Help me pack for cold cold Chicago next week

[luggageandbags]

I’m going to a conference in Chicago next week which I was initially excited about but increasingly realising that I may have drawn the short straw, all my US colleagues are eek it’s cold! It’ll be between -9 and 1 celsius and windy.

I’ve been there a few times before in late March, and it was cold but manageable for walking and sightseeing. My wardrobe, being UK based, is perfectly optimised for a spot of drizzle, with ocassional layering improvisations when it gets cold. A colleague suggested today I get myself a down underlayer but I know I wouldn’t wear it again so I’m hesitant to waste the money. So dear wise women Help me pack. I have a long 100% wool coat and lots of merino roll necks, a few alpaca or cashmere jumpers, wool socks and thick sole boots. I also need to look presentable at the conference once I survive the commute from my hotel. Considering layering tights under trousers but worrying I’ll be too hot when indoors. Any other tricks I’m missing? Do I really have to pad up? Have been looking at Pinterest for cold weather inspiration style and it just comes up with people with jumpers or blazers on top of a snowy mountain. Yeah right.

www.regatta.com/adults-multitube-ii-scarf-black/#tab-label-reviews-title

This sort of thing

(Go me, I have never done a link before)
As an aside - PADDED SKIRTS???? Who knew?

I went to Chicago at exactly the same time as OP in 2012. I wore my old winter coat for the flight out and went to a dept store (Macy’s) and bought a new Chicago-proof coat as soon as I had checked into my hotel. This plan worked well as all the available coats were perfect for the Chicago climate. OP, you will definitely need a very warm hat, thick gloves and warm boots / shoes.

Uniqlo do padded skirts. You may still get one in a shop there.

I have to point out that in my opinion a padded skirt should be long. So you get like a tent of warmth down to your ankles.

A snood is a good idea!

@BloomedAgain my boots are old now but they're from Rockport I believe. Downside of lined boots is that the lining wears out on the heel - my boots are bald there. But the winter has been mild and I've not seen anything else I like enough...

Oooh I can see the snood having a happy afterlife as part of my boys’ ninja obsessed dressing up box.

@LadyMacnet did you use the coat afterwards or was it too hot for the UK weather?

I used the coat at home lots afterwards in the coldest winter months. It’s been especially good for watching DS play football!