You know how obsessed I am with creating packing lists so it’s high time for a new one – this time it’s for our trip to Chicago. It’s the perfect packing list for cold weather.
If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that my husband Craig, our daughter Aubrey and I took a post-holiday trip to Chicago last week with one goal in mind…eating! Therefore, we didn’t really think about the fact that we were scheduling our trip during one of the coldest times of the year to visit.
Boy were our Texas acclimated bodies in store for a shock!
You ladies in cold climates already know this but let’s just say that what to wear in Chicago in winter can be summed up in one word: LAYERS!
On the day of our arrival, the high was 9 degrees with a wind chill of -15. Heatwave! After checking our forecast for the week, I packed up a few of the pieces from the Winter 2017 GYPO Style Challenge to create a mini capsule wardrobe for our four day weekend in Chicago.
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Although this post isn’t about what to do in Chicago, let me recommend the following: The Art Institute of Chicago, Portillo’s for Italian Roast Beef and Chicago dogs, Sky Deck (go out on the platform, I dare you!), the Lincoln Park Zoo (it’s empty on a cold day!), Second City (world class improv, one of our favorite things we did), Museum of Science and Industry (fun and interactive) and of course shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
That smile is actually a look of terror! I HATE heights, hate, hate, hate, loathe entirely. One of my 2018 goals is to feel the fear and do it anyway, so, thanks Sky Deck, mission accomplished!
The frozen tundra a.k.a. Lake Michigan.
A fun night of improv at Second City.
20 Piece Chicago Packing List – Winter Weekend
This 20 piece packing list for cold weather will give you plenty of dress up/dress down options that will work for everything from a walking tour of the city to dinner and drinks out. In addition to these 20 pieces, I also brought a work out outfit (wishful thinking – that didn’t happen!), two pairs of pajamas and of course, bras and undies.
Tip: Pin this post for future reference. It’s a great packing list for any cold weather destination!
Sweaters
1. Tunic Sweater (any solid color)
3. Gray Sweater
Bottoms
4. Faux Leather or Fleece Lined Leggings
5. Gray Jeans
Coats
7. Black Parka
Footwear
Scarves
10. Plaid Blanket Scarf (coordinate with tunic sweater)
11. Faux Fur Scarf
Hat
13. Pom Pom Beanie
Layering Tops
Accessories
16. Cross Body Purse
17. Pendant Necklace
18. Earrings
19. Wool Socks
20. Leggings or Tights (for layering)
Mix and Match Outfits for Cold Weather Vacation
Each sweater is styled two different ways for a total of six outfits – one version for comfortably (and warmly) touring the city, the other version is dressier and appropriate for going out to dinner.
Outfit #1
Parka + Black Turtleneck + Layering Top + Buffalo Plaid Scarf + Gray Jeans + Black Boots
Outfit #2
Wool Coat + Black Turtleneck + Fur Scarf + Black Leggings + Leopard Ankle Boots
Outfit #3
Parka + Tunic Sweater + Layering Top + Blanket Scarf + Leggings + Black Boots
Outfit #4
Wool Coat + Tunic Sweater + Layering Top + Fur Scarf + Necklace + Gray Jeans + Leopard Boots
Outfit #5
Parka + Gray Sweater + Layering Top + Blanket Scarf + Gray Jeans + Tights + Black Boots
Outfit #6
Wool Coat + Gray Sweater + Layering Top + Fur Scarf + Leggings + Necklace + Leopard Boots
Interested in more than just a packing list for cold weather?
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