Chanel Fall 2006; Photo Source: Style.com
Average December Temps: High of 37; Low of 24
Average January Temps: High of 32; Low of 18
First snowfall of 1″ or more (average): December 2
Chicago is a popular vacation spot and business travel location, and whether you’re into baseball, shopping, the art scene, or food, you’ll be a happy camper in Chi-town. The second largest city in the United States is a veritable fashion and shopping mecca for the central part of the country, and thanks to Michelle Obama’s wardrobe supplier and boutique owner Ikram Goldman, the city is now more highly regarded as a style force than ever before.
The one major problem afflicting fashionable girls in the city is the harsh weather, which usually strikes in November and can last all spring. So how can you pack for wind chills of below freezing (and below 0); or expect to complete a shopping marathon in a snowstorm? Whether you’re headed to the city for business or for vacation, keep reading for tips we’ve collected from some of Chicago’s most fearlessly fashionable experts.
Weather in Chicago
Average temps in Chicago start to plummet well before the official start of winter, and while the first real snow hits after Thanksgiving, it can come at any time: you’re more likely to experience early snow than random unseasonably warm days like in New York. And if you think you’re used to the cold, The Windy City’s infamous windchill blows gusts from lake shore areas through downtown, so you’re going to have bundle up whether you like it or not.
What to wear in Chicago
The good news is that every Chicago girl we talked to didn’t seem to let the wintry weather get to them. “Over the years my friends and I have come to the conclusion that one can wear just about anything under a warm down coat,” says Jennifer Fortney, president of the small business public relations firm Cascade Communications. “That’s what coat check is for,” she points out, so you don’t have to worry about stuffing your parka under your table at The Red Canary or freezing in your leather bomber on the way in. Get a coat that covers your bum and has a hood, too, especially if you hate risking hat hair.
Boots are another must if you live in or are traveling to Chicago, and even if you’re planning on going for a work event, don’t expect to beat the ice and snow in a pair of pumps. Brittney Lively, a PR executive for the hip Portland, OR-based firm R/West, recommends Sorrel boots, especially for snowy and slick days. Wear them with jeans, cashmere leggings and layered knee socks if you’re brave enough to wear a wool skirt under your coat. If you need a more polished pair for work events, you can stick with tall leather boots in brown or black, but just make sure that if they have a heel, they’re solid enough to keep you grounded when you hop between ice patches.
The last basic winterwear item Chicagoans swear by is a good scarf or shawl. Chicago native Kate Robertson has designed a line of hand-knit alpaca accessories made by Peruvian artisans (who earn fair wages and are taught business skills) called Mayu. Hoodies and capelets serve as in-between insulation under your coat, and if you’re still chilled, drape a scarf or shawl on top. We’ve also been loving the infinity scarves of 2009, perfect for wrapping your entire head and neck in fluffy goodness.
You Just Shop: A full-service shopping tour builder that takes you to private trunk shows and the best of Chicago boutiques and shopping while treating you to snacks and fashion and beauty advice.
The Magnificent Mile: Check out seasonal events and use the dining/shopping/lodging finder to plan your trip.
Ikram: Located on North Rush Street, the place in Chicago to find Balmain, Alaia, Martin Margiela, Givenchy, and Yohji Yamamoto (among many others!)
