YouLookFab Forum » Topic: USA in January? UPDATE

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: USA in January? UPDATE https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:29:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2379002 Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:25:14 +0000 Sal 2379002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Barbara Diane!  I was really lucky with weather.  And I think internet shopping has changed the scene in terms of shopping in large cities or internationally.  And for us here with the NZD being worth about 57c to our $1 I have to almost double the price. Hi K Period!  Eating out was great.  My family live in the Beaumont Qtr, near Fremont Street so we went to two walkable places, also Alberta and then one Japanese place downtown.    I had great coffee in the cafe within Powells, and also in a town up the Columbia Gorge and also at home with the machine.   In NZ we mostly have espresso style coffee, often a Flat White, which is a less foamy cappuccino, double shot, small cup.  I don't think I got to Spella.  NZ and most of Australia are obsessed with good coffee..... K. Period. on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2379000 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:26:19 +0000 K. Period. 2379000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm glad you enjoyed my lovely home city (Portland) and our food culture! I think we are blessed. The food is interesting, excellent, and affordable. As a fellow coffee lover, I feel your pain about bad coffee. Getting bad coffee in Portland is like getting a bad meal in Paris--it just feels so wrong. I hope you had a chance to try Spella, my longtime favorite roaster/brewer. Very classically prepared Italian coffee. There are so many local roasters and brewers, though, it can be had to find the best ones.   Barbara Diane on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378996 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:40:28 +0000 Barbara Diane 2378996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glad you had a good trip, were well prepared, and lucked out with the weather. I remember being so excited to go to Bloomingdale’s in New York. It was so cool then. Now it’s in more places and has the same clothing as other stores. Even shopping in other US states used to be exciting. Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378923 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:05:22 +0000 Sal 2378923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Angie!  Yes Portland had great options for food - although I had good recommendations in Illinois as well so we did well in both Oregon and Illinois - and briefly had coffee in Wisconsin as well. Angie on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378904 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 18:08:12 +0000 Angie 2378904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the update, Sal! Welcome back, and great you had a fab trip! You missed the polar vortex by a few days. PHEW!!!!  Fun you saw some US stores too - although a shambles I bet. January is not a good time to shop unless you score items on sale - as you noted :) Well done for packing the right items! Fab you had some good food too. Yes, the PNW (Seattle and Portland are in the Pacific North West of the US for those who don't know - in Washington and Oregon state respectively), has VERY good food - especially Asian and seafood. Fun to have you in my neck of the woods for a while. I was waving!!!  Cookie on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378902 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:18:33 +0000 Cookie 2378902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So glad you had a good trip! I’d really like to visit Portland but haven’t so far. Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378897 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 07:12:30 +0000 Sal 2378897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suz! I expect I will wear for sports viewing, cold winter walks and travel. I can wear both the puffer liner or the shell too which might work better for our climate. Jenni - I remember going to Target in Australia in the 1980s -so exciting!! And then Gap in the USA in the 1990s was also very cool. Both affordable and more trendy than what we could buy locally. JAileen - I had hoped to travel in October but it was rescheduled to January. Patagonia is a brand I really like both for their morals and for their designs. It is pricey but I can see why. JAileen on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378896 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 06:10:21 +0000 JAileen 2378896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I’m glad your trip to Chicago worked out so well.  I’ve visited several times, for fun and for work, and loved it.  Oh, I was never there in winter.  You are very brave.  And lucky! I live in the sticks and people mention lots of stores we don’t have.  