Dressing in the Cold (Chicago: how much, to buy, bus)

[Gelasia]

Its raining here today and its very cold (to me) 39 degrees and as I was driving to work with my hot coffee warm and toasty car shielding me from the cold and rain I began to think that if I was in Chicago I would probably be walking in this crap. I know its doable and I know I will get use to it, but it really is going to be kinda hard at first to not be completely frustrated. I mean I don't think I even know where my umbrella is.
I should probably be stocking up on coats during the off season.
Any recommendations on what to buy? Its all about layering huh?
Gloves drive me nuts though. They feel so weird and I cant do anything with them on!

[aragx6]

The two big ticket items you'll need are a big, puffy, long, preferably black down coat -- they're standard Chicago issue! I ordered mine from Land's End and it's been great this winter. And you'll also need good snow boots. You probably can't even buy them in Louisiana.

On the coldest days (when we were in the negatives) I wore a long sleeve shirt, a sweater and a short down coat under my long down coat as well as long underwear under my pants. A big scarf, nice gloves, and a warm hat finished it out.

It sucks, but you'll get used to it. It's mid-30s here today and it feels warm to me after some of the days we had here this winter.

[Gelasia]

OMG
I really don't want to sound whiny but Ive seen those big *** long down coats and while they look really warm they are ugly as all hell.
so what do people wear to work? with all that crap on is there a cute outfit under there somewhere and where do you put all your crap you've layered on once you get there?
Does this mean I cant wear high heels?
I mean if I have to choose I would go for comfort over style but so far Ive been able to balance both but thats looks really difficult with all that crap. Snow Boots?

Thanks for the advice. I still cant believe how much crap you have to layer on. Is it because you are outside for a long period of time?
See its hard for me to imagine all that stuff on just to go inside somewhere and take it off. When its cold here you can wear a coat and thin outfit underneath and not worry because you will only be outside from the time you park your car and walk inside.
When using public transportation how much time you spend outside walking, waiting, etc.

[Thepreacherswife]

Plenty of folks (guys and ladies alike) manage to stay warm, layer, and then look smart at work. You can take off layers at work, and most people who take the bus or train either carry dress shoes with them or keep a pair or two at work to change into. Even if you don't have far to walk to the bus/train, chances are good right after a snowstorm that there will be a mess to walk through, hence you really need the boots. Same if the snowstorm is going on during the day.

If Uggs aren't your style, plenty of ladies wear wellies (calf-high or knee-high pvc boots) with cute designs.

All it takes is a little planning.

[Lookout Kid]

For winter you need at least one fashionable winter coat to look good, and one ugly seriously super-warm coat for those days that are just horribly cold or snowy. Everyone has their ugly winter coat to pull out when things are really bad. Mine is a large black North Face down parka with a hood, and I bought it in the middle of summer for like 50% off the MSRP. The off season is definitely the best time to buy your pricier winter wear, but the selection isn't as good for the more fashionable items. Also, you will want a pair of warm waterproof boots. Chicagoans will commute to work in their boots and carry a pair of shoes in a bag. You then change your shoes at work.

[Gelasia]

ok I have some cute wellies and I have some uggs. So thats a start! Although I cant imagine walking through the snow in my uggs. I ruined a pair walking in the rain in them.
Im not too worried about the selection of those big long coats because they are all ugly anyways.

[hank0604]

I agree on the long down coats: they make you look like the Michelin Man. I came from Texas, and I've had no trouble keeping warm when out and about. My standard "uniform" would be suede dress boots, flannel dress pants, oxford shirt, sweater, 3/4 length wool coat, and leather gloves. On extra cold days I'll add a scarf and a wool hat, like a fedora. Dressed like this, I'm almost sweating after about 10-20 minutes of walking around.

You'll come to love gloves. Get a nice leather pair with a good cashmere lining, and you'll want to sleep with them on. I think suede shoes are warmer than regular leather, but you have to be very good about taking care of them. Spray them with a waterproofer after every 3rd or 4th wear, and carry a brush with you to knock of any salt from the shoes.

[aragx6]

If you wear high heels during much of the winter outside you'll slip on ice and die. Simple as that.

[ERS-One]

I made it through this winter in just a leather coat. It managed to trap my body heat and keep me nice and toasty. However, I had problems with my fingers, even when wearing gloves. Same with my toes, even with wool socks. In my lifetime of experience it's always most important to keep the feet and hands warm - coat not as important.

[j33]

When it is really cold you have to wear mittens. Gloves don't really cut it.