Layers are the real key. Light t-shirt, sweater/blouse, fleece, then winter coat. I like 3-in-1s but I just got a knee-length puffer last year and love how warm it keeps me by covering my butt and legs!

As far as brands, Google winter gear brands and nearly all of them are solid. Columbia, Patagonia, REI, Arteryx, LL Bean, Marmot, Sorel, Kamik, and Canada Goose. I've used all of these over the years except Canada Goose because I can't afford that.

Columbia is my favorite smfh I go back to it often. My favorite fleece, coat, and winter hiking boots are so Columbia. North Face is popular and good, but my Columbia fleeces seem to last a little longer and be a little warmer. Maybe it's just me but it seems like Mountain Hard Wear has gone down hill in quality lately too.