Of the ones you mentioned, I’ve only been in Patagonia and Anthropologie, although we have Lululemon and Athleta, I think. </div><div> </div> Jenni NZ on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378895 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:54:36 +0000 Jenni NZ 2378895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shopping internationally… wow, I remember the first trip I had out of NZ ever. I was 23 years old, 1984, doing my final year medical student “elective” in the Solomon Islands. My trip went Fiji/Solomon Islands/Australia. My mother had never left NZ (and never did, in her entire life eventually) and my father not since returning from England in 1949. Wow, was shopping in Sydney exciting! And cheaper I think than at home. I finally had a bit of money and bought shoes, skirt, top… Maybe not quite so exciting now and not so cheap either. Suz on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378894 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:51:18 +0000 Suz 2378894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the update, Sally! It sounds like a great trip and you really did pack well and got lucky with the weather, too!  For what activities do you think you'll be wearing your new consigned warm coat?  Firecracker (Sharan) on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378891 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:00:32 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2378891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the fun update! It's interesting to hear your perspective on the US stores you visited. And it's so great that your trip went really smoothly. Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2378890 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 03:41:47 +0000 Sal 2378890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all for your suggestions. I was incredibly lucky to miss the coldest and wettest weather and had one hour of snow in Chicago and one day of rain in Portland. I had a lot of clear skies and my travel plans went smoothly! I was happy with my wardrobe and clothing for the trip - I took in the end <ul> <li>Two pairs of boots</li> <li>Four pants of pants - one jeans and three other pants</li> <li>one wool coat</li> <li>one warm coat - purchased on the trip</li> <li>one puffer vest</li> <li>five sweaters - two being turtleneck</li> <li>two warm scarves</li> <li>two beanies</li> </ul> On top of this I took <ul> <li>one raincoat and one rain pants</li> <li>two leggings</li> <li>two gear tops</li> <li>one tee shirt</li> <li>one pair of sneakers</li> <li>one pair of hiking shoes</li> <li>pyjamas socks and underwear including two merino tanks</li> </ul> The only things unworn are the highlighted items - raincoat and rainpants. Thanks for the advice re socks and layers - I felt well prepared. I felt well dressed when I needed to be and my feet held up to the long walking days when they had to. It was a successful trip and the work was challenging but rewarding. I had some great food and craft beer. The food scene is fantastic in Portland and I had Italian, Mexican, Japanese and Indian plus some awesome US sandwiches and cookies. Coffee is more of a mixed bag but I am a coffee snob. In Illinois I also found good food both in the smaller town and Chicago. I spent two hours looking at shops in Portland and two hours in Chicago. I purchased the Columbia jacket on consignment and bought the Patagonia sweatshirt new. I did some shopping for my sons and DH. I did look at the following US retailers that were interesting to check out - Madewell - Free People - Aritzia - Anthropologie - Athleta - Lululemon - Alo January is probably not the best month for shopping and I was not tempted although I did like a striped sweatshirt in Free People. But it had dropped shoulders and I was determined to get raglan sleeves (which the Patagonia one had). Aritzia had some nice wool coats that I would have considered if I needed one. Madewell and Anthropologie had some okay pieces but the exchange rate is not good for us right now so I was happy to pass. Alo was a let down, Athleta is lovely and the most tempting to me but the colours are a bit too muted at the moment. Lululemon is similar to NZ now which was good to know. Many years ago,for those of us living in NZ, shopping internationally was very exciting, and the range and pricing was often really attractive. That is not really the case any more - there will be exceptions of course. Thanks for the advice and support!! Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2373690 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:56:49 +0000 Sal 2373690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all! I have a good collection of wool socks. I will actually be packing two or three weeks early for the trip due to our summer vacation. And of course aside from underwear it is an entirely different collection of clothing due to it being mid summer here. Another option is borrowing my husbands Uniqlo puffer which fits me well. It’s not a packable one but it is nice. I hesitate to buy a longer puffer online. The hip fit is hard on me and often to fit my hips I size up and then it can be too large on top. I will either buy out of season here, borrow from family, or go shopping in person in Portland on day one of the trip. MsMary on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2373532 Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:15:28 +0000 MsMary 2373532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was in Uniqlo yesterday and they had a nice thick