So the holidays are here, and you find yourself being invited to seasonal get-togethers and parties (lucky you), or perhaps you just want to go for a stroll with some hot chocolate. But there’s one little hang-up. You can’t wear those raggedy old sweats with the mac and cheese stain on them. It’s the holidays; you want to embody the spirit of the season. Here are some guidelines to make sure you look fly like a reindeer this holiday season.

Outerwear
Let’s start with outerwear. First up: hats, preferably beanies. It’s important to keep warm. You can try and look good, but if you’re cold, it’s going to show. There’s a way to look fashionable and stay warm, and it all starts with what’s on top of your head, where you lose most of your body heat. There are really two types of beanies: the type with the fun-loving puff on top or those that have a more sleek and sophisticated look. It’s all a matter of preference. Some might go with a Darth Vader puff beanie, while others go for a Ralph Lauren minimalist look.

To go with that beanie, you’re going to need a jacket. Jackets can sometimes be a conundrum for us guys. Chances are you’ll want to look sharp but also keep warm without looking like a kindergartener bundled up at the bus stop. To keep you at your warmest this holiday season, Columbia offers some great picks. The Hellfire down jacket, with its Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining, is a dependable choice. It’s tight and warm without the bulk athletic jackets often have. Columbia’s Barlow Pass 550 Turbodown jacket is another option that is worth taking a look at. Its patented Turbodown insulation and removable faux-fur hood will get you through the snow while still keeping it “cool.” If you want to downsize, the stylish and form-fitting peacoat is a popular option that adds a little extra sophistication. Leather jackets are always a favorite, as long as it’s not too frigid outside.

Party Wear
So you’ve made it through the cold and to your destination. Once you make it indoors, you’ll eventually have to take your jacket and hat off, no matter how much you love that Darth Vader beanie. For tops, flannels and sweaters are the way to go. Flannels are a tried and true go-to. Comfortable, stylish (if you pick the right colors) and warm, flannels are always a good choice that go with both jeans and khakis.

Believe it or not, the shunning of the ugly Christmas sweater has become a thing of the past. Now, you can actually find websites, like the appropriately titled uglychristmassweater.com, that offer sweaters with all sorts of lighthearted designs and seasonal themes. Alas, these are more for novelty and holiday fun. If you’d rather stay more conventional, look for an argyle, but one that isn’t too loud and doesn’t distract with Stanley Kubrick shapes.

With bottoms, jeans are the most obvious choice. But what if you’re going to a special get-together and you want to be dressier? Give khakis a shot; just match them to the rest of your outfit. But stay away from khakis with a million different cargo pockets. Although those pockets can come in handy when trying to stash snacks from the appetizer table, they can make the pants extra baggy and make you look like you’ve had too much egg nog. And, for the love of the holidays, no skinny jeans or sweatpants. While the latter might be comfortable, they really don’t belong at a party. And as for the former? They don’t belong anywhere.

Footwear
Given that it’s the holidays – and winter – chances are you won’t be going out in sneakers. There are plenty of good choices when it comes to footwear that both make sense for the weather and also look presentable. Timberland has a nice selection that will likely match whatever else you’re wearing. Check out the company’s classic 6-inch waterproof boot.

Don’t Break the Bank
Be smart this winter; stay warm and stay at the top of your game without going broke. Many of the clothes listed here can be found at department stores like Macy’s that offer sales and coupons on a regular basis. And that Darth Vader beanie? That’s at Five Below. May the Force be with you this holiday season.

By Jason Savio