T&C Tried & True: A Ski Jacket Bridging Performance and Après Style

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Here at T&C, we pride ourselves on our discerning eye for quality. With Tried & True, our editors will give you an inside look at the pieces they simply cannot live without.

Last year, I lived in Park City, Utah for the entirety of the ski season—but as a native Floridian, my repertoire of winter wear was undoubtedly limited as I prepared for months of powder days. Despite accumulating sweaters and après-friendly boots, I'd spend approximately ninety percent of my time in ski gear.

My first priority was snowy garb that I'd reach for everyday for post-work laps: warm and durable. Still, I wanted a ski jacket and pants that would make me feel stylish and polished. Figuring I'd often head to après or errands directly from the mountain, I wanted a shell that would look just as sophisticated while out and about as on a black diamond.

Unfortunately, my outerwear options felt limited. Each item of apparel I considered felt either overly high-tech or too high-end luxury for my budget and activity level, but I was looking for something both durable and fashionable. Enter Halfdays, the Olympian-founded women's brand disrupting the "shrink it and pink it" habit of most skiwear for an assortment of stunning, high-performing designs.

While its core collection is notable and enduring, the brand launches new styles every year. 2024 saw the advent of snowboard jackets, a one-piece ski suit, cushioned ski socks, neck warmers, and even a balaclava collaboration with Matek. I'll take head-to-toe Halfdays, thanks.

For my own daily skiwear, I opted for the belted Aston Jacket, Carson Bib, and nylon seamless base layers Johnson Top and Sophia Legging. Each of the over 14 colorways is meticulously planned to work in a monochrome set or in coordinating mix-and-match combinations, with a rotating mix of core and limited-edition shades. I tend to wear my monochrome vivid pink (Alpenglow) for a pop of color among the whiteouts, but am sorely tempted to keep shopping amongst the rainbow. Don't I need a parka, fleece, and a puffer ski coat too? In forest green, lime, and lilac to boot?

Admittedly, the bright colorways caught my eye to start. But I fell in love with Halfdays for its premium insulation, which protects against even the chilliest of winds, and its intentional details. Designed for the 0 to 40-degree Fahrenheit temperature range, its warm jackets are made from sustainable polyester and fitted to women's bodies for a flattering, move-with-you fit. I've taken quite a few spills in my getup, but its water-repellant treatment is top-tier for all-day comfort. When the day heats up and the sun peeks out, a removable hood and underarm vents keep me cool. Each outfit practically looks tailored—especially my belted favorite—with my Aston Jacket being incredibly versatile across all types of ski days: whether I'm tackling moguls during an intense snowstorm, taking a half day myself, or even just showing up for après.

Details I love: a built-in goggle wipe, pass pocket, an in-pocket phone leash (handy for taking photos on the leash), multiple deep pockets and zippers, storm cuffs, fit-and-flare design, and more. Sizes range from XS to 2XL, filling a gap in skiwear sizing, with both short and regular-length options available.

As a bonus, Halfdays aims to make it easier for women to get out onto the mountain, and the ethos reverberates through everything from its splashy and comfortable designs to its welcoming community channel on Slack. Participants are often hosting meetups at their favorite mountains, and I've also gone up to introduce myself to other women sporting Halfdays at the resorts—and made a few friends that way too. I love the brand's unifying, sporty-chic aesthetic, and look forward to every snow day I get to pull out my Aston Jacket. I fully plan on adding to my collection over time too. Comfy, polished, technical, and distinctive—what else could I want?

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