Although the holidays are over, there are still several long weeks of winter ahead of us. Whether you want to go for a walk with the family to enjoy the crisp air or are running to your car on a chilly day, it’s important to dress yourself and your children warmly. Throwing a big, oversized coat onto your child only does so much to keep them warm. When a guest of wind comes along, the cold air will find a way to send a chill up their spine. The key to keeping your family warm is layering, a popular trend this winter.

Two or three thinner layers will not only keep you warmer than a coat over a shirt, but is more convenient as well. I’m sure you can think of a handful of situations where you only had an oversized coat that made you too hot when you went inside a heated building. After a few minutes, the building might not have been as warm as you originally thought, but all you have is your jacket. Instead of taking your jacket off and putting it on every 20 minutes, layering affords you the opportunity to shed layers until you find the ideal comfort level. Layers also help to protect all parts of your body. A gust of wind can come under your jacket and leave you frozen, especially if you aren’t dressed warmly under your coat. With layering, your jacket is the first line of defense, followed by additional articles of clothing blocking your skin from the cold air. Instead of wearing a single heavy coat over a shirt, opt for a lighter jacket that you wear over a fleece, followed by a vest or thermal shirt. Wind might get under your coat, but it won’t penetrate all three layers.

In addition to layering, it’s important to make sure you have the right accessories to stay warm as well. Many women love wearing boots with their dress, but hate it when cold air slices through those boots and leaves their calves and toes frozen. Wearing a pair of knee socks will give an added layer of protection from the elements and are also a stylish accessory to your outfit. If you are like me and wear your running shoes everywhere, a pair of thermal socks will keep your feet warm. They really come in handy if you accidentally step in a puddle of melted snow and ice.

Ear warmers and wool beanies will keep your ears and head area much warmer than the hood of a jacket or fleece will. They’re perfect for your kids and can be stored in their pockets until you go back outdoors. One thing to be aware of is that they can cause your hair to look disheveled. If you spend a lot of time on your hair, opt for a pair of earmuffs. Just make sure to protect yourself and your kids from getting frost bitten ears!

When I was younger, my mom would never let us go outside without a pair of gloves to prevent our hands from getting frost bite and chapped. When I went off to college, I did not follow this rule all of the time and my hands ended up getting so dry and chapped that they would bleed. Don’t let this happen to you and wear your gloves! A scarf is an important accessory as well to keep your neck warm and toasty. Most jackets are not designed to keep your neck very warm, which is why it’s extremely important to not forget your scarf!

The days of a big, oversized puffy coat over a shirt are over and layering is the newest fashion trend. Stay warm and stylish this winter by opting for two to three warmer layers instead of an oversized coat. Don’t forget your gloves, scarves, and ear warmers every time you step outside. Even though you might just be running to your car, you might still get frost bite without protecting your skin!

Bio: Adam enjoys giving fashion advice to families in hopes that they stay warm and stylish this winter. When he isn’t busy analyzing the latest fashion trends to keep you looking stylish, he enjoys golfing, traveling, and cooking.