Wintertime can be a beautiful, joyous season, but in terms of fashion, all that bulky clothing can get kind of frustrating. Because bulk only leads to one thing: that Abominable Snowman look, which is never in style.

Speaking of snowmen, I can’t stress enough how horrible and out-of-style “marshmallow” coats have become – to be honest, I’d rather brave the outdoors in a t-shirt and shorts.

Ideally, you want to find a winter ensemble that will fit your personality, be stylish, and keep you warm.

First off – and this goes with any season – it’s important to purchase form-fitting items. Be proud of your body – even if you’ve got some problem areas, they will only look worse if you allow yourself to get swallowed up in a shapeless sweater. Show off your asserts with clothes that match your body shape, without delving too far into the low-cut and super-tight.

Second, remember to jazz up your winter attire with jewelry and scarves. Scarves can be draped strategically to accentuate and hide certain areas, and they’re becoming more fashionable every day.

Similarly, bracelets and earrings take some of the pressure off your body, allowing people to focus on your unique personality and good taste – or maybe that new haircut and French manicure. Plus, accessories are a great way to make different outfits stand out, even if you’re stuck rotating the same two or three jackets throughout the winter months.

As usual, this year’s cold weather brought with it a fresh array of coats and jackets, designed to keep your warm while looking chic.

When shopping for jackets, it’s important to consider your wants – are you looking for something warm, dressy, durable, fashionable? Do you want to be able to wear your jacket skiing down a mountain, walking up the street, or dining at a fancy restaurant?

Although a winter sports jacket might not be appropriate for all social situations, keep in mind that these are often extremely well made, offering thick insulation to keep your teeth from chattering. Alternatively, a tweed jacket might look more stylish, but you’ll probably have to layer other items to get the same level of warmth.

I always try to find a nice balance between fashion and warmth – I want to look good, but I have a very low tolerance for cold weather. If you’re like me, a faux fur jacket, leather jacket, or suede jacket might be the way to go – they’re available in a variety of fashionable colors and lengths, and tend to be surprisingly warm on the inside, as they are often insulated with wool.

Now, I’m a female, but there are plenty of options out there for men that allot for both warmth and fashion. You don’t have to be Fred Astaire – even something simple like a nice pair of gloves or scarf can change a dumpy outfit into something sexy. Then again, for some men even that is asking too much. Read on for some the opposite sex’s worst winter fashion transgressions.

First off: bulky ski gloves. It’s right in the name – these gloves are made for skiing, not going to the movies or anything else. On any outing that does not involve winter sports, a man should wear a nice pair of leather gloves instead. Make this change, and you’ll gain at least 10 fashion points, no questions asked.

Next we have an assortment of ugly winter hats – pretty much anything with logos, patterns, or (gasp) pom poms. To avoid a one-way ticket to frumpy-town, men should invest in a simple, solid-colored cashmere hat, which will allow them to look warm and cool.

Finally, we come to the worst offender: the puffy “Pillsbury Doughboy” jacket. Unless you’re literally teaching families to make warm croissants, there is no excuse for such attire. Puffy jackets don’t look good on anyone, but they tend to appear particularly ridiculous on big, strong men. They might make you feel warm and cuddly inside, but the external effect is, as advertised, puffiness – wear one of these, and people will assume you had too much apple pie over the holidays.

Alternative to such heresy, men should invest in a stylish overcoat, which looks especially nice over a suit and is a great choice for meetings, parties, and vacations alike. I recommend a single-breasted jacket from Ralph Lauren or Hugo Boss. Invest in a good jacket, and you’ll instantly feel more mature – the ladies might notice too.