With this winter settled in and here to stay for a few more weeks, it seems as if there is no way to escape the sub-freezing temperatures and frosty winds. For those of us who dread going out during these cold winter months, here are some ways to stay warm until spring arrives.

The key to staying warm is during the cold mornings and bitter nights is layering. A long sleeve is only as warm as it feels when the wind blows. Everybody knows the sensation of walking up to the school with wind cutting right through your clothes and freezing you mid-step. By layering a tee, sweater or flannel, and a thick jacket, you can not only effectively keep body heat in, but keep the cold out.

While the best coats for keeping you warm are typically puffy ones with a waterproof outer shell, they are not always the most popular. One of my personal favorite coats is a peacoat from American Eagle; as it is made with wool, I can hardly feel the wind when it blows. If you’re shopping for a ski or snowboard jacket, be sure to look for jackets that are not only lightweight and breathable, but well-insulated too.

As for accessorizing, any exposed skin is bound to send a chill up your spine, so be sure to put on a scarf to protect your neck. Zara makes incredibly soft and beautiful oversized scarves, which are perfect for burrowing your head in as you walk into the wind. Additionally, when your body is properly concealed from the cold but your head is exposed, your body temperature drops quite significantly, so don’t forget to grab a hat along with your gloves or put up your hood before leaving the house.

Sometimes, multiple layers of socks and leggings under your jeans just aren’t enough. For internal refuge from the icy temperatures outside, a tall cup of hot chocolate is often in order.  In the case that you find yourself in New York City, the best hot chocolate I’ve had can be found at Max Brenner Chocolate Bar and Restaurant right next to Union Square. Their rich, creamy hot chocolate never fails to add a bit of sweetness to a bitter, cold day.