BoomerGirl Diary

Ski bunnies, be glad you were born when you were.

As late as 1910, fashions forced women to wear cumbersomely long woolen skirts when they took to the slopes. By the ’20s, at least knickers came on the scene — but they weren’t at all waterproof. Talk about soggy.

In the early 1950s, German Olympic ski star Willy Bogner and his wife Maria launched ski slacks out of a nylon and wool-yarn fabric — and the stretch pant was born.

Fantastic news — but the material still didn’t protect your bum from a bad — wet — fall. Thank goodness for so-called performance fabrics — the biggest, super-insulating Gore-Tex — which have gotten their comeuppance in the last two to three decades. Fashion, meet function.

Nowadays, flamboyant snowboarders steal the fashion show, says Mike Doyle, a skiing and clothing expert with About.com. ”Skiers have more or less managed to stay under the style radar — erring on the side of conservative,” he says. But if you ever want to head over to the flashy side, look and see what those folks are wearing when they zip on by.

Here’s what else the experts have noticed:

• Pants: For female skiers, green is way in. ”Kelly, camouflage, avocado, lime, you name it,” says Doyle. “You may see a little stripe at the midwaist and a flair at the hem.”

Big ski faux pas: coverall-like one-pieces. More likely, you’ll see matching jackets and pants that zipper together — creating a powder block. Jeans are another no-no. ”Cotton is a terrible material up on the mountain — it grabs snow and holds it.” For men, you’ll notice pants in conservative, earth (read: safe) tones and such patterns as plaids, tweeds and pin stripes, even corduroy.

• Jackets: One of the most key items any skier will buy this winter, says Dave Lever, of Napapijri (pronounced napa-peery), an Italian outdoor clothing store that recently opened on Miami Beach, of all places.

First and foremost, it has to be warm. Secondly, it has to make you stand out on the post-slope, happy hour circuit. Look out for these features: a powder skirt to keep the snow out; fleece linings for coziness; tapered waists for mobility and a slim, contoured fit; a waterproof shell; and interior pockets galore. Bulky, puffy parkas have gone the way of wooden skis.

”Gone are the days when women have to look like men when they’re skiing,” says Lever. “Styles are lot more fashion forward, flattering the curves.”

Hot 2006 color combos include metallic gray with yellow; red; sky blue; and black or white with purple. Women, be on the lookout for Swarovski crystal adornments to make your shell shine above the rest, and faux fur embellishments.

• Footwear: Sure, they’re clumpy. That’s the point. Everyone’s in the same, uh, boot, though, so relax. When shopping, try them on with thick skiing socks. They should fit snugly. Hot hues: Silver or black — with fluorescent yellow straps. White, although femme, shows scuff marks and dirt.

• Snow boots: Doyle is a major proponent of UGGs. Warm and cozy, these furry women’s booties also wick moisture away from skin and maintain optimal temperature indoors and out. Also: anything with cushioned midsoles, grippy outsoles and superior traction. ”After you’ve had your foot crammed into a tight plastic boot all day you’ll want something you can slip in and out of easily,” says Lever.

• Hats: Your hair doesn’t matter in skiing; you’ll only care that it’s there so your head stays warm (its evolutionary purpose). We are loving close-fitting wool beanies — especially ones with pom poms and chin ties. They come in a ton of materials — fleece, cable yarn knits, felt, even cashmere — as well as colors. Try pink, cream or black or match it up with your snazzy jacket. Men are sticking with helmets — many with flames, racing stripes, or again (yawn), in solids.

• Jewelry: Diamonds have no place on the slopes — unless you’re talking about those little black thingies symbolizing scarily advanced trails. Makes sense; at such speeds, fragile accessories are bound to fall by the wayside. All you’ll need is a waterproof sports watch. That way you’ll know when the chair lifts close — and apres ski starts.