So I feel like someone needs to create a Chicago Dress Survival guide for people who move to Chicago. Walking to a train and taking the train creates obsticals at different times of the year. For example, in the summer you need to find the fine line between completing hair and makeup and looking like a drowned rat for the day. The answer to this - find cute ways to wear your hair in a pony tail and put your makeup on at the office, oh and get a fan for your desk - it will SAVE you!
The winter provides a different set of challenges - how do I stay warm enough but not be sweating by the time you get to the office. I strongly recommend a long puffer jacket from North Face - at least 600 down fill - they're expensive but they are completely worth every penny! Fo the days when the wind chill is lower than 20, I prefer to wear Cuddl Duds under my work pants - I recommend the "climate control" they really keep the wind from feeling like you legs are going to fall off. Hats and gloves are always important and necessary - don't think you can go without. When you wear your hair straight - a hat is best but when you curl or put a lot of effort into your hair, I recommend a head band - don't worry I'm bringing them back. Now onto footwear. There is a lot of opinions on this... and let me start off by saying I'm one of the biggest Ugg fans out there (there are 5 pairs sitting in my entry way). Uggs are great when its warm and you need keep your feet warm. Now in Chicago people don't always shovel their drives and the weather tends to change constantly - so you need something with great slip resistent soles (sorry Uggs) and waterproof (sorry Uggs). Hunter boots have been extremely possible, however those of us with thicker calves have a much harder time fitting into the tall boots. I went to Famous Footwear and am trying out shorter ones - I'll let you know how it goes.
Best of luck with the cold winter days ahead... more tips to come :-)
