With the end of the holiday season, we are now facing the brutal business of winter, which includes freezing temperatures, ice, snow, sleet, and wind. To survive this time of year means dressing in layers, more specifically base layers. Normally reserved for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and skiing, base layers are now becoming a staple for everyday wear. And while you can spend quite a bit of money on high-tech wicking shirts and pants, you can also be creative with low-cost and stylish pieces. Of course, if you’re a winter outdoorsman, then you know the importance of investing in a quality base layer. However, if you’re just looking to stay warm in your day-to-day life, here are some base layer hacks and retailers.

First off, some base layer basics. Quite simply, a base layer is the layer of clothing worn against the skin. This can include high-performance Under Armour apparel, good old-fashioned long-johns, or just a camisole and tights. The point is to create a foundation on which to build additional layers and stay warm. I’m a big fan of soft, smooth fabric to comprise my base layer, like silk, cotton, or fleece. Of course, synthetic fabric can also feel cozy against the skin, but steer clear of scratchy wools, which are best left for sweaters and coats. Your base layer should be form-fitting, close to the shape of your body, but not sausage-casing tight. Anything too loose or oversized will create bulk and static with your middle and outer layers. Don’t worry about looking good in your base layer; no one is supposed to see it. The base layer is not a fashion statement, but instead a functional part of winter wear.

Of course, functional does not have to be unfashionable. While your base layer’s main goal is to keep you warm, it can also add print and texture to your outfit. Case in point: The printed turtleneck. A patterned turtleneck is a fun layering piece to have in your winter closet rotation. Stripes, checks, or an apres-esque design peeking out from beneath a button-down shirt, or providing coverage under a sleeveless sheath, is an easy and cozy style statement during the colder months. I really like the Cuddle Duds’ line of “softwear.” Their stretch turtlenecks come in a multitude of colors and prints, are soft to the touch, and effortlessly conform to your body. For a matching set, also check out their leggings for lightweight comfort and warmth without the bulk.

Uniqlo’s online store has a great line, for both men and women of Heattech products, which they tout as innerwear that generates heat from your body. Long and short-sleeve tees, leggings, tights, and long underwear are priced between $10-$30 and will suit your base layer needs all winter long. Their variety of colors keeps you from spending these colder months in basic black, and like printed turtlenecks above, gives you a chance to flash a pop of color from beneath your standard neutral cardigan. Their colorful tights and leggings give you a playful dash of color above winter boots.

For warm activewear at a reasonable price, look no further than Old Navy. Their compression leggings feature flat-lock seaming to prevent chafing and are made with moisture-wicking fabric. They come in standard black, but also tone-on-tone color blocking, florals, and stripes. While technically meant for the gym, these workout leggings also make a great base layer and can be worn on their own come spring. And don’t forget that famous performance fleece, in both pullovers and jackets. Again, even though they are not technically a base layer, these toppers are breathable and light enough to layer for the winter. You can mix a workout jacket with its longer sleeves and thumb holes with standard office wear, like a blazer, to give your cold-weather work ensemble some sporty edge.

Speaking of fleece, Amazon has you covered with all the lightweight matching sets you can dream of. You can purchase individual pieces, or matching tops and bottoms at every price point. If you find a set you love, order it in multiple colors for a variety of outfitting options. I also recommend Amazon for fleece-lined socks. You can get both trousers socks and casual slipper socks, either as single pairs or in multipacks. Warm and durable socks are a must-have for the winter.

Even if you’re not an avid winter hunter or skier, but you still want a guaranteed, high-quality base layer, check out mid-range retailers like L.L. Bean and Lands’ End. Both brands have light-to-mid weight base layers for men and women. You’ll spend a bit more, but you’ll also get a better fit and a few more features, like odor resistant fabric. If you’re truly not playing when it comes to staying warm this winter, LL Bean has high-performance base layers for day, while Lands’ End thermaksin sleepwear has you literally covered at night.

If you feel like your base and mid-layers are a bit boring, you can pump things up with your outerwear and winter weather accessories. Graphic coats, hats, and gloves in bright colors, and oversized scarves can elevate your basic layers to make a stylish wintertime statement. If you’re going with patterned outwear, keep the accessories neutral. On the flip side, if you need to jazz up your grey overcoat, go for prints and color in your hat, gloves, and scarf. I love the idea of a plaid scarf with a solid-colored coordinated glove-and-hat set to breathe some fresh air into your standard black puffer coat.

No matter where you pick up your base layer and winter wear, be sure to cover your gaps when you head outside. Ankles, wrists, necks, and ears should all be protected to keep your body heat where it belongs, on your body.