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Diane's plus size fashion blog

Jan.24th - What to wear Skiing - Recommendations for essential and affordable clothing

clothing suitable for skiing

After a long Xmas & New Year break (sorry)- Happy and Healthy New Year Everyone.

I went on my first ever ski holiday, to Andorra, over the Christmas Period.  It was great fun and very different from any other holiday that I have had in the past, but internet and mobile were very poor being so high up. So I've had to wait until getting home to blog.

As this was my first time skiing I was extremely sensible with my spend. ( I might not have liked it at all after trying it. ) I took advantage of Black Friday to hunt for bargains but there is now better value to be had in the sales.

I bought my skiing clothing from Trekwear, M and M Direct, Matalan (snow boots) and M&S (fleeces and sweat tops).

This is what I bought, and I think it's a must-have list for a beginner.

A ski jacket

Salopettes (ski trousers)

Thermal underwear (base layers) - at least 2 sets (comprising vest top and leggings) for one week

A fleece

Ski gloves

A fleece neck gaiter (or snood) to keep your neck warm

Goggles (Even on a cloudy day ultra-violet reflected glare from snow will give you a headache AND goggles stop the wind blowing powdery snow into your eyes, and help with wind chill)

Ski hat (plain and simple with NO tassels nor bobbles - in case you want to wear it under your ski helmet)

Ski socks - at least 2 pairs - one pair to wash the other.

Snow boots OR water proof boots such as walking/hiking boots (trainers are HOPELESS. Your feet will quickly get very, very wet and cold)

DON'T buy your ski boots, skis, helmet or poles. Hire from your tour company or one of the many hire shops at your ski resort. (It's best to definitely know whether or not skiing is for you, before buying skiing specific items)

My clothing is all budget or own label and I made full use of the additional discounts available during Black Friday.  Everything that you see in the photo above was more than sufficient for skiing in and for apres ski.  The lowest temperature I was in on the mountain was -7 degrees Centigrade during the day.  When we were leaving our resort (at 3am) it was -11 degrees Centigrade and snowing heavily. But I was always warm and very comfortable in my ski clothing.

You can, of course, buy top quality or big name designer items (with the price tags to match). I chose to kept my spend to a minimum and I believe I looked every bit as well, and was as warm as many sophisticated and seasoned skiers who had all the gear!

Below are a few examples of some of the clothing items that I bought (which are still available) and links to the relevant merchants

women's thermal zipped fleece jacket from Marks & Spencer
My Thermal Fleece was M&S - available from size UK8 - UK24 in 6 colour options - Price varies from around €8.00 - €15 depending on colour chosen

Skiing Neck Gaiter
My Thermal Fleece Neck Snood suitable for skiing was from MandMDirect.IE - €3.99

Women's Ski Jacket by Dare2b
Dare2b Ski Jacket - This is very similar to my jacket in design detail.  It is only available in black - £19.95 - Currently available up to size UK18

Below are links to the retailers I've used, to help you get the items you'll need for your skiing holiday.

1.Trekwear - for almost everything you need (even goggles)

2.  Trekwear - ski socks from (£5.95 for a pair)

2.  MandM Direct.IE - selection of snow boots and walking/hiking boots on sale (from €10.99)

3Matalan - for selection of snow boots and walking/hiking boots on sale (from £20)

3.  Marks & Spencer - for fleece tops

In the video below I talk about my budget ski clothing.

Until next week when, inspired by Operation Transformation, we will be getting fit.

Diane XXX

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Dec. 2014 blogs, click here - Dec 12th Half Length Black Leather Sheepskin Coat in Contemporary Design - Celtic & Co. - Dec 6th Wonderful Toscana Sheepskin Full Length Hooded Coat in Chocolate Brown - Celtic & Co.

November 2014 blogs, click here - Nov 27th Down and Feather Coat. Long Tall Sally. - Nov 20th Curvety Casual and Evening wear #4 - Nov 19th Curvety Casual and Evening wear #3 - Nov 18th Curvety Casual and Party wear #2 - Nov 15th Curvety Casual and Party wear #1

October 2014 blogs, click here - Oct 30th How to wear Tweed, part 1. - Oct 24th M&S Waist Cincher Knickers for tummy control. - Oct 16th Lipstick Boutique at House of Fraser - Oct 2nd Ann Harvey at Bonmarche

September 2014 blogs, click here - Sept. 25th Curvety Special Occasion dress - 19th Dickins and Jones Day Wear - 14th Yours Blouse - 4th Debenhams Tea Dress.

August 2014 blogs, click here - Aug 29th Jump suit from Pink Clove, - 21st Flared Skirt, Wardrobe staple. - 15th Fine Knit Cardigan, Wardrobe staple. - 7th David Emanuel at Bonmarche. - 2nd Road test of Leanne Shoes from Hotter.

July 2014 blogs, click here - July 29th Berlin Break, - 26th YOURS - Floral Maxi Dress, 15th Woolovers Jumper around shoulders look, 14th Woolovers City Look, 13th Woolovers Casual Layered Look, 12th Woolovers V-Necked Jumper - look #2,- 11th Woolovers Twin Set look, 10th Woolovers Sleeveless Top, 9th Woolovers V-Necked Jumper look #1

June 2014 blogs, click here - June 27 Suede Moccasin Shoes. June 20 Garden Party - Overlay Dress from Long Tall Sally. June 12 Aran Boyfriend Cardigan- Celtic & Co. June 5th Little Black Dress.

May 2014 blogs, click here May 22nd - The Return of the Trouser Suit. May 14th Agricultural Show or County Fair - Practical Styling Advice. May 7th M&S boot cut jeans May 1st Plus Size Revolution - money counts.

April 2014 blogs, click here -Apr.27th The Plus Size Revolution - Curves
take Centre Stage. Apr.20th Travel Clothes Apr.4th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Dynasty.

March 2014 blogs, click here - Mar 20th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Curvety. Mar 14th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Jane Watson.

Feb 2014 blogs, click here - Feb 27th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Dea. Feb 14th Diane Marshall Plus Size Model London Fashion Week. Feb 7th All weather fitness clothing

Jan. 2014 blogs, click here - Jan 30th London Fashion Week, plus size modelling opportunity. Jan 23rd Plus Size Acceptance vs Weight Loss. Jan 16th Plus Size Weight Loss - an expert approach. Jan 9th Plus Size, what size of fit are we describing?

2013 Blog Archive
June 15th 2013 - Welcome to my blog !

diane in red skater dress