Need Winter Advice

[Gone Disney]

Hi all,

was hoping I could get some advice or suggestions for winter travel. Since we are true Southerners we have little experience with Mr. Jack Frost and this is the best place I know of to get honest advice.

My oldest daughter will be traveling to Chicago for Christmas and she is unsure of the type of clothes she needs. We obviously know that she will need more winter clothes than she has and she is planning on layering her outfits. What types of winter clothes are recommended for a 20 something college student that is not found of the cold weather? I'm also trying to think of the little things that I like to keep close during these oh so cold winters in Florida such as Chapstick.

TIA
Patti

 

[freckles and boo]

Well, here in Chicago there is cold and then there is COLD. Also, if she is planning on being downtown or near the lakeshore the wind can be brutal. December isn't typically the worst of the winter here but you never know. Anything below freezing would call for a long coat, earmuffs or a hat, gloves, scarf, and warm socks. You don't really need boots unless there is snow or frigid cold. Chapstick and moisturizer is a good idea. You can buy those handwarmers that you activate if she is a real wimp. Layers are also good. What is she planning to do?

 

[kirbydog48]

Since your DD is not used to the cold, it will affect her to a greater degree than someone who lives in that climate. Definitely dress in layers, maybe include a turtleneck and over that either something made of polarfleece or a wool sweater, then a very warm jacket that is wind-resistant (you can get great ones on line from LL Bean or Land's End). Not only will the temperature be cold, but there will be wind-chill coming off the lake that makes it feel even colder. Absolutely necessary is a hat(I like fleece because it doesn't itch) and warm gloves and warm socks, and probably a pair of boots if there is snow in the forecast. Chicago is a great city!!

 

[freckles and boo]

Another thing - she should take an umbrella. Sometimes the snow isn't quite snow. The meteorologists call it "freezing rain" but sleet works for me.

 

[Gone Disney]

I can't tell you how helpful your advice is. She has purchased a jacket from a site called Aramark. They have what's called 3 season jackets. She has also taken your advice and bought a couple of different types of sweaters, gloves, scarfs. She did tell me that she was just going take these and figured that she would buy whatever else she may need once she gets there. Her thought is that since the weather is really an unknown that it would be easier to go with basics and if she needs more well she could always what she needs there.

For the poster sho asked, she will be staying in a place called Joliet, but will be spending a bit of time in Chicago. No real concrete plans as of yet.

Thanks for the advice,

Patti