Even with the recent bit of warmer weather, it’s still winter out there, and chances are you still need to be strategic when it comes to getting dressed for the elements. Mid-winter thaws are similar to late fall and early spring with their chilly morning temps, followed by temperate afternoon highs. Much like transitional seasons, during bouts of warm-ish winter weather, you’ll benefit from these tried and true layering techniques.

The three mainstays of good layering are: Avoid looking bulky, try not to wear scuzzy, wrinkled, or dull pieces, and lastly, your layering essentials should be versatile enough to be worn several ways. Basically, each of your layers should be functional, mid-to-lightweight, and polished enough to be worn on their own. To achieve these layering goals, you should have standard basics and a few statement garments to create interesting, yet functional, outfit combinations for this current warm-up, along with the colder days that will come back around.

First, start with a camisole in a neutral color and a soft fabric as your base layer. Consider your cami as an undergarment, which unlike the following layers, shouldn’t really see the light of day. A cami can also double as shapewear and help keep your outer layers from irritating your skin. I’m a big fan of camisoles with built-in shelf bras, which are longer in length, but to each their own. Your base layer should also consist of tights, especially on the really cold days, even if you aren’t wearing a dress or skirt. Tights under pants are a lady’s secret weapon for winter, and when things get seriously cold, bust out the big guns with leggings under your trousers. During these warm bouts, switch out tights for solid colored knee socks. Again, pick socks in your standard neutrals of black, navy, grey, and brown, but also have a few pop-of-color pairs to switch up your daily style. If you are wearing a dress, consider sheer tights or pantyhose instead of an opaque black pair to add some texture to a thaw-weather look. And trade out your camisole for a full slip, or slip set. Even a simple slip dress is great for layering under more substantial frocks, especially your go-to chunky sweater dress.

Once you have your base layer down, you can start to have fun mixing and matching additional layers. For the second layer, depending on how brisk, or lukewarm, the temperature, you have three options. For spring-like days, go for super-soft tees that are cute enough to wear on their own if you feel like peeling off some layers by the afternoon. For chillier days, go with a long-sleeved version of those tees or thermal henleys. For the really icy mornings, when it physically hurts to go outside, opt for ultimate coverage with a turtleneck.

With the third layer, you have even more choices to create a stylish look. A brightly colored or printed cardigan is great to wear over tees and turtlenecks or reach for a collared shirt as your mid-layer. You can even double down and don that fun cardi over your button-down; just make sure each piece is fairly lightweight to avoid bulk. You can also opt for a blazer over a shirt for a professional look. Crewneck and V-neck pullover sweaters are also an option for the middle layer, as are sweatshirts or hoodies for a sporty weekend feel.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a jacket for the third layer. Think moto or bomber jackets, especially if they are thin enough to wear under your overcoat, again to avoid bulk. A slim-fit denim jacket is also a fun option for underneath outerwear. If things are uncharacteristically warm, like highs in the 50s with lows in the upper 30s, you can ditch your winter coat and go with a jacket or trench as your final layer. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get outside and enjoy the warmer days — just be sure your mid layers are warm enough. No matter what that groundhog may say, winter is not officially over until March 19th, so keep the layers going until April goes out like a lamb.