Remember those days in late November when temperatures were flirting with the 70s and you didn’t even have to wear a jacket outside? Yeah, those days are long over. Instead, it’s cold – really cold. And those warm, sunny days aren’t coming back anytime soon.

With the cold comes those old ugly winter clothes you’ve been sporting since Nickelback was popular. You know, the bulky leather jacket you bought back in the day at Wilson’s. Those cheap gloves your mother stuffed in your stocking.

Well, you’re a big boy now, and you should be wearing big boy clothes. There’s no need to dress like Alfie’s little brother in A Christmas Story.

Updating your winter look doesn’t have to be expensive and you don’t have to be fashion-forward. Here are a few winter must-haves that every guy should have in his winter wardrobe:

Pea Coat – This is the staple of my winter attire and it should be yours as well. Unlike your puffy white jacket with all the NBA logos on it, a pea coat will never go out of style, I promise. A pea coat’s popularity comes in its simplicity and durability, hence the reason the Navy still issues them to sailors. It keeps you warm, is rugged and can be worn over the top of anything. Stick with standard neutral colors like black or navy. Gray isn’t a bad choice either. Prices can vary depending on where you’re shopping. I own two identical pea coats: a pricey one from Express ($300) and a cheap on from Target ($70). The one from Express is a little heavier, but other than that they look the same. The one from Target comes in handy when I venture to the bars. That way I don’t have to worry about my good coat trapping smoke in the fabric and collecting the half of the rum and coke the drunk guy next me just spilled.

Leather Gloves – This is a given, but most men overlook purchasing a decent pair of leather gloves. You don’t have to go all Brooks Brothers and get a $150 pair. I bought mine at Dillard’s for $20. They’re durable, water resistant and cheap enough that it won’t be a big deal if I lose them. While you’re at it, get two pairs: one brown and one black. That way you don’t have to be the guy sporting brown gloves with a black coat.

Long Underoos – This isn’t a joke. I own a pair and during the really cold months, I wear them regularly. These aren’t your grandpa’s cotton long underwear with the flap on the behind. I prefer Under Armour – they’re lightweight, comfortable and you can wear them under a suit without anyone noticing. A pair of Under Armour underpants will set you back $40, but they are worth the splurge. The high-tech material traps heat produced from your body without making you sweat. Remember, they are underwear, so please don’t wear them more than one day in a row.

Wool Tie – This is strictly a style thing. A wool tie won’t keep you any warmer than a silk tie, but you’ll look better in the winter months. A wool tie brings a winter suit together nicely. The downfall is that they can be expensive and hard to find. A wool tie at Banana Republic will run you $60, and that’s probably the cheapest you’re going to find in town. Best bet is to cross your fingers and thrift it.

Save yourself some dough and don’t buy these things:

Puffy Down Vests – GQ has been pumping these puffy vests for two seasons now. They’re big and bulky and worthless. It’s a vest. Who wears one to stay warm? Remember this piece of advice: if you can buy it at Old Navy, it’s probably not trendy any longer.

Gloves that are cut off at the knuckles – I’ve never been in a situation where my palms are cold but my fingers aren’t. They’re useless. I know; I own a pair.

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