The Winter Olympics, taking place in Milano Cortina from 6 to 22 February, are keeping sports fans entertained – and the snow chic is keeping fashion fans on their toes. Princess Anne and Prince Albert of Monaco have represented the royal set at the 2026 games so far, but it is the Princess of Wales who goes down in history for the best royal ski chic wardrobe.
In 2008, Kate, now 44, proved just that as she stepped out in Klosters, Switzerland, alongside her then-boyfriend, Prince William. The couple looked straight from the Winter Olympics as they finessed their use of a T-bar drag lift.
© GettyKate looked endlessly stylish in black salopettes teamed with a crisp white faux-fur-lined jacket. Adding the ultimate It-girl touch, the royal's girlfriend donned a pair of wraparound sunglasses with metallic embellishment on the side.
© GettyIt's a look that fashion stylist Sian Clarke of Styled by Sian says remains as timeless as ever. "The high contrast between black and white works incredibly well on the slopes. It's striking without being loud and never feels overdone," Sian explains.
How to style your skiwear like Kate
© Getty ImagesWhen it comes to picking your own skiwear, Sian says investing in pieces that can be mixed and matched (like Kate's) is a must: "Black and white, especially for skiing, is a foolproof choice. It's effortless, timeless, and never dates. It also doesn't draw unnecessary attention – a very smart move. I wouldn't be surprised if she'd still wear pieces like this today."
Sian adds that a pop of colour adds personality to a ski look. She tells us: "Think a red helmet or bold gloves to lift the look. If you're unsure which colour to choose, go with your favourite – you’ll always feel more confident wearing it.
© Getty Images"If you want to take it a step further, try introducing a cool print. Just make sure another part of your outfit picks up one of the colours from that print, whether that's your jacket, gloves, or helmet, so everything ties together harmoniously. Exactly like Kate does: effortless, polished, and timeless."
The Princess of Wales' royal skiwear
© Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate's 2008 getaway isn't the only time the pair have been spotted skiing. In 2016, the couple, who tied the knot in 2011, made it a family affair as they jetted off to the French Alps to enjoy a short private skiing break.
© GettyKate recycled her ice white snow coat from 2008, teaming it with a pair of hot red salopettes and a black beanie. Two years later, snow chic formed part of Kate's state visit wardrobe as she joined Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway in visiting Holmenkollen ski jump, where they watched junior ski jumpers from Norway's national team in action.
© GettyHere, the princess, rather aptly, chose a bright red ski jacket from the Norwegian brand Kjus (which is also often associated with Swiss engineering) and teamed it with her snowy white hat. At the time, her brunette locks were cut to shoulder length, meaning they softly fell over her shoulders for a feminine look.
