I'm a fan of both fashion and function. I have several Patagonia (more function than fashion) technical jackets in nice colors though. Also have a few items from Kjus (I know, too Deer Valley ish) but extremely waterproof and breathable and the fit is incredible ! Plaid cargo pants from Bogner (cute but not great waterproofing )- Lots of pockets though.
My newest skiwear is from Strafe and have both technical shell and pants that are very waterproof and breathable. Another brand that has nice colors and good pockets.
What about Arc Teryx? Other than the price, very technical and jackets come in nice colors. Think
@Sparky has a bright pink one with orange trim that I am coveting...
And, yes, the European skiers (both men and women) are quite chic especially the Italians ! It's a different culture for sure. I felt quite frumpy in my Patagonia stuff.
I feel like I’ve met my spirit animal in you! I’ve mentally justified buying multiple jackets with the argument that they’re less expensive that multiple pairs of skis. That said, while I’ve appreciated the technical performance of my Arc’Teryx, Noronna, and “Patagucci” (per my girlfriends), they’re kind of boring. And I leave them at just that...technical performance.
But for functionality, they’re actually my least favorite. The pocketing seems to disappoint. I carry an obnoxious amount of stuff on me so I don’t have to schlep back to the car. Tissues, extra neck gator, extra goggle le se, sunscreen, lipgloss, keys, earbuds, gum, etc. And snacks on days I ski with my kiddos. It’s all ridiculous, so I appreciate functionality more than performance at times.
For what its worth, here are my thoughts from some of my more irresponsible trial and error. I use different jackets for different days, depending on where I'm skiing and what the weather is like outside. I get bored easily and like to change things up. Some of these I also wear snowmobiling and they function well for that too.
TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE - They will keep you dry and warm, the main objective, but it stops there. Pocketing and form are their biggest downfalls.
-Arc'Teryx: Despite their jackets not being my favorite, they currently have a bright neon green shell that I do want just for how shamelessly bright it is. It is a very solid performing shell.
-Patagonia aka PataGucci: They perform without a doubt, but not too "wow" on the color of my jacket but it works.
-Norrona: Colors are bland and I don't find that jacket to be super warm. To be fair it is a shell, and I do wear quality layers underneath. I will say that this jacket keeps me sooooo dry! Also, their Lofoten shell pants are amazing, especially for curvy girls that want a high waist with a lot of back coverage while still being flattering. They also secure very nicely to the powder skirt. They're my go-to black pants.
-Mammut: Kind of bland, but also performs similar to Patagonia. Will definitely keep you warm. Colors are okay. The pocketing is better than the others on the ski jacket. On my softshell jacket its actually quite bright, a pretty dragonfruit color, and surprisingly warm but the pockets are dismal.
-Helly Hansen: While I think they technically perform very well, they have better functionality and form than the others in this group.
FUNCTIONALITY PERFORMANCE - The first two are some of the most underrated brands that I have discovered in the trial and error process, and both of whom have been pleasant surprises.
-Strafe: Not many people now about this brand. Their color offerings are quite limited. However, the cut of their jackets are a little more flattering. The pocketing is exceptional, and the quality is excellent. The stitching of seams is flawless, corners are closures are reinforced, and the jacket itself is not too heavy.
-Orage: Another majorly underrated brand that gets heavily discounted. Pocketing is fantastic, brighter colors are offered (though limited), and the quality is fantastic. I wear this one on colder days as this one is insulated. Also, no matter how many times I wash it, it hasn't faded. This one is bright orange and purple. I also love how flattering the cut is.
-Marmot - Not the warmest, but they continually have the brightest and most complimentary color patterns, season after season. I don't care for the zippers on some of their jackets, but their price point is also a little bit lower. I do love my rain jacket from them. I appreciate they also offer a lot of coordinating pants. I should note that I think their jackets are plenty sufficient out here in the rockies where the snow is dry and powdery. Not sure about them on the east coast.
-Flylow: Never expected to love this jacket (I think its the Billy) as much as I do. I was worried it would look much more like a snowboarding jacket, but it has just enough of a feminine cut, while still giving great coverage on the backside. The color and lines are on point without being too much. Also, they make a pant classed Sassafrass that is hands down the most feminine ski pant I own. I've since purchased them in other colors because I love them so much. They're great for curvy figures.
FASHION PERFORMANCE
-Obermeyer: More fitted than any other brand I've purchased. In my opinion, I feel like their cuts are designed to intentionally flatter womens body type. They run small and don't feel as long as other brands. I had to really size up. I want one of their patterned jackets, but couldn't justify the price, so I selected a vibrant fuschia that makes me feel like I'm living my best life. It does feel a little restricting though.
-Dynafit: I should really put this in the category of technical performance for a complete soft shell ensemble, but its so beautiful, fun, and flattering while not very functional, that I put it in fashion. It's very fitted, so very little is going into pockets. Its the Athleta/Lululemon ATHLEISURE WEAR of ski gear! Beyond comfortable. I would highly recommend for anyone wanting something to wear touring, or who is really earning their turns! (Sidenote - Lulu and Athleta's ski jackets are cute but not perform well. Their vests are great under ski jackets though.) I would say it's more flattering as Helly Hansens Odin offering, but yet very similar while not as functional.
-Solomon: Similar cut to Obermeyer, little more affordable, and a little better functionality. I have long arms and my jacket always seems a touch short in the sleeves. It's fine with gloves on, but I'm meh without them. It's faded quickly.
-Spyder: Warm enough, but it sometimes feels a little to obnoxious to me so I rarely wear it. This was a waste of money. I do think if you want a cropped and fitted jacket, they do a good job with this.
I've never thrown down the money for anything from Boden. I've purchased a Haglof and Mountain Hardwear jacket, but returned them. Hands down, my all-time favorite brand is Helly Hansen across the board. Their jackets hold up well, they're reasonably feminine, technically perform very well, and have brighter colors to pick from. From daily driver jackets here to run errands in during the winter (Utah), to rain jackets, to snow jackets, they never disappoint. I really want the matching navy blue Aurura set that has a pop of teal and neon orange.
I would say look into Helly Hansen, Flylow, or maybe Dynafit. But it depends on how or where you are wanting to use it.