Gals' Guide to Tackling Chicago RainSometimes, an Umbrella Won't Cut It

Blagica Stefanovski, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

Hello Ladies…

(this advice can also apply to the fellas, but it seems like you don’t care as much about getting wet.)

Woo Doggie. The weather in Chicago is nutty today. Rain and crazy wind coming from all sides. I just finished a mini errand and shopping jaunt on Michigan Avenue and, of course, have some tips for you.

On days like this, an umbrella is NOT going to help you, trust me. I saw so many umbrellas twisting and falling away from ladies – all while they tried to balance their over priced latte in their hands. If you have a quick jump from the bus to work or the El and work, fine, however I think many of you will be walking for a bit on your commutes. Here are some tips for tackling Chicago rain, along with what to wear:

1) Galoshes. A must. I just got a new pair of Sperry rain boots from Shoes.com. They come in multiple colors, are surprisingly warm and have a nice drawstring tie in the front. Also, Shoes.com is having a 20% OFF Sale on Monday. Enter code CYBERMONDAY at checkout.

2) A rain jacket. Think about it. If it’s in the 40s, yes it’s chilly, but you shouldn’t be wearing a thick wool coat – you’ll sweat your buns off. Take a lesson from the Europeans and layer. I wore a long sleeve cotton top underneath a sweater today. I topped all of that off with a rain jacket that went down to my knees. I scarf around my neck completed my warmth. This way, when you are out shopping, you can take a layer off or two and not have to worry about holding everything.

3) A hat, if possible. I have naturally wavy hair and didn’t feel like having it fro on me. I tucked my hair under a cap and was good to go.

4) A backpack or waterproof zip-up bag. Again, when it’s raining and if you are holding an umbrella, checking your cell phone and trotting around with your coffee, you’re asking for spills and a mess. I love to use my Swiss Army Day packpack and keep everything inside. The backpack is waterproof and ergonomically designed to fit well on my back. Then, I keep my hands tucked into my jacket pockets and can feel my phone vibrate when someone is calling me. Or, keeping a few bucks in the pocket, along with your CTA card saves you grief from digging into the backpack.

Here is a picture of the whole ensemble. Sure, I look like I’m about to go on some sort of military mission, but my backpack also housed cute shoes, for the chance I needed to go see a client or have an impromptu lunch.

About these ads