If you’ve been to New Moon’s website or to the shop, you know we carry cross country ski apparel. We carefully curate the best and most appropriate pieces from the Nordic world’s foremost xc outfitters-Bjorn Daehlie, Swix, Salomon, Rossignol, Toko, and more. But what you may not have realized is that New Moon has some fun casual pieces too for both skiers and nonskiers alike. Whether you are going out on the town or staying in by the fire, these tops will fit right into your athletic lifestyle.

Let’s start with Craft – their new line of Fuseknit baselayer is as functional as Craft’s other versions, but it has more coverage, is more opaque, and comes in some really cool colors, so they work casually and for athletic endeavors. This year, New Moon is carrying 2 ladies’ pieces, a zip neck in a beautiful lavender and a wrap shawl neck in a vibrant aqua as well as one men’s piece in a deep blue zip neck. Fuseknit pieces are knitted as a single tube so they are exceptionally smooth and chafe-free. 

Swix and Craft both have a number of midlayers that are perfect for casual wear. The Swix men’s and ladies Myrene Zip tops are fun, but my favorites are the Salomon Discovery for the ladies, and the Craft Spark and Swix Blizzard tops for the guys. The Discovery is a simple, functional midlayer, but it isn’t shiny lycra like so many midlayers and features beautiful seaming and flattering lines. The soft coral color also can’t be beat. The Craft Spark top is a great weight and really looks on trend with the gray heathered stripe. And, the Swix Blizzard top takes the “sweatshirt” to the next level. Rich, soft, distressed fabric with fashionable microfiber overlays on the sleeves collar and shoulders-this one is my favorite for the guys!

If you need something a bit warmer for, say, football games or hot toddies around a firepit, take a look at Bjorn Daehlie’s Half Zip Comfy Sweaters for men and women. Taking a cue from the alpine fashion, these sweaters have the traditional knitted foundation with a lightly quilted front and contrasting shoulder fabric. Or, how about these rich, gorgeous women’s sweaters from Ulvang with Nordic print and high collars that can be worn up or down. Complete the ensemble with a matching winter hat.

If you’d like something a bit sportier than the sweaters, we’ve got 2 great choices for the ladies. Craft’s Breakaway Jacket is a contemporary, lightweight “training jacket” with a cool, modern twist on the quilted front that looks great after a workout or at the office. Prefer a zip jacket with a hood? The Right Nice Hybrid Hoodie from Salomon is just beautiful! Lightweight, ribbed body is accentuated with graduated quilting on the front, shoulders, and hood. It comes in soft black and gorgeous waterfall.

Maybe you need a vest to throw on over your snazzy new midlayer? The ladies Swix Menali Vest has a cool metallic sheen and is lightly quilted for a techie look, and the Salomon Drifter Vest for men may be understated, but is reversible black/grey and highly functional- filled with a thin layer of Primaloft insulation for chillier days.

Of course, we’ve got neck gaiters and Buffs to match as well as fuzzy, sparkly, and oversize hats for shopping, spectating, as well skiing.

So, stop by the shop or the web if you are gifting a friend or yourself with some awesome apparel this Christmas. Whether you are a skier or not, you’ll find clothing you’ll love waiting just for you at New Moon!