“When bad layering happens to good people” is a common occurrence in northern cities. If you have ever experienced the merciless winter of north of the Mason Dixon, you know that layering is not only a fashion trend—it’s a means of survival. The more hats, scarves, sweaters, and jackets you can pile on, the better off you’ll fare against the gusting winds, unpredictable storms, and sometimes below zero temperatures of the season. But before you go layer-crazy, as always, we must warn you—there are rules to this game. Guys are no longer forced to forgo their cool looks and settle for streetwear down jackets to stay warm thanks to affordable options from major retailers, and the aim for ladies is to remain effortlessly fly and Vixen-esque while generating as much heat as possible. Take note from our examples, and stay cozy this winter! –Byron Edwards and Kae Lartey
WOMEN
UGG AUSTRALIA Novelty Fringe Scarf, $140, uggaustralia.com
NIXON “The Foxy Wool” Jacket, $50, karmaloop.com
FREE PEOPLE Village Cable Pullover, $98, freepeople.com
G STAR RAW Women’s Western Shirt, $54, amazon.com
NUDIE JEANS “Tight Long John” Jean, $179, djpremium.com
STEVE MADDEN “Hazele” Boot, $200, stevemadden.com
MEN
GAP 1969 Leather Shearling Collar Jacket, $350, gap.com
AMERICAN APPAREL Flex Fleece Raglan Pullover Hoody, $50, americanapparel.com
UNIQLO Regular Fit Straight Jeans 68, $50, uniqlo.com
CLARKS Desert Mail-Men Originals Black Leather $130, clarksusa.com
WOMEN
GAP Cable Knit V- Neck Sweater, $50, gap.com
FOREVER 21 Long Sleeve Loose Tee, $13, forever21.com
DKNYC Faux Fur Vest, $120, zappos.com
AMERICAN APPAREL Ribbed Nylon Legging, $36, americanapparel.com
JEFFREY CAMPBELL “Elegant Jewel” Flat, $120, solestruck.com
MEN
J. CREW Linen Herringbone Sport Coat in Ludlow fit, $325.00, jcrew.com
J. CREW Sweater Marled Lambswool Half-Zip Sweater, $50, jcrew.com
URBAN OUTFITTERS Speckled Watch Cap, $24, urbanoutfitters.com
LEVIS 510 Super Skinny Cords, $40, levis.com
WOMEN
URBAN RENEWAL Wool Beret, $24, urbanoutfitters.com
BB DAKOTA “Romaine” Coat, $70, bbdakota.com
RUGBY Merino Turtleneck Dress, $140, rugby.com
FREE PEOPLE Cashmere Leggings, $100, freepeople.com
LUICHINY “Belts Galore” Boot, $179, lulus.com
MEN
Supreme x North Face Nuptse Leopard Down Jacket, supreme.com
H&M Jeans, $50, hm.com
MACY’S Polo Ralph Lauren Gloves Merino Wool, $31, macys.com
GAP Merino Ottoman Scarf, $18, gap.com