With winter on the approach, it’s easy to sacrifice sartorial satisfaction for layers that keep the bite of cool air at bay. And while there’s nothing wrong with cocooning yourself in a trusty old coat, does that one-and-done approach really spark joy?

If your answer is no, then it’s time to leap towards new season style choices that don’t so much compete, but rather soar high above the rest.

Start with the exaggerated proportions of an oversized jacket, blown out yet cinched in to deliver an off-duty silhouette with attitude. Add to that a buoyant pop of red and consider our collective spirit lifted.

There’s power in numbers, too, and even traditional takes on checked tailoring can provide visual punch when worn two, three and four-fold. Shirt plus suit plus coat; the equation results in a look that’s bounding with energy, yet smart enough to transfer into nine-to-five territory.

The same can be said for the graphic impact of an optic white skirt set against the darkest of tones. Pair it with pointed-toe boots as the forecast falls further—though this time around the trick is to make the switch. If you usually wear black try a pale pair on for size and watch your wardrobe transform in front of your eyes. Think of it as pushing the elements you already know just far enough outside of their comfort zone.

To that end, take flight and frame your sharpest suit with a ladylike skirt, or arm soft separates with a light-as-a-feather outerwear option. The movement-filled flourishes won’t hold you back, only belie the weight of winter as they delicately dance and swirl in the brisk breeze… up, up and away.