MY TOP 6 CHICAGO WINTER ESSENTIALS

Here to share my wealth of winter knowledge from the past 2 and a half years of living in Chicago! Here are my Chicago winter essentials!
Uniqlo coat:rstyle.me/cz-n/fwyf5ccsw8p
My mittens: www.amazon.com/dp/B081QY1DD6/...
Electric Vest: www.amazon.com/dp/B01H50RF46/...
Fur Lined Doc Martens: rstyle.me/cz-n/fnx3y8csw8p
rstyle.me/cz-n/fnx3y8csw8p
Carex Light Therapy Lamps:
carex.com/collections/bright-...
carex.com/collections/bright-...
Use code CAIRA20 for 20% off
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Hi my name is Caira Button and I am a 27 year old who makes videos about tips, tricks, and organization for small space living. I love the minimalist, feminine, clean vibe. I have kept the decor pretty neutral adding a bit of mid century modern & LOTS of plants. I hope my advice is able to help you in your journey!

[@rosasacco4746]

Most importantly we need to wear a hat (to protect our ears and trap body heat from our head) AND a scarf. I live in Canada and walk everywhere in a major city. Believe me when I say you don't want to be caught outside without the above items.

[@CairaButton]

I agree with ALL of this!!!

[@athenab2802]

the snow boot part is true IF you live downtown Chicago. But if you live in an outskirt neighborhood such as Brighton park or foray Logan square (or even the southside). They are not as on top of clearing the streets as Caira says. Downtown yes because Unfortunely the city does prioritize them way more then the other neighborhoods. So you will need treading snow boots if you live in an outskirt part of Chicago, I live in West lawn (15 min drive from downtown) born & raised, and 9/10 they do not take care of the sidewalks or street's until a few days after.

[@gerardo2582]

I'm moving from San Diego to Chicago in a few months and i'm terrified lol. I've never lived in a cold environment before. This video was super helpful! Thank you!

[@dw3658]

So am I!!! We’ll make it through lol…

[@MadamMonchimonchi]

Same here! I'm guessing you're there already, good luck! I'm terrified but excited

[@maroonlegacy]

Same here!

[@fabiolajara8907]

Same here!!

[@moreanita8]

As a native Chicagoan I recommend having two types of winter boots. One similar to the kind she showed, or maybe a little bit higher, and some knee high boots. There have been some winters where I didn't need to pull those knee high boots out at all, and there have been others where I've practically lived in them. Chicago's winter's have become very unpredictable. Also keep in mind that the downtown areas are going to get snow removal faster than others. If you live on a side street, no matter the neighborhood, those are gonna get plowed last. So depending on how much it snows, you actually may have to walk in snow that goes past your ankles.

[@hereforthevideoessays6399]

This! In the suburbs I needed true snow boots pretty frequently to be able to enjoy the outdoors.

[@tiffprendergast]

Ugg’s

[@cassidyghanem7568]

As a chicagoan born and raised here my whole life, everything Caira mentioned is SO TRUE! And she was not joking about gloves/mittens. Some days any skin touching the air will freeze to death (not even being dramatic) LOL. I highly recommend owning blanket scarves too. Not for fashion but literally blanket scarves save me in the winters when i need extra warmth on my neck/head arms/ etc. And also pretty much everyone i know owns a heated blanket inside their house for extra warmth on winter days lol :)

[@chemokiki]

A good idea to have something planned to get you out of your rabbit hole would be to volunteer at a local shelter or food kitchen. You'd not only be helping yourself but many others. You'd be surprised how rewarding it is. Great video! Completely agree about those mittens v/s gloves too! BTW, I was born here, spent 17 years then spoiled by 31 on the west coast. First winter back was the Polar Vortex and I live ON the lake. Yikes!

[@CairaButton]

Yes!! That is a wonderful idea!

[@tiffprendergast]

@@CairaButton move to Florida

[@hereforthevideoessays6399]

P.S. Caira I love the way your Chicago neon skyline reflects on the TV here. So cozy 😍

[@michellemeyer1214]

I just found your channel......I was born and raised in Chicago and it takes A LOT for me to comment or to give kudos for a great job!!!! Well done!!!!

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!!!

[@kendalllehman7747]

i don’t live in Chicago (yet) but these are all honestly so helpful for Ohio winters too!

[@meekssyy]

needed this! just moved to chi from texas so i wasn’t prepared for the winter at all

[@katie1568]

The Midwest is a phenomenal place to live, thanks for sharing this info!

