesn’t look good.
“The funniest thing I’ve ever seen is a guy dressed up in a bear suit,” Sadie says.
Irby says she’s seen a lot of people wearing jeans. “I think that’s dumb,” she says, since jeans do not keep a body warm, and they get wet very easily.
Busk says she doesn’t like seeing girls with a lot of pink trim and fuzzy hats and boots. “You can tell when girls are just trying to get noticed,” she says. But ultimately Busk reminds “it’s your talent that makes you stand out, not your clothing.”
Reach the reporter at kelsey.havens@asu.edu.
