Chicago packing advice needed

Hello Fabbers! Been a while since I posted but I lurk now and then.

I’ll be on a two week trip to the USA soon.

Itinerary includes
4 full, one half day in Chicago - me alone, two kids in tow, lots of walking, museums, some shopping
2 full days in St Louis - sightseeing
5 full, one half day in my hometown - Easter, family events, visiting a farm. Low key casual other than Easter.
Long train rides to/from Chicago - stretchy bottoms for comfort

My main questions are:
For those of you that live in Chicagoland, can you give me advice on what to wear? Comfy shoes are a must, but I’m coming from 80F plus daily highs and looking at the weather I can’t relate to 30-50 degrees F. Layers? My jackets don’t allow tunic tops so that throws a wrench in things as a common uniform of mine is skinny jeans plus tunic top.
For Easter I found a dress that fits from a couple years ago so I’m ok there
Rest of the time I’m thinking jeans and tees, super casual but a bit different than my usual.

I guess I’m overwhelmed by the difference in climate.

Advice?

5 years ago

Joy

Veteran

My sister lives in Chicago. Strong cold wind. I am used to below freezing temperatures and would take a long puffer, hat, scarf and gloves. They are still getting snow. Go to Millenial Park. Kids will enjoy it. Ride the EL to get there. Go to a zoo if it is nice.
My sister layers on top of sweaters but her office can be cold.

shiny

I agree with Joy about the long puffer, hat, scarf and gloves. It's in that temp range in Boston currently, but we don't get the wind. You want a coat that will break the wind. And definitely want booties with warm socks too. If you only have a short coat perhaps you can layer long johns under your jeans. Also I always feel colder in cities as the tall buildings block the sunlight.

Take the kids up in the St Louis arch! Did that last year and loved it.

rachylou

I was just going to say warm shoes and socks too. Long winter this year. I’m in No. Cal (!) and tried wearing cotton socks this week: that was a complete no go. 30-50 nighttime temps.

abc

I am in for a wild ride! I am so not ready for this!
Thank you for your wisdom! Glad I have two weeks to figure stuff out.

nemosmom

I'm in Chicago! April is a crazy month, weather-wise. Very cold wind, especially downtown or near the lake. Temps vary from 60F one day to 30F the next. It could rain or even lightly snow in the mornings or late night (it snowed last night, but was 58 on Thursday!). Parking for the museums downtown usually involves a bit of walking, so comfy shoes, warm socks, and knit hats are a must. My kids are young (6 & 4) so I bring gloves for all of us as I still have to hold their hands when crossing streets, etc.

For casual outings layers are key - base layer, midweight layer, coat (I'll do a long-sleeve tee, button-up flannel or midweight pullover sweater, then either a down vest with midweight coat or a parka, depending on chance for rain). I wear jeans daily. My kids wear tee+fleece jacket+lightweight puffer.

I find the temperatures inside some places to be ungodly warm. It's as if they are hoping to heat the exterior by cranking the heat inside, so bring a tote or backpack to stash your layers when you need to shed them.

Stagiaire Fash

You’re originally from there and trying to predict how you’ll react to the weather? More like people from where you are now than Chicago resident who will probably have their coats open & think it’s warm.

I’m not clear on what part of the trip will be you alone and when the kids will join you.

FashIntern
I am not from Chicago. I am from the Midwest 7 hours away. I haven’t lived in the USA in almost 10 years and don’t relate well to cold weather since I live in a year round mild climate. Kids will be with me for the duration of the trip. We won’t have a car in Chicago so public transport and lots of walking.

Roberta

Hee hee, Fashintern kinda has a point - I live in Chicago and the minute the sun comes out we throw open our coats and bask. It is windy downtown though, and I would always bring scarf, hat, and gloves. You can stuff them in pockets when you go inside and leave your coat at the coat check or on the back of your chair when dining. If rain threatens, wear a coat with a hood and don't bother with an umbrella. You will be in and out of buildings so much that it will just get in your way. When being a local tourist I wear a bright wool peacoat because it can button up to the throat or lay more open, scarf, and leather gloves. High top sneakers or rubber soled boots-lots of concrete pavement!

Have a GREAT trip!

cjh

(website)

I’m occasionally in Chicago. It’s not called The Windy City just for kicks. Lightweight layers and plenty of them would be my recommendation, along with scarves, gloves and hats. Packable puffers would be handy as they squish into backpacks. Long sleeves are my preference as there is less air going up your sleeves chilling on the bare skin.

For toting belongings, a small cross body bag along with a backpack is my general choice. At the Art Institute at least, you cannot take a backpack in; it has to be checked. But you can carry a small purse. I personally would probably take an umbrella if raining, though wind can be tricky for that.

I was comfortable last April on cloudy, windy day with linen tee shirt, light wool cardigan and a hooded soft shell windbreaker, gloves and scarf, but we had to buy an additional hoodie for my granddaughter who had on a shortsleeved knit dress, knit leggings and a thin windbreaker.

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