puffer: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E469896-000/00?colorDisplayCode=67&sizeDisplayCode=005&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaign%7D&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=%7Basset_id%7D&campaignid=21734512534&asset_group_id=%7Basset_group_id%7D&location=%7Blocation%7D&device=c&network=x&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvpy5BhDTARIsAHSilynmq-YIMrxv2XXjnjCWeKJ3yrEiBsE5zPQxJ-NbvMIv_NVb6QJ9QZsaAlOdEALw_wcB"><a href="https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E469896-000/00?colorDisplayCode=67&sizeDisplayCode=005&amp" rel="nofollow">https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/p.....5&amp</a>;</a> Also this is what I wear when I visit Portland and it's great (note it runs small so size up): <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JW51WNR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JW51WNR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&amp" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....1&amp</a>;</a> sarah on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2373522 Sun, 03 Nov 2024 14:39:52 +0000 sarah 2373522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've gotten great advice here. I would just add: make sure you have *wool* socks to wear in those boots. You can also add toe warmers if needed for Chicago - if you place a hand warmer on the top of your foot, it warms the blood heading to the toes. Fleece/sherling insoles can also elevate a non-insulated boot in a major way. And perhaps you could order a puffer when you're stateside - as others have mentioned, Lands End, Eddie Bauer, and Athleta are all good options. Angie on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january/page/2#post-2373516 Sun, 03 Nov 2024 14:07:11 +0000 Angie 2373516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was at Athleta with a client on Friday, and they have EXTREMELY good puffers at the moment! That's my suggestion ;)  bj1111 on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373435 Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:51:07 +0000 bj1111 2373435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal—I seem to remember this combo of visits during northern winter is recurring. Lands end is having a sale on long puffers with hoods. <a href="https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-down-maxi-winter-coat/id_332868?attributes=8063,43307,43326,44256,44382,44967,55270,55272" rel="nofollow">https://www.landsend.com/produ.....5270,55272</a> This is my go to parka and lasts for effing 20 years of daily use. I’m getting a new one only because I outgrew the old one. Perhaps purchasing one to be delivered to Portland would be useful. It compresses quite well The Long squall may be equally useful back in nz <a href="https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-squall-waterproof-insulated-winter-stadium-maxi-coat/id_380720?attributes=13774,43307,43326,44256,44382,44967,55270,55272" rel="nofollow">https://www.landsend.com/produ.....5270,55272</a> Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373423 Fri, 01 Nov 2024 03:13:52 +0000 Sal 2373423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Rose!  Will check that out.  Hope your trip goes well. rose on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373415 Fri, 01 Nov 2024 01:17:00 +0000 rose 2373415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fellow kiwi travelling to the northern winter- got some great advice here a couple of weeks ago and now have been following your post! Just popping in to say we’ve picked up some good priced merinos, tights, gloves etc via the cheap’n’ cheerful Mountain Warehouse, and I’ve also discovered quite a nice brand called Alchemy Equipment from which I bought a couple of pieces at a more expensive but quite bearable reduced cost -https://alchemy-equipment.com/products/320gsm-merino-zipped-hoody-1 Hope of some use! Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373405 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:53:26 +0000 Sal 2373405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all!  I have really good hiking black gloves that are warm and two good quality beanies.  The coat is the key thing that is bulky. The three days of onsite work are as a type of auditor in an engineering firm.  So I think black boots, trousers, blazers and merino will be perfectly appropriate, with my wool coat over the top (and a scarf if needed).  This is in Ilinois, just outside Chicago. I need to look competent, professional but that's probably all.  I have one day to explore Chicago at the end of the trip - I was there last year and mostly walked around and did the river architectural tour - I did 30000 steps that day. Portland is staying with family so it will be working from home, cafe, exploring and maybe outdoor activities if the weather suits.   I can easily wash casual clothes in preparation for the five days in Chicago/Illinois. Probably not dry cleaning but I think I would not be wearing the same things for those days as I won't be at work. It's fascinating to see how people approach the cold.  The thing is it is just not that cold here, so I don't know, although I have skied and been in rural England in the cold - and Scotland for New Year.   K. Period. on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373400 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:58:57 +0000 K. Period. 