What to Wear in Chicago

Chicagoans regard their seasonal weather patterns as endless fashion opportunities. Below are the wardrobe staples most well-dressed locals own.

The versatile White Sierra Women’s 4 in 1 Jacket is as changeable as Chicago’s weather. The waterproof, hip-length nylon jacket offers several outerwear options in one. You can remove or reverse the quilted liner, which doubles as a stand-alone coat. The hood is detachable, and deep pockets easily store not only a phone, but also gloves and a hat. There’s a men’s version, too.

A Chicago clothing essential, denim pants, skirts, and jackets of any style and color are en vogue year-round. Fashion-conscious Chicagoans like skinny jeans and stretchy jeggings worn with kicky ankle or knee-high boots. (Or straight-leg jeans and chukka boots for men.)

A three-season pant, capris transition Chicago locals and visitors through spring, summer, and fall. Options include cargo-style for men and classic lightweight women’s styles.

Comfortable footwear is what to wear in Chicago for hours of exploring. Good foot support doesn’t mean sacrificing style when wearing Naturalizer footwear for all seasons.

Hometown poet Carl Sandburg called Chicago the City of Big Shoulders, and while you're here you'll want a stylish wrap to cover your own shoulders, whether in winter cold or the chill of summer air conditioning. A light wool or pashmina scarf draped around the neck adds warmth and a touch of texture and color for both men and women.

Zip from warm-weather casual to cool night out in convertible pants from Columbia, available in multiple colors for men, women, and kids. A concealed zipper at the knee detaches at the pant’s calf, turning the wrinkle-resistant slacks into knock-around shorts.

For fall and winter, a pair of stylish, practical boots is what to wear in Chicago. Try Sorel men’s and women’s boots for sensible Windy City style.

Flattering and comfortable, this mid-length skirt with shorts consists of shorts covered by a skirt made of no-wrinkle, quick-drying material. Deep side pockets fit a larger phone, cash, and keys. Thread an earbuds cord through the concealed opening in the waistband.

Any warm hat that covers your ears is what to wear in Chicago when temps dip. But a slouchy beanie is much more fun. The unisex cotton beanies are lightweight but warm, and come in both understated and vibrant colors.

Living in a city with several championship sports teams, Chicagoans appreciate fan fashion. Visitors are welcome to wear their favorite team’s logo, but Chicago sports apparel is a souvenir that never goes out of style.

• Chicago Travel Guide
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• 10 Best Cheap Hotels in Chicago
• 9 Stylish Boutique Hotels in Chicago
• 9 Must-See Chicago Attractions
• 10 Best Day Trips from Chicago
• Chicago with Kids: 9 Fun Family-Friendly Activities
• 10 Best Cheap Eats in Chicago
• 10 Best Places for Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
• 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago
• What to Pack for Chicago
  
  —Original reporting by Kit Bernardi