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USA in January?

Sal

Veteran

Hi All

I have a trip to the USA planned in January - I know?!?

I plan to spend a few days with family in Portland Oregon, then five days in Chicago/Illinois.

It is mid winter obviously so I will bring only clothes for the cooler weather. Activities will include work (three days onsite, one day preparation) in Illinois, some city activities (Chicago and Portland) and potentially some outdoor activities (Portland).

My main issue is that it is not very cold where I live. So I don't have a wonderful cold weather wardrobe. I have good gloves and hats and scarves and a wool coat. I also have merino tanks and thermal tops - but not leggings.

My puffer is lightweight and almost worn out. I do not own snowboots.

The plus is that it is mid summer here and hence the ability to borrow clothing is very possible.

Initial questions:

1) Would jeans or trousers with thermals underneath be warm enough?
2) Would my sturdy lace up boots with wool socks be warm enough for any snow days? I would wear the black boots or the white sneakers for the actual work days.

The finds below are the start of my capsule but I expect to do some changing. I do have a puffer vest (not pictured) that I could wear under the wool coat.

At this stage the two most critical gaps are:

- Warm puffer that is at least water resistant (I may borrow this or potentially even purchase this in Portland on arrival)
- thermal leggings

Was thinking of suit or equivalent with a merino underneath for work, and jeans with a sweater and coat and layers and boots for casual. I cannot imagine I will need anything super formal.

Potentially I could try carry on only, it is a fairly targeted trip. I will have laundry access in Portland so would only have to get through Monday to Saturday without it. So could easily wash socks, underwear and layers. But it is winter so coats are bulky as are boots!! At a minimum I would need three pairs of winter shoes - one smart pair for work, one pair for city walking, and one pair for outdoor activities. My coat alone will take up half a carryon bag.

Your ideas and input on these topics are appreciated - I was hoping to be in the US in October which would have been more appealing.

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AGOLDE '90s pinch waist jean

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Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Roberta

Veteran

As a Chicago native, the wind can be more of an issue than the cold. If you have a warm scarf, hat, and gloves, and a coat that comes to your knees, you should be fine. You won't be waiting for the train, after all. The color of your coat will be so pretty in January. We are supposed to have a snowier winter this year (El Nino), but we have had little lasting snow for the past few years. Still, it's good to have boots like yours with grippy soles. Sidewalks can be icy.

Maybe you could bring your wool coat on the plane and use it as a blanket? My personal opinion is that jeans are useless in the winter. I like my faux leather pants or fleece lined stretch pants. The good news is that we have loads of shopping opportunities if what you bring isn't quite right.

I think Portland will be warmer and wetter, but I am not a native.

Runcarla

Veteran

What Roberta said about waiting, and shopping once you arrive! If the folks you’re staying with can’t kit you out, you can check the forecast on arrival and hit up a mall or outlet. Portland, Oregon should be fabulous for gear, and you just might bump into after holiday sales!

I spent 3 months in Oregon. January, February, and March. It was cold and snowy - but I was in the mountains.

Really good/warm socks can get unlined shoes and boots through all but the bitterest of cold weather. You can swap out regular boot liners for alpaca or thick pile for extra comfort and warmth.

Hat and gloves.

North Americans heat their buildings to higher temps than Europeans in the winter months. In a regular office environment, regular business apparel should be fine. A suit (or garments) with wool content should keep you warm without taking heroic measures!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Chicago and Portland will be quite different in temperature. Portland will be more like what you are used to in NZ (though probably a bit colder because it's not right on the coast). Chicago could have cutting winds, as Roberta mentioned. It could also be up and down in temperature -- or icy.

I love the capsule you have shown. It looks elegant and easy. I'd wear the wool coat and use as a blanket or just put it in the overhead bin for the trip over. I'd wear one of the boots. I would also forget about trying to cram it all in a carry on. Checking a bag is really not so bad most of the time these days. Yes, it's a little waiting at the back end but worth it. Especially if you plan to shop!

A packable layering puffer would be a godsend in this situation. Also, your idea of merino underlayers is excellent. You will also want a hat and gloves and possibly a scarf, though I know you are not crazy about them. Still...if you are not wearing a turtleneck you will need something to close the neckline of that coat in Chicago. I agree with Roberta that in a mid-west or central Canadian winter, jeans aren't usually the best option. But worn with a longer wool coat like yours, they could be just fine. And they will work well for Portland.

White sneakers...if you have Angie's pristine gene, you might be able to keep them clean...but remember that Chicago could be freeze/ thaw/ slush conditions that time of year and Portland could be wet and grubby, so if you plan to be outdoors in them, they may show the dirt. Having said that, I wear my white and cream booties all the time in such conditions and just tidy them up when I get indoors. So they might work. But in Chicago, at least, your ankles would be really cold! And note that my boots have dark soles, which help disguise stuff.

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Ecco Sculpted LX 35 Bootie (Women)

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Lisa

Veteran

Chicago is a very Windy City. You’ll need to combat wind. Scarves, hats, and gloves will help with that.

Jeans can work but only if there’s a thermal pant or legging underneath them. Personally I find flannel lined jeans ( Eddie Bauer and LL Bean make them)work best but if you don’t want to buy those one trick I’ve done is buy fleece lined tights and use those under my jeans. They are thicker than a pair of thermals but very warm. I’ve also used Uniqlo heat tech which is very thin and easy to layer.

A packable puffer coat will be important to have. If your puffer isn’t rated for super cold weather. I’ve had success layering cashmere sweaters or a zip up fleece underneath one. I’ve found most wool or other sweaters are usually too thick and bulky to layer under a puffer coat and those sweaters work better under a wool coat.