[@tanjua18]

I was born and raised in Chicago, wicker park, and maybe I just don’t feel the cold anymore 😅 I go out in the thinnest coats and uggs, or hunter boots if it’s slushy out, the mittens though are a really good recommendation 💯 better than gloves

[@davidgomez5116]

I grew up in Chicago dirt broke so I can tell you you don't need to spend $180 or more on a coat. Definitely pile on layers. If your a dude you'll definitely be wishing you had mittens but I never wore them as I was under the impression they were for girls. You can buy any coat and you'll be fine but you'll definitely be more comfy with something more expensive I'm sure. But it's also not like you spend your entire day in freezing temperatures. Just the walks from your house to your car/ vehicle and from your vehicle to whatever your destination is. For kids going to school they'll need to be bundled like none other cuz waiting outside for even 5 minutes your extremities are gone. You or your kids might be checking to see if it's still there. It is that's just Chicago. If your outside for longer than a few minutes in freezing temperatures you can do it but it just really sucks. If you don't even have a car well good luck. Might want to pack a handkerchief or something for runny nose due to weather.

[@jow.2450]

Thin layer underneath when you can’t warm up or you want to wear a cute top without much warmth. Silk or wool is great. Some synthetic is great too. Even a tank top or cami can do wonders. I remember overhearing someone share they just moved from Hawaii to Chicago. This was the middle of winter. 😳😳. I mean ….

[@rosealcantara2649]

Great advice!

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Amazing advice yessss

[@GayathriPrameela]

Thank you so much for making this video. It is super informative and super helpful!😍

[@cheryld.3616]

Thanks for the info

[@traceybell9167]

You said Trader Joe’s and Chicago and I immediately subscribed! I would definitely say snow proof boots are important if you live in a more neighborhood area. I live in Uptown now, previously Humboldt, prior to that Avondale and they have come in handy every year.

[@gabraellar6570]

I just got those docs! Or very similar but with black fur and a little taller heel. I got some Jadons too. I see docs everywhere in Chicago so I figured they must be good for the cold lol

[@gugapilar3323]

Top este material! Grande abraço e fique bem!

[@PRHILL9696]

Summers here in Chicago are far more brutal! My friends from florida dont even find winter here to be bad

[@livingwild3284]

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips! I definitely know which way to steer in the way of dressing for winter now! I want that vest! 🥰 I’m going to sound so ‘goth’ for saying this (no shade to all my goth friends out there), but Nighttime is my favorite time of day. I know, I know. I do love bright, summer days too. However, I’m kind of ‘one of those’ that comes more alive at night. Not a night owl 🦉 though. It’s hard to explain. I also love cold weather and snow❄️ ⛄️ So, maybe Winter will be my friend after all! I’m moving to Chicago this month. Looking forward to all that good food!!

[@MsDesiree39]

mitts vs gloves....yes!

[@richy1882]

I'm scared actually haha because I used to live in the desert and I'll move for the first time in my life to Chicago on January 2023 I don't really know what to do Thank you so much for your video you made my day

[@CairaButton]

I moved from the desert too, you’ll be fine!!

[@desertqueenaz7895]

Love your channel ❤️

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!!

[@TravelwithTasha393]

Last fall, I visited Chicago, and I came when it must of been a cold snap because I was not prepared. It was 50 degrees in NJ when I left, and the low was 20 degrees when I landed. I learned my lesson, and when I returned 2 months later in January, I was prepared. Hat, gloves, and Scarf, and I had to buy a new coat because my zipper busted. The wind coming off the lake is no joke.

[@CairaButton]

Ooooof yeah you definitely need a fully working coat

[@hereforthevideoessays6399]

This is the BEST video! Love love this. Another hack in a pinch on a cold day, beyond all the layers, warm coats, etc: Warm a bunch of rice or oats and stick them in your pockets in two airtight Ziploc snack bags. Eat any of the excess before you leave so your tummy is nice and warm. It will keep your hands and soul warm during that brisk walk in the cold Chicago weather.

[@hereforthevideoessays6399]

And yup, one pair of extremely thick, durable mittens has gotten me through winters there for the 10+ years I've owned them. Get a pair that's machine washable!

[@djr350912]

I’m in love with you sweater! Do you have a link to it or where you got it from?

[@baharris7]

Along with the gym membership also get a dash pass or monthly uber eats subscription as well. I find myself ordering in A LOT more in the winter. Plus not you can get delivery from convenience and grocery stores through these services as well.

[@cucumberbreezee]

Winter is coming!

