<p>Do read:</p>
<p>I’m from California, so not used to single and negative temperatures. What types of coats do you wear to keep you warm? I was thinking about a down that goes to the waist, but my parents say that won’t be enough…</p>
<p>I grew up in Evanston, Illinois. Your mother is correct. Buy a regular, long length down filled coat with a hood. Also, buy a scarf and really good mittens (mittens keep you warmer than gloves). You will need a good pair of water proof boots. Northwestern is on the shore of Lake Michigan and it is very cold in the winter. </p>
<p>I would recommend any thick down coat with a large hood (to keep your head, cheeks and ears covered) that goes below your waist (it doesn’t have to go down to your knees). Just enough to keep you warm. Midwest weather can be extremely cold (I lived in Illinois and currently live in Michigan!)</p>
<p>Get rain-proof or leather boots to walk in the snow and ice. It doesn’t have to be designer shoes. Get anything that keeps your feet warm and provides good traction on ice. Ditto on gloves/mittens.</p>
<p>Buy some corduroy pants too because they keep your legs warmer than jeans. </p>
<p>Mom knows best.
Get the absolute warmest clothing you can: full length down coat, scarves, mittens, sweaters, boots, etc.</p>