Staysfit

Veteran

My best advice as someone who has spent a lifetime in places cold and/or wet winters, is layers, layers, layers…and I wouldn’t worry too much about thermals or fleece lined bottoms. Years of winter weather running and snow shoveling taught me that what’s on my legs didn’t matter too much if my head and torso were well insulated. A hat, scarf, warm mittens or gloves and warm socks in boots that keep out moisture are key. I wouldn’t worry about thermals or fleece lined pants. You can get by with jeans and if you want to be safe for sub zero weather you can buy a pair of wool tights to wear underneath. Tights take up less space than the other items and work well to keep legs warm if it is cold and windy, plus they double as a bottom layer when/if you might wear a dress or skirt on a colder day.

Dee

Veteran

Lots of great tips so far, and I agree there will likely be 2 different weather conditions to deal with. Dressing in layers is probably your best bet. I personally wear jeans all winter long, usually in a darker wash but rarely with thermals underneath, its just too hot when inside. Water-resistant, sturdy warmer footwear for any slushy or icy conditions and I find zip vests whether fleece or quilted another useful layer. To me a puffer of some kind with a hood is essential for winter weather, great when its cold, windy or rainy.

RobinF

Veteran

I agree with the previous posters. Here in Michigan, our winters are similar to Chicago, cold, windy, can be icy. Good boots are a must and a nice warm coat. I wear jeans all winter and they are fine unless you are outdoors for a long period of time. Definitely a warm scarf and gloves.

I personally wouldn't try to do it with a carryon, but I tend to overpack so there is that

cjh

(website)

Veteran

I live a couple hours south of Roberta but familiar with Chicago. I agree that the relentless wind is the most disagreeable aspect of the colder climate. And I agree that cutting the wind with cozy hats which cover ears, warm gloves, scarves to block any gaps around coat collars and cover your chest, and wool socks is the best strategy. A layer of leggings or tights under trousers or jeans would be a good extra. When you’re outside, you will likely be moving to keep yourself warmed up, too.

By warm accessories, I mean not bucket hats, dressy gloves, and silky scarves, but wooly, cozy, generously insulated versions.

I also confirm that inside climate is overheated and you will be happy to have a tote to carry all those gloves and things, as well as easily opened layers like zip vest, cardigan or rollable sleeves.

MMK

Portland will most likely be wet and rainy in January unless you happen to be here during a rare cold event or a glorious sunny warm week that occasionally surprises us. Definitely check the weather the week before you arrive. A hooded rain jacket (even a packable one) you can wear over layers is a good idea. Oregonians rarely use umbrellas but you can definitely pick one up here. January winter sales are abundant and you could pick up a new puffer to wear to Chicago

Joy

Veteran

Chicago will probably be cold and windy. Buy one sweater, a cashmere, it adapts to your body and packs light. I usually take one to Europe even in the summer and wear it. Especially in the spring and fall. I am glad I have it. You can layer under over and under it. In March in Ireland I wore everything I had all at once. The flowers were blooming but it was cold. I tend to run cold...a disclaimer.

Rock

Chicago has a Uniqlo store on State Street. Their HeatTech tops and bottoms provide fabulous insulation and are reasonably priced. You could consider purchasing some base layers on arrival. I, too, like to wear my bulkiest coat on the plane. If it is a puffer, it doubles as a pillow. Keeping my feet and head warm are key. Sometimes I wear wicking sock liners in a technical fabric under wool socks. A serious hat is in order for Chicago, such as a wool beanie that covers the top of the head and ears. I also like to wear a neck warmer for secure coverage of my nose and mouth if needed.

Joy

Veteran

I lived five years in Southern California where it never gets very cold .i hard part is finding warm outerwear for two little boys. They needed boots and the all the accesssories. They were hard to find in Southern California. I ended up not gettiing much. Luckily others at our destination had picked up what we needed. I would reckoned thrift stores in Portland or Chicago.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lots of great advice, Sal! Back in the US so soon! Wow!

Seattle and Portland have the same climate. And while these places are not as icy, windy, and snowy as Chicago - they can be very WET in January. Rain, rain, sleet, rain. This wet cold is much colder than a dry cold. And when you are outdoors (like I am all the time walking, and with doggies in tow) - it is cold. Especially by the water - which is where I am too.

Soooo, don't wear bottoms with long hems that can get soggy, and weatherproof your footwear!

You will need to buy a puffer in the US

JAileen

Veteran

Sal, is this for work? Otherwise, I think it would be best to avoid Chicago in winter. It’s not just walking around there, but air travel is often disrupted by winter weather.

unfrumped

Veteran

I hear the jeans- alone defense, but it would not work for me! I get it if one has a looong coat and boots, though.

The underlayers that work best for me are inexpensive fleece- lined tights- for pants I size up enough to not be too tight at waist— or silk knit like Undersilks. I think the silk has been best at managing cold outside/ overheated inside. So, just enough to help block wind, but not arctic gear which gets so hot inside. Either of these pack very small. Also there are footless fleece tight which allow better customization of actual socks, as do the longjohn underwear styles.
A nano puffer that layers over or under is great.

Sal

Veteran

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.

bj1111

Veteran

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

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

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 .

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I hear you loud and clear on the exchange rate! I think you are going to be well covered, actually.

MMK

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.

Sal

Veteran

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.

LaPed

Veteran

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:
https://www.32degrees.com/prod.....13&am

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 )

Jules

Veteran

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.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

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.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/sho.....-coat-long

K. Period.

Veteran

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: https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/2.....t&=
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.

Sal

Veteran

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.

rose

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

Veteran

Thanks Rose! Will check that out. Hope your trip goes well.

bj1111

Veteran

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.

https://www.landsend.com/produ.....5270,55272

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

https://www.landsend.com/produ.....5270,55272

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