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I am sure that, to any of you from "The North," I am about to sound like a total moron. In Texas, however, we don't need winter clothes, nevermind winter coats! What and when should I buy? I am planning on waiting until new student week, but how extreme a garmet do I need, and where should I get it from?

By Wattsski (Wattsski) on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 03:15 pm: Edit

Haha. Yeah, I live in Colorado and I know that even I'll be unprepared. My friend from Minnesota who is going to go back there for college is taking me and all my northern bound friends out coat shopping. My cousin goes to NU (she's from CA) and her dad told my parents that she was fine with the cold as soon as she invested in a long down coat. Someone else who went to NU told me to get hiking boots because sometimes they aren't so great about shoveling the sidewalks and such and sneakers aren't enough but you don't to wear snowboots.

By Ycnan7 (Ycnan7) on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 02:19 am: Edit

i live in chicago. you probably don't need hiking boots. a down coat will be helpful though.

By Im_Blue (Im_Blue) on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 05:32 am: Edit

North Face jackets are very popular around Northwestern. If you can afford it, you should get a fleece jacket, a shell coat that goes over that, and also a long down coat. Columbia is also good. In addition to a jacket and a coat, you should also get: earmuffs, mittens, and a scarf.

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 10:46 am: Edit

So these "long down coats," how long are they? Like, mid-thigh, knee or longer?

By Wattsski (Wattsski) on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 03:39 pm: Edit

My mom says to wait until I get there. I'll be able to find climate appropriate attire there.

Hehe.. I'm soooo bringing my furry white Russian hat I bought in Austria. It's the warmest hat ever. ;-)

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Saturday, August 28, 2004 - 06:50 pm: Edit

I have to resurrect this thread because I so almost bought a coat today, but wasn't sure if it was the right thing. From what I understand, I need a down coat that goes to my knees that is waterproof and has a hood. Am I right? This doesn't help me all that much though, because there are ton of jackets/coats/parkas out there that fit that description. Do people wear things that look more like ski jackets, or is more "serious" winter-wear worn? What are the best brands (and by "best" I mean quality, not what everyone thinks is cool) I don't want to pay $250 for NorthFace if, in reality, it is badly made. Help!

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 01:38 am: Edit

Glamour, you only need that kind of coat starting Winter Quarter. Don't forget hats, scarfs and gloves!

Just bring enough jackets and fleeces for fall and spring weather.

By Im_Blue (Im_Blue) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 07:44 am: Edit

The really cold weather starts sometime around November, so just bring a medium jacket for now. In a couple of months, you can go shopping with the local students who should be able to help you pick everything out.

By Midwesterner (Midwesterner) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 11:39 am: Edit

If you drive 15 minutes west of NU there is a huge shopping center. They have some great coat sales starting in September. Wait until you get here, and then decide how "big" a coat you want. It should cover your rear, but knee-length is too long and awkward.

By Barrons (Barrons) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 01:47 pm: Edit

For the coldest days I had a top of the line Eddie Bauer down parka. Even in Madison, WI on the coldest night I was very toasty. It was almost too warm.

By Siavash8p (Siavash8p) on Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 12:06 am: Edit

I live in TX, too. Sometimes you can find coats cheaper in TX because not many people buy them. They always go on clearances. Just find somewhere to get something here.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 12:51 am: Edit

You may want to buy your clothes/coats in your home state rather than shop in Chicago. The sales tax in Chicago is 8.75%. Not exactly cheap.

By Kk19131 (Kk19131) on Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 01:38 am: Edit

Pennsylvania has no tax on clothing! We rock!

By Siavash8p (Siavash8p) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 08:06 pm: Edit

TX is 8.25% too...

By Desrtswimer (Desrtswimer) on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 10:19 pm: Edit

az DOES NOT have winter clothes anywhere.

its currently 105 out.