If you're going to brave the Lake Effect chill in Chicago this New Year's Eve, you're going to need to stock up on cold weather essentials to help you arrive at your final destination in the same stunning shape in which you left the house. While this may mean toting your adorable slingbacks to save them from the slush and salt, don't worry about having to hit the party scene in sweatpants. Whether you're sashaying to the chichi Chicago clubs or heading to an intimate gathering with friends, you need a set of stylish "get there gear" to keep you toasty en route. Make it look like your trek was warm and pleasant when you shed all those layers and unveil your real New Year's garb.
1. Start out by thinking on—and of—your feet. Nine West's Yogini rubber Wellington boots ($59) are cheeky and have a slightly edgy patent leather look to them. They'll protect your tootsies from freezer burn and will help you keep traction on slippery sidewalks much better than your sexy party shoes.
2. While you're thinking about protecting your digits from temps in the negative digits, consider picking up a pair of long, sleek black leather gloves from Banana Republic ($128). The long length makes them a little dressier than your everyday gloves, and the black leather is timeless and so chic.
3. A festive night calls for festive outerwear, and Armani Exchange's sequined black scarf ($68) provides just enough sparkle for your journey. It's not over-the-top (you don't want to look like the famous Times Square New Year's ball), but it's got that extra gleam to ring in a sparkling new year.
4. Since you don't want to arrive at your New Year's festivities with painful, red ears or mussed hair, sophisticated fox fur earmuffs from Michael Kors ($22) are a must. Go ahead and spend time on your updo, knowing it won't get crushed by an unwieldy hat (though the wild wind is another story.)
5. If you're going to be spending any time out of doors, you'll have to adjust your beauty regimen to make it in the Windy City. Always carry a tube of soothing Burts Bees lip shimmer ($4); it's the same formula as their healing beeswax lip balm, but with a hint of color and a little pearly shimmer–perfect for a party. And don't leave home without Dr. Hauschka's miraculous hand cream ($23). It's a must-apply every time you come in from the nippy air. Finally stash all your New Year's beauty loot in the lovely Cora bag ($110) from Chicago bag designers 1154 Lill Studio. Its Victorian-style flocking and delicate gold chain are gorgeous, and it's the perfect size for all your essentials.
More Like This:
The Proposal's chic, structured wardrobe
Combat relentless summer hair frizz
The September Issue: icy stares, chic accessories
how boring and lame. have you ever been to chicago? you need to step it up for an evening out. rubber boots on nye? you’ve got to be kidding. at least you have a couple semi-inspired outfits under new york’s and dc’s suggestions.
erin lives in Chicago -
erin - what say you?
Rubber wellies in Chicago on NYE? I don’t think so. Wellies are for rain and mud. They don’t breathe at all. Chicago has snow & ice, your feet will be so cold they hurt. You’d be better off in a real pair of winter boots, or put waterproof spray on some leather ones. Or wear shoes, and take a cab everywhere.
duh…they mean you should wear the rubber boots until you get to your destination …then you take the boots on and put on your real shoes…get it?
Oh, I certainly didn’t mean to have you wear rubber boots all night long! I’m of the school of thought that some shoes are just too fabulous to endure any amount of slush, even if it’s just on the sidewalk from your front door to your cab. Any of the shoes from our fabulously expensive shoe list, or the Nine West Sweet Life slingbacks from my wish list, would do great at Manor or La Pomme Rouge, but they’d be ruined in one fell swoop the first step you took into a salty slush puddle. Yuck!
And in further defense of the wellies, I think they’re just shiny and chic enough to get you from door to door (where you can change into your real shoes). They’ve got good traction (no sidewalk slip-ups!) and they won’t cut you off at an unflattering mid-calf spot like Uggs or most “puffy” snow boots.