STYLIN' ON THE SLOPES.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Daily News Fashion Editor

Furs, velvets, brocades - fabrics once reserved for dinner and dancing - are now swooshing down the slopes.

Ski fashion, like streetwear, has become more glamorous - even in the men's department - so, don't be surprised to see sweaters glistening with rhinestones or parkas trimmed in silver fox. And get ready for a blinding amount of color.

Think of it as a peacock parade inspired by the retro '70s trend going on in mainstream fashion, say fashion-industry experts. And get ready for sleek, suck-in-the-gut ensembles this winter, as silhouettes are becoming more body-conscious.

``Ski styles have definitely gotten more high-fashion again, and the ultimate look is probably tight pants with a racing stripe and a snug parka with a cropped waistline,'' said Barbara Owen, spokeswoman for Sport Obermeyer, a leading winter sportswear manufacturer based in Aspen, Colo.

According to Pat Bergstrom, owner of Sports LTD in Woodland Hills, ``Many of the styles this year are very dressy, and the parkas - often trimmed in fur - could easily go to a party over a velvet dress.''

Bright ideas

The colors of the season? Owen says Obermeyer's palette is bright marigold, red, royal purple and blue, but red and yellow are the biggest news. Meanwhile, Bogner has designed dramatic styles in red, black and white, while companies such as Flirt and Fera have gone for hot tropical florals.

But don't rule out head-to-toe black, it's a classic, even in sunny California says Christine Raichel, a buyer for Sport Chalet stores.

Regardless of the color, the season's newest styles will most likely be trimmed in fur.

According to Raichel, ``Fur is back because people are asking for it, and this year you'll see coyote and raccoon (in addition to fox),'' says Raichel.

You've seen fur in fashion magazines and on the racks, but are you still worried about fur's political status? The Fur Information Council of America reports sales figures are back up where they were in the '80s, when fur was at its most fashionable, but if you're still unsure, go for a fake. Some companies, such as Obermeyer, have quit using real fur because they feel the new synthetic types look like the real thing. They even use it with their colorful children's collections on hoods and cuffs.

Other '70s trends on the comeback trail? Bergstrom and Owen both report new interest in flared over-the-boot pants instead of the classic stirrup pant. Can't visualize it? Think of John Travolta's ensemble in ``Saturday Night Fever.''

But don't feel like a fashion flop if you're still wearing stirrups, as most collections offer pant legs in both styles.

The science of skiwear 

The changing fashion stance is important, but not the only news in skiwear.

A quick look at local stores will tell you that ski clothing has gotten more expensive, and manufacturers say it's due to technological advances.

``There's really no need to ever be cold today,'' said Bergstrom, talking about the new wave of weather-proof micro fibers. According to Skip Rapp of Hard Corps Sports, today's new fabrics are particularly good news for beginners who get wet and cold from falling often. ``They're the ones who need the basic features and benefits of authentic skiwear (as opposed to ski-inspired streetwear) because it will keep them comfortable, warm and dry,'' said Rapp

Among the latest inventions now available to skiers, according to the SnowSports Industries America, an organization of ski manufacturers, are fabrics with the warmth of duck down, minus the bulk and sporting hang tags such as Ultrex, Microloft, Supplex, Polartech and Gor-Tex.

Another major breakthrough in ski apparel, says Tori Olson, the merchandising director of Roffe Skiwear, is wicking mesh, a polyester knit lining that literally wicks moisture away from the body.

Other functional options provided by numerous manufacturers are freeze-proof zippers, waterproof taped seams, rain gussets with double flaps to catch water, air ventilation pit zips, anti-draft fleece cuffs, reflective bands and pipings, lift ticket loops, quilted and shock-absorbent padding, and hoods with cinch straps to pull snugly around the head without blocking vision.

Cold comfort

While all of this innovation gets pricey - as much as $600 for a parka - skiers can get by for less, especially in warmer climates like California. For skiers on a budget, Owen suggests buying a ``shell'' (nylon pants and top) with wicking linings, layered with a vest made of polar fleece, a new type of fleece with the warmth of wool that can be washed. You'll see it in pull-overs, underwear and even hats this year.

For humor, there are hats with tails, old-fashioned flap hats and sassy headbands made of fur. But Bergstrom says local skiers favor ball-cap styles, maybe in velvet.

Fashion students also should take note that basic black ski boots now come in bright red and orange, while multipurpose snow boots are equally bright, sporting designer labels such as Armani, Donna Karan and Tommy Hilfiger. For those apres-ski events, you'll still want the classic Nordic-style boot in fake fur with ties that wrap around the leg.

The debate over gloves or mittens continues. Mittens are always warmer, says Bergstrom, but gloves give you a fashion edge, plus more control with your ski poles. For that racy look, slip into two-tone styles in black with brights from ski manufacturers as well as streetwear retailers such as Ralph Lauren and the Gap.

And leave the bota bag in the closet; it's one '70s trend that didn't make it into the '90s.

CAPTION(S):

7 Photos

Photo: (1--2--Color) Brights are back, looking freshest in yellow and red. Two to chose from are this sunny floral parka, above, by Numero Uno, and zippy red ensemble, below, by Nils, available at local ski shops.

(3--6--Color) New styles for winter sports include a sleek suit by Bogner, above; a trio of youthful snowboarding ensembles by Tuesday, Twist and Bombshell, upper right; and a silver parka by Bogner, accented with red boots, below. Children's fashions, at right, are by Obermeyer and Stardust.

(7) Fur is warming up the slopes and a trend is this poly-satin parka by Bogner.