2373400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I live in Portland and I lived in Chicago for several years before moving here. Before moving to Chicago, I lived in a very cold and often windy part of Washington state. I also love to travel carry-on only. This isn't going to be easy, but you have good thoughts already and lots of good tips from forum members.  Angie is 100% correct that the wet cold of Portland feels much colder than it seems like it would. In January, I often wear my down parka, which is a prior year's version of this: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612702/women's-sun-valley-frost-down-parka?sp=1&color=Cement&size=&sizeType"><a href="https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612702/women's-sun-valley-frost-down-parka?sp=1&color=Cement&amp" rel="nofollow">https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/2.....t&amp</a>;</a>= I might also wear a lighter hooded puffer in Portland for days that are nicer or for activities that will keep me moving and warm.  With both I wear a scarf, a lighter pair of gloves (more necessary than you might think), and heat tech socks with my boots. Normally I wear a wool or cashmere beanie because I can see better than with my hood on.  I would wear the same Eddie Bauer down parka in Chicago with a warm sweater or layers underneath. I would add a knit beanie underneath my hood (wearing both for warmth), heavy gloves or mittens, and insulated boots. However, I walked a lot (which I find is typical of big cities) and took the "L" for transportation. You might be able to get away with just the heavier items you packed for Portland if you plan to take taxis or drive for transport.  If I had to conserve space, I would borrow a heavy coat if I could and wear it on to the plane, using it as a blanket/pillow. I would borrow lighter layers in Portland or even buy them since the Columbia outlet stores and employee store are fairly accessible and affordable. I would invest in good gloves and make sure that my warmest socks fit in my boots.  Carol on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373387 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 17:08:45 +0000 Carol 2373387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have many relatives in the greater Chicago area. And you don't need to worry about snow (though occasionally) as much as the brutal wind tunnels coming off the lake, which are cold and damp. My relatives will go outside and scrape ice off their windshield with their bare hands if they need to--Chicagoans grow up tolerating the cold the way others tolerate heat.  But myself, I will definitely wear thermals or leggings under my jeans to go around town in winter. And if it gets really bad, just don't be afraid to call an Uber instead of walk. Boots in such weather can be anything insulated--you could probably wear the snow boots and switch shoes inside.   Hats, gloves, coat are important. The current coat of choice among women in Chi. seems to be the LONG parka with a hood. Protects legs, and a hood is always worn on cold days over the hat. Hat should cover ears.  I will double up on gloves, or better yet, some women wear mittens so that their fingers can circulate warmth. Borrow what you can--I would say the most important element is the hood.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/78728?page=ultralight-850-down-coat-long">https://www.llbean.com/llb/sho.....-coat-long</a> Jules on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373363 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:33:19 +0000 Jules 2373363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The jeans in winter debate is always interesting! I think it’s really down to running hot or cold. I’m in Toronto and only ever wore long underwear for skiing and when I was a student in Montreal, regularly walking an hour a day plus in and out of campus buildings in -10 to -20 C temps. These days I do find cords or velvet cozier for winter but do wear jeans regularly, and long underwear would be too hot sitting all day at the office, or god forbid in an overheated mall for example. I prefer warm layers I can easily remove like a good coat that covers my hips. You’re gotten plenty of advice but I’ll just weigh in that your low stance wool coat will definitely benefit from a puffer jacket underneath. I don’t see the white sneakers as practical - although the youth certainly wear them even with bare ankles - unless you had a lot of time indoors but on your feet as in a conference or factory/showroom? If it’s more corporate desk & meeting rooms I would be in stylish boots. I suppose it doesn’t hurt to bring them along though. You mentioned no shopping time in Chicago but I will mention that Uniqlo also has puffers, merino and good value cashmere. Costco of course requires a membership not sure how that works internationally. LaPed on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373355 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 11:07:32 +0000 LaPed 2373355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Portland and Chicago -- two of my favorite cities, even in January! You mention having access to a Costco, which is great. They carry a line called 32 Degrees, which makes excellent budget base layers