"Help! I don't want to buy ski clothing. What can I wear skiing that I already own?," one reader recently asked. If your friends or family are taking you skiing for the first time, or you're a fair weather skier who only hits the slopes on occasion, you probably don't want to go on a shopping spree and purchase a bunch of new clothes. 

So, go take a look in your closet. You may already have a lot of items that you can wear skiing, like:

Base Layers
What is a base layer? 

• You can wear a lightweight, long sleeve tee as a base layer if you don't have long underwear. Ideally, it should be breathable, comfortable and have a slim fit. Avoid any baggy, heavy shirts.
• If you have a thermal shirt, that works too.
• You can wear yoga pants, workout leggings or thermal pants under your ski clothing. If it's extra cold, throw on a pair of thin, lightweight sweatpants. But, you definitely do not want to ski in jeans!
• If you don't have ski socks, opt for knee-high athletic socks instead. They should be tight and breathable. Avoid ankle socks at all costs!

Mid-layer 
What is a mid-layer?

• For your mid-layer, a zip-up fleece is the best way to go if you have it. 
• If you don't have a fleece, try a cozy, comfortable sweater. 
• Though not ideal, a crew neck sweatshirt works as a last resort, and is a much better option than a hooded sweatshirt, which might feel hot, stuffy and constricting under your ski jacket. 
• If you have a fleece or down vest, you can layer it over your shirt or your sweater, depending on the temperature. But, keep in mind that a large, bulky down vest may not be comfortable under your jacket.

Outer Layer
?What is an outer layer?

• Your outer layer can be the hardest part of an outfit to come by. You will need a waterproof, insulated jacket and snow pants. If you already have these items for outdoor winter activities like sledding or tubing, they should work fine. Keep in mind that heavy-duty outerwear - like a snowmobile suit or Carhartt construction gear - isn't ideal for skiing. You need to stay warm, but you also need a clear range of motion and the flexibility to bend your knees and move your arms as needed.

Accessories 
What are skiing accessories?

• You will need a helmet, goggles, gloves and a gaiter if it's a cold day. A helmet is the one item you shouldn't skimp on. A helmet from another sport like biking or skateboarding won't work, and might actually hurt you in a fall more than help. It is imperative to wear a helmet. If you don't want to buy your own, most ski resorts offer you the opportunity to rent. 
• Any durable pair of winter gloves or mittens will do. However, make sure they are waterproof and insulated. For example, the pair of stretchy knit gloves you picked up at the grocery store aren't going to protect your hands against cold temperatures or wet snow. 
• On a very cold or windy day, you'll want to keep your neck covered. A scarf isn't ideal because it can get tangled in the chair lift if you aren't careful. But, if it's brutally frigid and you don't have a gaiter and can't find it in your budget to buy one, you can make do with a scarf. In this case, after you put on your helmet (because you're going to a wear helmet, right?) wrap the scarf snugly around your neck and make sure the ends are tucked inside your cost and zippered away.
• If you don't have a scarf, a bandana to cover your face will also work.
   

Don't have everything you need? Here's where to buy ski clothing.

Not sure what to buy? Read how to shop for ski clothing. 

On a budget? Here's how to find cheap ski clothing.