Winter Clothing Tips

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
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<p>So I just got freaked out by reading the "when does it get really cold" thread. I'm pretty sure my current wardrobe is not quite Chicago-proof. (Here, we get snow days for 2 inches of snowfall and "cold days" for the really, um, cold days.) If anyone could give some advice, it'd be much appreciated.</p>

<p>For coats and jackets, I have a puffy down jacket and a long wool coat, so I hope that'll be enough, especially with some clever layering.</p>

<p>I'm mainly concerned about accessories, like good shoes and a scarf. For the scarf, how substantial does it need to be? And for the shoes, what would be good waterproof shoes (that are not the hideous Uggs)? And if everyone does trudge around in giant snowboots, do they keep those on when they get to class? Or...I'm pretty confused by this all. Please help!</p>

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<p>I wore a pair of Merrells last year that I found on sale at a T.J. Maxx near home. I don't know how "cool" Merrells are, but they're way comfortable and waterproof, and that's what counts.</p>

<p>I've found that the scarf is the easiest accessory to get creative with-- almost any kind of scarf that covers your neck will be kind to you.</p>

<p>Another tip is to get a hat with earflaps. Thank me later.</p>

<p>I love wool for precisely this reason... I can cross the quads in the dead of winter and not feel that cold, and then I get to class in an (overheated) Cobb Hall and I don't feel too hot. Synthetic stuff doesn't have that same advantage. A lot of students layer with synthetics, and when they shed these layers at the beginning of class, we call it the "Chicago strip."</p>

<p>And remember that Chicago knows how to do winter. Winter's been happening here from time immemorial, and the three million people who live here in the city somehow make it through. The University has lots of coffee shops for warm liquids and roaring fireplaces in the Reynolds Club.</p>

<p>You'll arrive here and quickly realize that Chicago kids by and large don't put much (if any) energy into looking stylish, and whatever cute sundresses and skirts the gals might be wearing in the fall will turn into puffy coats for the winter anyway.</p>

<p>But because winter and looking cute is on some people's minds, you'll pretty likely come across a bunch of students who like to knit, and may be knitting themselves winter hats and scarves. If you don't know how to knit, you'll have the opportunity to learn!</p>

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<p>Although I don’t attend U. of Chicago, I do live north-west of there (used to winter weather) and have spent a great deal of time in Chicago during the winter. A good winter coat is a must. Mittens are also necessary. You can find good winter boots through L.L. Bean (they are not pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but they are not atrocious like Uggs either) or Lands End. REI also has good boots, but they are more expensive.</p>

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<p>I’d say one lighter jacket for the fall, a heavier parka (that goes down to about 20 degrees) for everyday wear in the winter, and one very heavy parka/coat for weather below zero (which is actually not that common–we had no below-zero days last year.) I recommend parkas/coats with hoods (unless you really like hats or don’t care about hat hair.</p>

<p>I’d also bring several sets of mittens, ideally matching–I tend to lose mittens, maybe you don’t. And, you’ll appreciate having one set of heavy mittens if it gets really cold.</p>

<p>Personally, I do without scarves, because all my parkas/coats can be zipped up to the chin. If you want to wear a scarf, any scarf is fine. I recommend acrylic because it’s washable. And, not the “extra skinny” scarves that seem to be “in” in CA.</p>

<p>I do wear snow boots, but not extra heavy ones. The benefit of snow boots is that they are insulated, keep your feet warmer, are very water repellen, and most importantly, the tread is designed to keep you from slipping on the ice. Lands’ End has some very good boots for only $49-$50. My relative picked a pair that looked more like hiking boots, but she was glad she had snow boots. I never asked her if she wore the snow boots inside, but I assume she did. Before the snow falls (usually in Nov.) I think most people just wear whatever shoes they would wear in the fall anywhere.</p>

<p>I also own a pair of “snow sneakers” (also from Lands’ End, and inexpensive) that have the benefit of being insulated and waterproof, as well as the “snow tread,” but they don’t look like snow boots.</p>

<p>Maybe bring one pair of extra-heavy socks–otherwise regular knee socks etc are fine. </p>

<p>Some people recommend long johns, but, you’ll find the classrooms are pretty well heated. If you want, bring a pair in case you’ll be outside for long periods of time. But, remember, most of the time you’ll just be walking from your residence hall to class, so especially if you’re in a residence hall on campus, you won’t be outside for long.</p>

<p>As for layers to wear under your parka/coat, that varies a lot by how cold it is outside and how you adapt to cold.</p>

<p>But, I’ve found that if I’m going to be inside most of the time, I wear regular street clothes (not a lot of layers), then wear a heavier parka/coat. That way I can take the coat off once I get inside and I won’t be too warm.</p>

<p>As for pants–regular jeans, cords, whatever. Lined jeans not necessary unless you are going to be outside for hours, but just bringing a pair of long johns would keep you just as warm.</p>

<p>You’ll be surprised at how your body adapts to cold. I remember taking my relative out to dinner last Feb when it was about 25 degrees. We were both wearing jeans and parkas with light sweaters. But, no hats, no hoods, no mittens, and our parkas were unzipped. 25 degrees feels cold in Nov., but by Feb. it’s just “business as usual.”</p>

<p>Hope this helps. I’ve lived in Chicago for awhile, so I may have more “winter stuff” because it’s accumulated over the years. But, everyone is different. The thing to keep in mind is that Chicago weather is very changeable, so I like to be prepared for whatever hits. Even if it only gets bitter cold once or twice a year, you’ll be wearing the same heavy coat for four years, so the initial investment makes sense. Again, I’ve found Lands’ End to have a good selection of coats for VERY reasonable prices.</p>

<p>Last thought–In Chicago, when it’s cold, nobody cares what they look like. They just want to stay warm. So, unless you’re a dedicated “fashionista,” forget style when it gets very cold.</p>

<p>Lots of people say they don’t want to go to U of Chicago because of the weather. As I told my relative–Harvard, Yale, and Princeton also get snow, but that doesn’t seem to keep people from applying there. Also, global warming HAS had an effect in Chicago. It is warmer now than it was 15-20 years ago. And, the U of C’s location right on Lake Michigan means that the weather is slightly warmer, with somewhat less snow, than in the Chicago suburbs away from the lake.</p>

<p>Don’t worry about the cold! Just enjoy the U of C!!</p>