First, don’t pack away those summer basics like tees and tanks because they can be the base to layering. I love layering lacy tanks under wool, cotton or sweater cardigans with slacks for work or jeans for a weekend look. Tees and turtle necks are good to layer under dresses including strapless dresses to make them more fall/winter ready with a pair of great tights/leggings. Having a scarf to complete the layering look is a must.

For Chicago you definitely have to invest in two coats (at least) a wool coat for fall like days and a fashionable puffy coat with a hood for the snowy days. You need a pair of winterized boots for walking on un-shoveled side walks and through inches of snow and a pair for every other day.

Good thing all of these things can be found at great prices at T.J Maxx.

Love to shop and Love the Blog!!!!

I would have soooooo entered (and hopefully won) this entry but have recently relocated to NYC. BUT having grown up in Chi-city, I must tell you that fashion only goes so far in a Chicago-style winter. You may start off cute, but by mid-week you will realize that warmth overshadows fashion Dec (normally Nov.) through April in Chicago. Enjoy the shopping, but dont forget to keep the “real gear”!!!!!

Then using some of the same techniques apply to your jacket and coats. Sweater coats and dresses are cool. The right weight of fabric so things can go over or under. Buy basic neutrals & then colors in light weight long sleeve, short sleeve, v/neck, and tank. Use scarves, snoods, cardigans to layer with. Good luck.

As a hijabi (a muslim woman that observes hijab), layering is a MUST. In the winter I tend to buy FUNKY socks from Sock Dreams to go with my basic work skirts and pants.

I’ve been come a fan of Jessica London and Women With In. THey provide a sista with nice long sleeve tee’s and long skirts.

I like coats as well. In order to rock the cute short one you gotta cover up that body with cami’s, long sleeve tee’s, sweaters and warm pants/jeans.

U can make it happen!!

That said, for me, gearing up for winter is about focusing on your foundation and your outerwear, or “the under and the over”.

Foundation — I echo all the comments about Spanx opaque tights (I have on a pair today, as a matter of fact) or any other pant liner that also serves to perform like longunderwear. When it’s very, VERY chilly, I sometimes incorporate a Cuddle Duds-type top. This helps not just from a warmth perspective but also gives you a barrier between your (possibly sensitive) skin and clothing, which is important when you’re talking about utilitarian-but-can-be-scrathy wools, angoras, etc. You want to make sure that your skin, which is already suffering because it’s drier, isn’t attacked or more susceptible to irritation or further moisture loss.

Outerwear: It’s all about the fashionable bubble coat with shape — I’ve found that a pea coat, cute as it may be, will only last you so long, especially when you hit January! A down-filled coat is a MUST with these Chicago winds. It’s also imperative to find a well-sealed, lined boot that will keep all moisture out (for me, it starts at the feet: If my feet are warm, everything else is manageable; if my feet are ice blocks, nothing else matters). Other must-haves are leather gloves (the wind will come right through any other material) and a silk or satin-lined hat (preferable) or silk scarf to put underneath your hat, at the very least.

Hope this helps!

Boots: For the past two winters, I’ve worn Uggs with moderate success. However, I would say, no matter what brand/style you decide to go with, you want to make sure there is a good grip at the bottom of the shoe. If there is a smooth surface at the bottom, it’s pretty much a given (unless you are very careful at every step) that you will slip.

Coat: Whatever coat I chose to buy, I always look for a classic style that can last for at least a couple of winters. And I always look for something that makes the coat look a bit unique, such as an interesting collar or colorful buttons.

Layering: This is important with the coat, because layering can be essential. You can take summertime tees short-sleeved tees and layer them over long-sleeved T-shirts or you can wear T’s under cardigans. And for the coat, you are going to make sure you have enough room for these layers so it doesn’t appear too bulky.

Hats: Finding a nice and comfy hat is also essential. If the wool of a hat is too scratchy or aggravates your hair (it does for me), then you might want to get something with a cotton lining. Or what I also do is fine a cotton scarf, wrap it around my neck and then wrap it around my head to make a little hood.

You want to make sure that your dressier pants and coats have a nice lining to them and are fully lined. If you are wearing skirts, then you want a nice, thick pair of tights, perhaps a wool-blend or merino wool.

I hope this helps!! Best of luck this winter season!