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Biking to work or play in winter doesn’t have to be a chore. By following a few simple guidelines, you’ll get to your final destination rejuvenated and looking fantastic.

Wool keeps you dry even when it’s wet. Look for merino wool base layers, hoodies, glove liners, socks and everything else for cold-weather commutes. Even those sensitive to other wools seem to have success with merino.

Check out thrift stores for wonderful wool options on a budget. Cut sleeves off cashmere and wool tops to create one-of-a-kind arm warmers. Consider repurposing oversized wool sweaters by washing them in hot water, then drying in high heat, to create a “felted” top that fights off wind and rain.

Biking is a physical experience, so don’t forget that you’ll get warmer as you exert yourself. Depending on your speed – and perhaps the number of hills on your commute – consider dressing for 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the forecast temperature. Always wear layers that you can add or subtract along the way.

Finding outerwear that will keep you dry without turning you into a pool of sweat is essential. Gore-Tex is the most waterproof and breathable option for rainy or slushy days, but also one of the most expensive. Look for anything with a finish labeled “DWR,” aka Durable Water Repellent, at your local bike shop or outdoor apparel store – these materials wick moisture while keeping out the wet and won’t take a bite out of your budget. Also look out for taped seams – waterproofing will get you almost nowhere if rain is seeping in at every seam.

When looking for safety options for your head, consider a helmet that has ear covers, or invest in a helmet liner or cover.

After calculating your needs for performance versus style, decide whether you want neoprene booties over shoes and socks, classic knee-high boots, or funky galoshes. Anyone who commutes in the rain should consider stashing shoes in their bag and sporting bootie-covered shoes for the ride, as it’s never fun to slosh around in soggy shoes after arriving at a destination. In a pinch, create gaiters by covering stylish shoes or boots with plastic bags.

Those who have easy access to showers at their destination and/ or great rain gear can ignore fenders, but most others will want them to avoid road spray. Fenders come in three basic varieties. Full fenders are frequently a hassle to install, but keep the vast majority of wetness away from you. Race blades are designed for road bikes; they usually keep most of the moisture away and install in a fraction of the time. Others, most often used for mountain bikes, attach to your front fork or seatpost and are a breeze to install, but don’t deflect quite as much wetness. Especially when using full fenders, buying those designed to fit your wheel circumference and width is crucial – look on the sidewalls of your tires to see what size your tires are if you’re not sure. Some full fenders are compatible with disc brakes. Some come with mud flaps for an added level of protection – most useful if you’re riding with others in a paceline, not so much if you’re riding alone.