Getting dressed in the winter is a challenge. While the holidays can be sartorially interesting, come January, you’ve probably fused to your bed in a carb-induced hibernation. Getting dressed and out the door takes time, energy, and the strength to leave your warm house for the frozen tundra of the outside world.

But it doesn’t have to be such a struggle. Instead of wearing hoodies and long underwear for the next three months, try livening up your wardrobe with on-trend fits, fabrics, and patterns. When it comes to upgrading your style, suits are the best place to start because they’re most versatile ensemble in your wardrobe. Once you find a few suits you actually look forward to wearing, you’re basically set for weddings, interviews, work parties, fancy dates, and any other formal events that come your way. Before you suit up, check out this rundown of the best cuts and trends of the season courtesy of the style experts at Indochino (and save up to 70% off at their Black Friday sale).

Fabrics

When it comes to winter apparel, the most important thing to keep in mind is obviously warmth. When you’re heading to a fancy event, you probably won’t want to lug your heavy-duty, Arctic-ready down parka. A suit made of the right material will do the heavy lifting for you. Indochino’s suits come in a variety of weights, including heavy and medium, so you can choose the best fabric for your climate and temperature preference.

If comfort is your main priority, consider the suit’s super number, which denotes quality. A higher number means narrower fibers and a softer feel. You can also go with a soft merino wool. The fine, natural fibers make this cozy fabric a flexible alternative to its coarser counterparts. It even helps keep moisture away from your body. Merino wool also has some stretch to it, which comes in handy when you’re wearing it for hours on end. If you want something even more breathable and light, try a silk blend suit.

Colors and Patterns

Sure, black is classic, but it can also get boring. Instead of sticking with the basic choice, try a gray suit for a sophisticated look that still stands out. The best thing about gray is that it looks great with most accessories in your closet, which means you won’t have to shell out for a new tie, watch, or shoes. Plus, it comes in a variety of shades so you’re sure to find one that looks great with your complexion and represents your personality. If you’re feeling adventurous, but not too crazy, try charcoal. Gray or silver sharkskin, on the other hand, is a lighter and brighter choice for those frigid but sunny days.

If you’re looking to explore beyond the grays, a muted maroon is a stylish alternative that’s perfect for an understated winter look. Navy also works well in the colder months because it’s vibrant without being ostentatious. Indigo is richer, and while it veers further away from the norm, it’s still dark enough to stand out without making you look like a clown. And in general, blue is appropriate for pretty much any situation.

If you need to look extra sharp, try monochromatic dressing. This look is best when kept simple, so stick to neutral tones. Throw on a gray shirt and tie underneath your gray suit, but remember to vary tones, shades, and textures to give your ensemble some interesting variety.

Fit

Taking a note from the skinny jean trend, modern suits have been veering towards a slim fit. Fortunately, a skinnier cut looks more personalized and better suited to your body. Indochino suits are also made to measure, so they will work perfectly with your measurements.

Fit basics: When you try on a suit, make sure you’re standing naturally. Try not to drop your shoulders, stick out your hips, or pop your neck out. Just relax and stand up straight to properly assess how a suit looks and feels. The jacket should lie flat on your shoulders, your pants should drape smoothly over your butt with no wrinkles or sagging, the legs should only break once, and the cuff should hit the top of your dress shoes.

Now that all your suiting questions have been answered, set yourself up for trendy, seasonal wardrobe with up to a 70% discount at Indochino’s Black Friday Sale.

Nandita Raghuram is a Senior Writer for Studio@Gawker. She tweets here.

This post is a sponsored collaboration between Indochino and Studio@Gawker.