With its plummeting temperatures, slushy sidewalks and falling snow, winter can easily be one of the hardest seasons to dress for – especially without buying an entire wardrobe of new clothes. But don’t despair, collegiettes; you can deal with winter weather by layering, layering, layering! You can stay cozy in the season’s warmest outfits by mixing and matching your fall fashion staples. We’ll show you how to create chic layered outfits that don’t feel bulky—just toasty!

1. Date night out with your guy

Date Night by hercampus featuring ankle boots (asos.com)

Winter dates can be a challenge to dress for – how do you rock a dress or skirt without also falling victim to the freezing temperatures and sidewalk slush? Layering is a winter-date-night game-changer! You can still look flirty and feminine in a lace-trim skirt while staying warm if you add layers on top and some opaque black tights on bottom.

Try a twist on the classic collared shirt layered underneath a sweater by topping it with a turtleneck silhouette instead! Add a pair of snow-friendly, thick-heeled Chelsea boots, which have the dressed-up silhouette of heels but will also keep you steady in slush, ice and whatever else the weather winter might throw at you on date night.

2. Chilly walks to class

Chilly Walks to Class by hercampus featuring black leggings as pants (vilanya.com)

Comfy-chic layers are the key to surviving long walks to class in the morning – and they can seriously come in handy in classrooms when the heat is on full blast and the last thing you want is to be stuck in a heavy sweater with nothing underneath. We love the look of a simple gray cardigan peeking out from under an anorak jacket; it’s a totally effortless combo that still looks put-together for class. Stay chic and comfy by trying an update on your basic black leggings: Switch them out for ones with zipper details instead! For the walk to class, top your look off with a furry, black infinity scarf.

3. Weekend brunch with the girls

Weekend Brunch by hercampus featuring a wool blend coat (asos.com)

Look effortlessly put together at your next Sunday brunch with chic layers that are as comfy as your PJs. It can be hard to take off those sweatpants and get dressed on a Sunday morning, so opt for gray joggers—look for them in a soft, sweatpant-esque fabric—and add layers on top. We like a lace cami underneath a denim chambray shirt to add a feminine touch to this laidback look. Add a sharp black coat with leather trim to top it all off and a beanie for extra warmth (or to hide messy Sunday-morning hair!).

4. Saturday afternoon ice-skating

Ice-Skating by hercampus featuring a faux fur vest

Take the basic jeans-and-a-sweater weekend uniform to the next level by topping your favorite pair of skinnies with layers instead! Start with a boyfriend-style plaid shirt in classic red tones to look festive for your favorite winter weekend activities. If you’re headed off for a day of ice-skating with friends, update your leather jacket by topping it with a fun, furry ladies waistcoats, which adds a dose of chic to your weekend jeans. Headed off the ice for a hot chocolate break? Shearling booties look super cute, and the low wedge heel keeps them casual enough for the weekend.

Getting creative with layers is the best way to combat winter’s dreary, cold weather and to keep wearing some of your favorite fall pieces as the temperatures plummet. Do you have any other favorite ways to layer? Tell us in the comments!