[@xohannahbananaa]

I just bought those boots at the Dr. Martens store and I’m wondering if I got the original inspiration from you 🤔 They also have waterproof spray which can be helpful if people are more worried about that!

[@terrycrews1760]

Video came right on time as I will be visiting for Chicago for the first time the week before Christmas and my family will be there for 5 days. Honestly one thing that I’m concerned about which is so hard to find info on is how to dress our baby. We have a baby that is 6 mo old and we just want to make sure that he will be safe from the cold temperatures. This is simply a family vacay but we still feel lost on how prepared we need to be when it comes to child care. Any thought on this? We will be staying Downtown and hope to do as much touristy things we can while visiting and trying to be as safe as possible during our visit.

[@jaeascheherazadealleje4025]

From the Philippines who will be having an intership in Chicago. I'm nervous because it will be my first winter season and I'm from a tropical country. Afraid that I can't survive the winter, so im researching before hand 😅

[@BrittneyBudgetsAndThings]

Im coming to Chicago in Feb for a week!! Would you recommend snow pants to go out or are jeans / sweats good enough with and under layer?? Great video ❤

[@CairaButton]

You don’t need snow pants! I usually just do jeans or maybe jeans with leggings under.

[@EmmasGardyn]

Hey I’m looking to move from Little Rock to Chicago this year. I have to sell my house first. How long before I’m moving should I reach out to you? I assume my house will sell rather quickly here… good area and rather updated.

[@moneyhungry9165]

I am going to Chicago at the end of October what should i wear out there is it cold ?

[@chellybelly4270]

Will your tips be necessary if I'm flying up for the second week of November? I'm from Hawaii, so I have no idea what clothes to pack :)

[@CairaButton]

It shouldn’t be that cold but you truly never know!!!

[@elianapayne3649]

What type of pants are you supposed to wear? Am I correct in assuming jeans might not be the way to go? Lol

[@double8beats]

pretty

[@gregadame1802]

I’m visiting in mid November for 3 days, should I be dressed for snow ?

[@CairaButton]

You never know!! It could snow but it could also be in the 70s. Pack layers!

[@xoxojade4278]

Is there snow right now?

[@CairaButton]

Yes! We haven't gotten too much snow YET but there will be!

[@mdickerson24]

What do people that have to wear business professional clothing to work wear in winters? Im assuming you would not be wearing slacks and dress shoes right?

[@xohannahbananaa]

Personally I layer up, I usually wear chunky sweaters instead of dress shirts I would wear in the spring/summer. Uniqlo has a thermal line called HeatTeach which is incredible and I live in that once it drops below 50 degrees. It has varying warmths with regular, extra warm and ultra warm for thermal shirts and pants. I would also wear snow boots or warmer shoes for the walk and then change my shoes when I get there! Depending on where I was I would even leave my dress shoes there if I was working in an office that way I didn’t have to lug them back-and-forth between the office and my house. Also a scarf is helpful too!

[@CairaButton]

THIS^^^ so many people wear bigger boots to work then change into dress shoes once there.

[@tiffprendergast]

@@xohannahbananaa yup

[@terrycrews1760]

@@xohannahbananaa before I purchase heattech could you provide your recommendation on which level of warmth to choose while visiting during Christmas time in December. My family and I are visiting the Chi for the first time in the week of Christmas and we need thermal wear and we hear Uniqlo has the best. Unfortunately there is not a location in Houston so we can’t feel it or try it on but will need to order it online. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[@xohannahbananaa]

@@terrycrews1760 I personally would get the ultra warm leggings for sure and if you can, get the ultra warm top but the extra warm would work too! Right now the weather is in the 30s and 40s and I always run cold. I usually wear heat tech as a layering piece so I wear the extra warm thermal shirt (I only have the ultra warm turtlenecks) under my sweaters or tops and the ultra warm leggings under my jeans/pants. The ultra warm feels like it’s lined with fleece and is the thickest, the extra warm is also fleece lined but not as thick. The extra and ultra warm leggings are also pretty high waisted. For sizing I’m usually a medium (size 8 in jeans) so I get medium in the tops and bottoms. They’re pretty true to size, with washing it can be a little loose. I also wear a coat that’s down to my knees with a fur lined hood! Also mittens or gloves especially walking around a lot, but you can always put your hands in your pockets. Otherwise, a pair of comfortable boots, honestly I wear short water resistant rain boots with fuzzy socks & that does the trick too. Let me know if you have any other questions :) Definitely watch Caira’s new video on things to do in Chicago, it’s super helpful!! Have a great time ☺️