What to Wear to Chicago in the Winter

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Seasonal Guide: The 10 pieces you need to pack for a trip to Chicago in the winter

Outfits for Travel Packing Guides

We hope you enjoy this seasonal packing guide. To stay on-trend, each of our packing guides at Outfits for Travel is developed at the beginning of each season and updated throughout the year to ensure you can buy each item. We hope you love the guides as much as we do! Big hugs, much love! xo, OFT

What to Wear to Chicago in the Winter

Our goal in creating this Chicago packing list is to help you decide what to pack for Chicago in the winter. To best achieve this, we created a 10-piece winter travel wardrobe. And this Chicago packing list for winter is full of fantastic seasonal trends. Think stylish snow boots, luxurious faux fur and super soft sweaters. And when combined, these make for the perfect looks for sauntering down The Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile or Museum-hopping. Check out the items in our 10-piece packing list below for your Chicago packing needs!

What to Do to Chicago in the Winter

While visiting Chicago in the winter, consider viewing the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit at the museum of science+industry or walk a mile-long path through trees lighted with colorful lighting effects at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Stop by Millennium Park to check out your frosty reflection in the Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as the Bean). And grab pizza from Uno or Giordano’s, and donuts from Firecakes for dessert.

Next, we discuss the weather in Chicago in the winter and how to pack your travel bag accordingly.

How to Pack for Chicago in the Winter

Chicago Winter Weather

Average high temperatures for Chicago in the winter can range from the high- 20s to low-30s, dependent on which month you arrive. Winter low average temperatures in Chicago range from the mid-teens to low-20s. And with temps like these, it is safe to say that Chicago in the winter is COLD. So packing leather gloves and a long, thick coat will help keep you warm on cold and windy days. Chic thigh high boots (we love these styles from Chinese Laundry and Seychelles) are a must for a nice dinner out or catching an unmissable show at The Second City. Lastly, be sure to pack a comfortable pair of warm shoes, like these snow boots, if you plan on doing any exploring in the city. Below we have included a detailed monthly list of the the average high and low temperatures for Chicago in the winter.

This average weather list was adapted from a Chicago Weather and When to Go article on Tripadvisor.

Below we feature 10 pieces to help you create comfortable, on-trend travel outfits for a winter vacation to Chicago.

WHAT TO WEAR TO CHICAGO IN THE WINTER

CHICAGO PACKING GUIDE

THE 10 PIECES YOU NEED TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO CHICAGO IN THE WINTER

Satchel Bag | Sweater | Grey Jeans | Leather Gloves | Faux Fur Coat | Snow Boots | Thermal Leggings | Sweatshirt | Beanie | Tall Black Boots

When selecting what to wear to Chicago in the winter, your travel wardrobe should focus on long layers, warm knits and comfortable shoes. It is a beautiful city with fantastic museums and outdoor places. The winter can be a rather cold time to visit Chicago. So whether you’re packing Chicago outfits for December, January or February, prepare by referring to our Chicago packing list with its stylish pieces that will work great for your winter travels!