What to Wear in Chicago in January for Women (Outfit Ideas)

Short answer: For Chicago in January, wear a long hooded puffer coat over a warm sweater, with waterproof boots that grip on ice and a hat, scarf and gloves. The wind off the lake makes the cold feel sharper, so cover your neck, head and thighs.

Chicago in January is cold, windy and often icy, and you may be outside waiting for a train or walking between buildings. The best outfits start with a coat that covers you well. Here are three outfit ideas built around coats we sell, with notes on what each one suits.

Long Puffer Coat with Hood and Faux Fur Collar: the downtown commute look

This chocolate brown maxi puffer runs floor-to-calf, so your legs get coverage too. It has a large hood with dark faux fur trim, a zip-and-button front and a drawstring waist. Under it, wear a chunky knit sweater and wool trousers. Add waterproof lug-sole boots, a black beanie and leather gloves. A quilted chain bag in a neutral shade suits the coat's polished look. It is thick and padded, so you can skip a bulky scarf if you keep the hood up.

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Quilted Plus Size Long Puffer Coat with Hood: the weekend walk outfit

This long quilted puffer is also chocolate brown, with thick horizontal-channel quilting, a large faux fur-trimmed hood and a zip front with a button closure. The drawstring waist lets you shape it or leave it loose. Pair it with a turtleneck, dark jeans and insulated snow boots for a museum day or brunch. Add a wool scarf and mittens. The cut looks roomy in the photos, but the listing does not state sizing in detail, so check the size chart first.

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Plus Size Hooded Puffer Coat: the milder-day and travel layer

This hooded, quilted, zip-front jacket is sold up to 7XL. It is lightweight and not truly cropped, and in the photos it looks thin and packable. So we would not pick it for the coldest, windiest days. It works on milder January days or as a travel layer. Wear it with a thermal top, a thick sweater, leggings and ankle boots with good tread. Add a warm hat and gloves, and keep a longer coat for the deep freeze.

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Layer for wind outside and heat inside

Chicago buildings, trains and shops are often warm, so build your outfit in thin layers you can peel off. Start with a snug base layer, add a sweater, then your coat. Keep the coat zipped outside, where the wind is the problem. Choose a hat that fits under your hood and a scarf you can tuck in. Wool socks matter as much as the coat, because cold feet will end a walk fast.

Choose boots and accessories for ice, then check your size

Sidewalks get icy and slushy, so pick waterproof boots with a grippy sole, and avoid smooth fashion soles. Gloves or mittens, a hat and a scarf finish the outfit. Before ordering a coat, check the size chart against your usual sweater size, since you will layer under it. Shipping to the US is free and takes 7 to 14 business days. All sales are final, so fit matters up front.

Want more options? Browse all puffer coats.

Questions, answered

Do I need a long coat in Chicago in January?

A long coat is a good idea, since it covers your thighs where wind hits hardest. A hip-length jacket can work on milder days if you wear it with a sweater and warm layers.

What shoes should I wear in Chicago in January?

Wear waterproof boots with a grippy sole and wool socks. Insulated snow boots suit long walks, and a sleeker waterproof boot works for the office or dinner.

What if my coat arrives damaged or does not fit?

All sales are final, so we cannot accept returns or exchanges for fit or change of mind. If an item arrives damaged, defective or wrong, we will replace or refund it within 14 days of delivery.