Layers, layers, layers.

I've had great success with numerous cold weather brands, with almost everything lasting years. (Columbia, Patagonia, REI, Arteryx, LL Bean, Sorel, Kamik). Also, when in doubt, look at Scandinavian and Canadian brands. Usually expensive, but they know how to keep you warm! The most important, though, is to get layers and stick with natural fabrics. A light merino wool shirt will keep you dry and temperature-regulated better than any polyester fabrics. I usually look for wool or wool-cotton blends.

You're going to want the following layers. Light t-shirts, short and long sleeved. Light sweaters. Heavy sweaters and fleece jackets. Those fleece jackets are great on their own in fall or are the second layer you need under a heavy duty winter coat. Look for a coat or outer shell that will keep you dry, like with the material Gore-tex. There are other similar nauseated fabrics that are weatherproof but breathable. That's just the material I know from my military gear also Columbia winter gear, including boots.

An easy way to gear up, look for 3-in-1 coats from those winter brands. They come with a fleece inner jacket and a weatherproof outdoor jacket that work together or can be worn separately. Layer other parts as well. I usually have thin knit gloves, a medium weight leather or athletic gloves, and a heavy duty snow glove. Again, mix and match as needed for the conditions.

Other layers depend on how much you are outside. Working a normal office job, you're fine, but if you want to spend a whole day outside, consider long johns as an additional layer, fleece lined jeans, and at least two pairs of socks, one wool. For socks, I'm a die-hard Darn Tough fan. Comfortable, warm, durable and a lifetime guarantee.