Sunshine brings with it the promise of backless gowns and strapless wonders all designed to attract the cameras – not to mention those column inches! Trying to look the part in sub-zero temperatures, however, is a whole other matter entirely. My advice to you: if you want to know how to work that winter style, look not further than Sundance.

For those of you who think snow is an opportunity to bury yourself in eight layers of thermals and an over-sized ski jacket, Sundance will make you think again. Looking good and staying upright on the ski slopes may sound difficult, but it’s worth all the effort. For my first ski attempt I opted for style over skill, picking out a Porsche ski outfit. My snow wardrobe also included a pair of Chanel boots, but I think I was being a little optimistic as they only came up to the ankle. At least my gold ski suit went down well with the instructors!

When it comes to après-ski, Sundance certainly knows how to stand out and stay warm. On my first night out, I went to the Playboy party, where I managed to pull off a short leather Jitrois leather skirt and vintage blouse by teaming them with Chanel boots, gloves and bag and a fur jacket by Plein Sud. I even accessorised with a YSL hat to keep my ears warm. It was a little more challenging at a bling-themed party a few night later, but by incorporating bling into my Sonia Rykiel hat – worn with gold jeans and vintage boots, a cardigan by Il by Saori Komatsu, jacket by Golden Goose, scarf by Brunello Cucinelli, bag and earrings by Kendall Conrad and gloves by Newberry Knitting – I was warm enough to dance the night away to the sound of rapper Asher Roth.

For its annual Film Festival, Sundance goes from snow resort to centre of style overnight. And with the style came parties at every turn. For the best party in town – hosted by CAA’s finest agents – we headed to a venue called Sugar, and on the final night we secured a table at Park City Live to watch OneRepublic play their hit song Apologize. Together with my partner in crime thespian Dina Rosenmeier, I was entertained by top Danish cinema director Mads Matthiesen who won the world cinema directing award at the festival. He had the award, and I had the only key to the vodka supply (such are the restrictions in Utah), which made us both pretty popular party guests.

Parties, fur jackets and bands aside, the biggest treat of the week for me was when I got the opportunity to attend the Sundance Composers’ Showcase. Listening to talented composer Vivek Maddala – who created the music for Dina Rosenmeier’s feature documentary A Journey in My Mother’s Footsteps – was a real pleasure and gave me a moment of calm to reflect on what is a truly great destination.

 

Sundance is the epitome of cool. I just need longer boots next year!