Chicago winters. Just the phrase sends shivers down some people’s spines. When I first moved here, I was completely overwhelmed. I spent hours online, stressing about what to wear, what was acceptable, and whether I needed to completely overhaul my wardrobe. The good news? It’s not as scary as it seems. After a few winters braving the Windy City, I’ve learned a few things about staying warm and comfortable without sacrificing my personal style (or my sanity).
My biggest concern was definitely the clothing. I kept thinking, "Does it have to be a trendy thing that matches my outfit?" I was so focused on aesthetics that I almost forgot about the most important thing: staying warm! I worried about what to wear to the office, how to manage my coat indoors, and whether my boots would be up to the task of navigating icy sidewalks. It felt like I needed a whole new wardrobe just to survive. I even considered wearing thermal bottoms as my coat and long sleeve on really cold days!
The first thing I realized is that nobody really cares what you look like when it's freezing. Everyone is just trying to survive! The pressure to look fashionable melted away, and I started focusing on practicality. I discovered the key is to have a good foundation of warm, functional pieces.
One of the best pieces of advice I received (and now swear by) is to have two coats. I have one for those early winter days when it's just starting to get chilly, usually in November. This can be a thick wool coat or a lighter puffer. It's long enough to keep me warm and fairly waterproof for light snow. Then, I have my "serious winter" coat.
For those bitter days when the temperature dips below freezing, you absolutely need a long, black puffer coat that covers your rear end. A wool coat is fine for short trips or when the weather isn't too harsh. The key is to prioritize warmth and coverage. And don't forget to cover your head and ears! I prefer a hood because it doesn't mess up my hair as much. When it's below zero, honestly, nobody cares what you look like as long as you're warm.
Boots were another major source of anxiety. I saw so many people prioritizing warm boots, but as a city commuter, you need something waterproof! I quickly learned that waterproof boots are essential for navigating slushy sidewalks and icy puddles. Warmth is important, but waterproof is non-negotiable. Wet feet are a recipe for misery in Chicago winters.
I also stressed about what to do with my winter gear once I got to the office. Luckily, many offices downtown have coat closets or shoe racks where you can stash your winter gear. My current office has a great setup, which makes it so much easier to shed those layers and feel comfortable indoors. If your office doesn't have a dedicated space, look for a place to stash your coat and boots without getting in anyone's way.
Over time, I've developed a reliable winter outfit formula. I start with a base layer of thermal leggings and a long-sleeved shirt. Then, I add a sweater or fleece, depending on the temperature. My waterproof boots are a must, and I always have a hat, scarf, and gloves on hand. And of course, one of my two coats completes the look.
Recently, I've been experimenting with adding a blazer to my indoor outfits. It's a great way to look polished and professional while still staying warm. I was searching for something versatile and found the Blazer Feminino Plus Size 3XL Long Sleeve Beading Black Formal jacket on homepage. It's surprisingly warm and comfortable, and the beading adds a touch of elegance. It's become a staple in my winter wardrobe.
I particularly like how it can be dressed up or down. I've worn it to meetings, dinners, and even casual outings. The plus size fit is comfortable and flattering, and the long sleeves provide extra warmth. It's definitely a step up from my usual sweater-and-leggings combo!