and packable puffers, like this: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.32degrees.com/products/womens-ultra-light-packable-down-jacket?variant=41787567079513&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Pmax+All+Products&utm_content=shopify_US_6663772471385_41787567079513&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1Yy5BhD-ARIsAI0RbXZxEwpCoaPzW5qIzmhefckcNJ47PiO_RjVceqcWXMfMID17IeTqMTgaAmnMEALw_wcB">https://www.32degrees.com/prod.....13&am</a> I think you will be fine with your footwear plan, as long as you bring some wool socks. I run pretty cold, but I rarely bring dedicated winter boots on city trips in the lower 48. Even in northern cities in the US, it's rare to get so much snow all at once that you need a true snow boot, and even then it would only be til the sidewalks clear; plus, temperatures have only been getting warmer. Chicago used to see approx 36 inches of snow annually, but last year only got ~20 inches IIRC, about a quarter of what Montreal gets annually! (Stats are thanks to a meteorology project with my 10yo, who has friends/family in both cities ) Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373317 Wed, 30 Oct 2024 23:24:46 +0000 Sal 2373317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all. I like cocktails so a Speakeasy sounds fun.  Only one night in Chicago City and considering heading to the NBA, still working out the details. I will have access to a Costco in Portland, but not a Uniqlo. I put aside my winter clothes that I plan to take last night and will be looking for some thermal leggings.  Also potentially some new smart joggers or similar in a thick fabric - hopefully on good discount given it is mid spring!  These will stand me in good stead next winter anyway. MMK on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373278 Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:34:32 +0000 MMK 2373278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Angie that the wet old here is definitely colder than dry cold. Rain pants are a great idea Another thought I had was Costco in the PNW normally have very  reasonable packable rain coats and packable puffer jackets sometime in November/December. Maybe a family member in Portland could keep an eye out for your size and purchase what you need in advance.  I have normal raincoats and puffers but purchased a packable rain coat and packable puffer jacket that were both thigh length  a few years ago before a winter trip to Germany.  I was traveling with only a carry on for a ten day trip. I layered the rain jacket over the puffer if it was raining heavily and even when I was in the  Alps and it was snowing and raining the layers were sufficient to keep me warm and dry. Suz on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373250 Wed, 30 Oct 2024 02:55:48 +0000 Suz 2373250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I hear you loud and clear on the exchange rate! I think you are going to be well covered, actually.  Jaime on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373248 Wed, 30 Oct 2024 02:28:30 +0000 Jaime 2373248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well you will get a nice taste of contrasting American winters. Everyone has pointed out the disparity in weather and the windiness of Chicago. I think you have that covered! Good that you are planning for delays too, because winter flights in Chicago often experience them . bj1111 on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373240 Wed, 30 Oct 2024 01:20:40 +0000 bj1111 2373240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nothing to add re clothing. If you do like a tiki drink, three dots and a dash is fun. Yes, you go down the alley until you find the bouncer Sal on "USA in January? UPDATE" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/usa-in-january#post-2373220 Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:17:37 +0000 Sal 2373220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks - some very useful advice in here. Yes Chicago is work - not my choice - I wanted to come in October but that got delayed and delayed, and due to my commitments here November and December were not options.  We have a couple of days spare in case of delays. I think my best plan is to bring my puffer vest, wool coat and a rain coat.  And potentially plan to buy a puffer jacket (which I need) in the US.  I will be fine for work wear (one suit, one blazer and pants, with merino underneath) for the three days on site.  I agree, leave the white sneakers home - I don't really love my black boots with my suit but it will work well enough for my needs (I need to look professional and competent) I have waterproof pants which look quite good, with thermals underneath they could be an outdoor option for any city or outdoor walking if needed.  And I need to update my hiking shoes so I will do that soon.  Between those, my sturdy boots and my black boots I think I am sorted. Aside from two pairs of work pants, I only have denim or leggings or summer linen pants to wear.  I have some good travel ponte type leggings that I used for the long haul last year.   I have good quality gloves and hats and a couple of good scarves. I won't have time to shop in Chicago until my last day - but will in Portland.  However the NZD/USD exchange rate is awful so I won't be too tempted.