It’s not a surprise to returning college students that the D.C. winter can be harsh. Although I am not Al Roker, I can assure you through my experience that all of this fickle weather will culminate into a mean, cold winter—kicking our ass. Paradise Exit knows that D.C. is a hub for students from all over.

The kids from up north have had the conditioning that gives them a stylish advantage in the winter; but what if you’re from the west coast or the Caribbean? Don’t worry, Paradise Exit is going to get you through this winter with style, and who knows, you may find yourself begging for some more winter wonderland, or maybe not.

One of the most important ways to combat any cold weather is finding a great jacket. College students sometimes think that piling on four hoodies is just the same. False. Find yourself a nice TAILORED coat. If you’re taller, go for a longer duffle coat (get fancy and find some cool toggle buttons). If you’re on the shorter side try a nice quilted jacket this season. No one should be afraid to wear a bubble coat or a leather motorcycle jacket; it is a must. For the business associates out there, typically seen on campus in suits, try a nice tailored overcoat. The warmest have a wool lining. If you’re hard on jackets and plan on wearing them out till the end of time, black is your best bet. With the simple addition of a nice warm coat, your blood will not only be thicker, people will want to hug you just for the sake of how comfortable you look and frostbite will no longer be on your list of worries. The next step is finding great gloves; go for the leather or wool.

A great coat is nothing without something equally fabulous underneath. There are many great ways to still look stylish under your nice winter jacket sans a white t-shirt. Flannels are a warm must for the winter season and for the manly-men it gives you that rugged edge that you have probably been trying to convince yourself of. In addition, flannels provide great layering opportunities; they can go over hoodies and they work well over waffle shirts (thermals) too. Another important purchase is a down vest, a great layering piece that adds a playful texture to any winter look. Not to mention, they’re usually really warm.

To top it all off, the look is not complete without a cool hat . Don’t be afraid to play around with this. Go all out and try an Elmer Fudd look. Pair it with a nice scarf, maybe one with the whole collegiate theme. With the incorporation of these basic winter essentials, your look can be instantly upgraded from a shivering icicle to a stylish bundle of warmth, and escape the need for hibernation.

Great Stores in D.C. for the winter: H&M, Zara, Urban Outfitters, Ralph Lauren, Patagonia, Lost Boys, JCREW, Stussy, For the Greater Good