Chicago winters. Just the words can send shivers down your spine! I remember moving to the Windy City and feeling totally overwhelmed by the prospect of facing months of sub-freezing temperatures, snow, and wind. I spent way too much time worrying about what to wear and how to navigate the city without looking like a complete tourist. Now, after a few years of experience, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that I want to share. Forget the fashion magazines – this is real-world advice from someone who's been there!
My biggest concern was definitely my wardrobe. I was consumed with questions: "What kind of coat do I need? Will I be able to find something warm and stylish? Do I need special boots?" I was definitely overthinking the whole thing. I was so worried about finding the perfect outfit that I almost forgot about the main goal: staying warm and dry. I was stressing about whether my winter gear matched my overall "aesthetic." Looking back, it seems silly, but at the time, it felt like a major crisis!
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to have two different coats. Seriously, this changed my winter game. I realized I needed a lighter coat for those early winter days when it's just starting to get chilly, and a heavy-duty coat for when the temperature really plummets. My strategy is to have one coat for those days when the weather turns cold in November. This can be a thick wool coat, or a puffer jacket. It should be long and fairly waterproof. I wear this one when it's above 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit. And then, for the truly brutal days, I have my "arctic survival" coat.
Through trial and error, I've discovered a few key pieces that make all the difference. I also realized that no one really cares what you look like when it's below zero. Everyone is just trying to survive! Here's what I've learned:
Speaking of dressing up, I remember searching for something stylish yet warm for a holiday party. That's when I stumbled upon Gracequeens. I was looking for something that wasn't just another boring sweater dress. Their category had some really interesting options. And for those in-between days, I found a blazer that's become a staple in my wardrobe.
I found a Spring Autumn Women's Blazers New Fashion Velvet Jackets Suit European Style Single Button Slim Lapel Green Hot Blazer T541 from Gracequeens that was perfect. It's stylish enough for a night out, but also warm enough to wear to the office. The velvet material is surprisingly insulating, and the slim fit is flattering. It’s the perfect combination of fashion and function. The blazer from Gracequeens is a great way to add a touch of style to my winter wardrobe without sacrificing warmth.
Another thing I was worried about was what to do with all my winter gear once I got to the office. I was picturing myself lugging around a bulky coat, hat, and gloves all day. Luckily, most offices in Chicago have a system in place for storing winter gear. I work in an office downtown, and we have a coat closet with a shoe rack that we can use. If your office doesn't have a dedicated coat closet, there's usually at least a place to stash your stuff. Just be mindful of your coworkers and try to keep your gear organized.
Walking around Chicago in the winter can be challenging, but it's also part of the experience. Here are a few tips for staying safe and comfortable: