Dear Chloe

Hey Chloe.  I need help.  I’m new in Evanston, coming from the sunny state of California.  As I type this, Northwestern is a brutal 60 degrees colder than home, and I’m afraid that flats and a breezy scarf aren’t gonna cut it this winter.  Any advice on how to look awesome and make it to spring without (literally) freezing?

Thanks a bunch, 

#coldandafraidinevanston

Sadly, I must report that the beloved meccas that are Zara and Topshop cannot carry the weight of the great Midwestern winter alone.  Fortunately, they just need a little help from the ever-practical material, wool.  If it works for these guys, it can work for you. 

Invest in a thin, long sleeve wool thermal layer. Throw that extra layer on under your chunky knits or cozy flannels or faux-fur vest and no one will be able to tell that it’s there or that it’s is the only thing keeping you from becoming a popsicle.  You’ll be warm, stylish, and super pleased with yourself for being able to accomplish such a feat in -15 degree weather.

One reliable brand is Smart Wool.  Like the socks, you ask?  Yes!  Smart Wool makes clothes, too.  You can find ‘em at any sporting goods store, or if you’re savvy (or on a college budget), Nordstrom Rack for a much-discounted price.  Although Smart Wool’s base layers are expensive, you will end up wearing them all winter and they last forever.  It’s an investment.  Even though wool is the best and will last the longest, there are other thermal layer options that work wonders as well.  Speaking from experience, they all do they trick. 

Smart Wool

Cuddl Duds

Uniqlo

In regard to the Polar Vortex II:  PoVo Strikes Back, when the temps really really plummet:  I would recommend getting tights that match the above t-shirts and throwing them under your jeans or pants or anything but a skirt.  Then is not the time to be cute and wear a skirt.  I’m sorry, but save it for when weather conditions are not so extreme.  And when you do wear it, pair it with these, just to be on the safe side:

J Crew 

So these babies aren’t stylist or cute but they do the job.  Once you get your hands on some you will regret not doing so sooner.   You can still dress the way you would in, say, D.C. or London or insert-moderately-cold-city, except for that massive winter coat and boots. Some things (outerlayers) just have to be practical.  Besides, everyone is wearing some iteration of the same thing and you’re basically unidentifiable as you trek down Sheridan in the snow.  What will make you stand out is when you take off your outer layers and you look effortlessly cool in your winter fashion and you’re not shivering.  Woo!

It’s the little things in life worth celebrating. 

Stay warm, lovelies. 

- Chloe