Winter has truly settled in and, as much as we may hope for a mild season, chances are we will be feeling freezing temperatures from now until late April. Dressing for the weather is not usually a fun or stylish task, but more a matter of function. But even the most practically minded of us can underestimate the effects of winter weather and make mistakes when getting dressed at the start of the day. Here are the most common errors of winter dressing and how to avoid making them in the months ahead.

First, wearing the wrong socks. For days when you don’t need boots but instead are sporting loafers or sneakers, choosing the right sock is essential in keeping your ankles and calves covered. Low-cut socks, sheer knee-high type socks, or forgoing socks all together should all be avoided. When wearing dress shoes, look for wool or thick cotton crew and knee socks that match your shoe’s color — so black socks for black shoes, brown for brown, etc. For sneakers, have fun with colors and patterns and, if you find a fleece-lined pair, all the better. If you’re at the gym, bring along a pair of athletic socks to change into for your workout and then dry, heavy socks to keep your feet warm when you leave. I’d also recommend layering a pair of knee-socks over tights for days when you’re sporting a dress with tall boots for additional warmth.

Speaking of feet, skip the stilettos unless you plan on being transported by magic carpet doorstep to car and back again. Wearing weather-inappropriate shoes in winter is a killer for your feet (and your shoes). I don’t know about you, but if my feet are cold, the rest of me is cold. So, save your heels, mules, and fancy flats for fair weather and instead stick with boots, thick-soled loafers, or tennis shoes. If you’re dying to wear a heel, then bag ’em up and change shoes at your destination.

Not investing in a coat. A quality coat is key in surviving winter. Not only do you want something that keeps you warm, but it is also functional for your lifestyle, with well-placed pockets, easy to work closures, a durable material, and maybe a detachable hood. About five winters ago, I bit the bullet and invested in a proper winter coat that is insulated and waterproof, and I couldn’t be happier. Is it the most stylish option? No, but it’s great for every day and for outdoor activities like hiking and sledding. Don’t get me wrong, a statement piece of outerwear like a faux-fur trimmed lavender overcoat or a double-breasted military-inspired trench are great pieces to throw onto basic jeans and tee on a drabby winter’s day. But on those truly blustery mornings, nothing beats a down, zip-up long puffy coat. Believe you me, they are worth the investment and will be a key piece of any winter wardrobe for years on end.

Forgetting cold-weather accessories. Hats, scarves, and gloves are essentials for winter. I know it can be a pain keeping track of these additional items, there’s already so much to do to get out of the door in the mornings, but it’s better to be late than be shivering. There’s the old wives’ tale that you lose 75% body heat from your head, which isn’t physically true, but like with cold feet, if my ears, head, and neck are cold, it just sends tremors down the rest of my body. A warm neck and ears are the key to winter stamina, and no one needs the tingling of numb, frozen fingers. Of course, scarves, hats, and gloves are great ways to bring some color and pattern into your winter look. Plus, having a few different sets (some of which you may be able to mix and match depending on the colors) can bring some versatility to your investment coat. I’m a big fan of insulated gaiters for outdoor activities and knitted snoods that create a turtleneck effect. And while it may be a nuisance to remember where you put your mittens and beanie, at least you can always keep your scarf on for additional coverage, indoors as well as out of doors.

The last major mistake of winter dress is skipping a base layer. A base layer, whether it be long underwear, shapewear, fleece leggings, and a thermal tee, or Under Armour type apparel, is critical for the coldest of these cold days. There’s always that week (or two or three) in the deadest time of winter when you feel the cold in your bones. But, with a solid base layer, you’ll be prepared to bear the brunt of the wind, snow, and freezing nights. Often, I’ll wear opaque tights as a base layer with my skinny jeans, or leggings under wide-leg trousers. I’ll either go with a turtleneck or long-sleeved T-shirt under blouses, button-downs, and sweaters. Pieces like leg warmers, fingerless gloves, arm warmers, and circle scarves are also great layering components. And this winter we’ll also have masks to help lock in our body heat.

With any luck, we will have a few stretches of temperate days here and there to keep our spirits up until spring. In the meantime, make sure your feet are dry, your head is covered, your base is layered, and your coat is insulated. Hot cocoa couldn’t hurt either.