Chicago-based outdoor gear tester. Eight years as a personal stylist before specializing in activity-driven dressing. Tests across Midwest seasons, Lake Michigan winds to July humidity. Runs, hikes, golfs, will defend fleece-lined jeans.
Activity Guides
Dress for 10 to 20F warmer than the actual temperature: wicking base, running tights, wind-resistant shell, and a beanie below 30F. Most runners overdress and overheat by mile 2, so you stop guessing and run comfortably through the coldest months.
Activity Guides
Wear a thermal base layer, a quarter zip, running tights and a throwaway vest you shed at the start. Dress for 15 to 20F warmer than the thermometer, because you heat up inside the first mile. Four formulas plus glove, hat and shoe picks, so the morning is already decided.
Activity Guides
Start cold in a thin base layer and a grid fleece you strip in the first mile, then hike in a woven pant over trail shoes. A fall trail can swing 30F between the 7 a.m. lot and a noon ridge. Four layering formulas plus the shell, pant and shoe picks.
Activity Guides
For a three or four day work trip, pack six pieces in one color family: merino tee, wrinkle-resistant shirt, stretch trouser, half-zip, packable shell, one pair of shoes. They recombine into four outfits. Formulas plus the shoe and layer picks, so you pack once and stop second-guessing.
Activity Guides
Wear a long-sleeve sun shirt, quick-dry pants, grippy waterproof shoes, and a packable rain shell for when the wind picks up. Water reflects UV and pulls heat faster than land. Four formulas plus the footwear picks, so you get on the water already decided.
Activity Guides
For recess duty, wear a moisture-wicking polo or tee, quick-dry bottoms, cushioned slip-on sneakers, and a brimmed hat. You are standing on open blacktop, not sitting in AC. Four formulas plus the shoe and sun picks, so you can get back to teaching without a change of clothes.
Activity Guides
Wear stretch pants you can high-step in and a fitted top that will not ride up when you reach overhead. Gyms run 65F to 72F and you will be warm two routes in. Four formulas plus the harness-friendly fabric and shoe picks, so you can stop thinking about it.
Activity Guides
Wear a half zip fleece over a long sleeve base, a quilted vest you can shed, joggers, and waterproof boots with wool socks. A meet is a walk across wet grass, not a seat in a stadium. Four formulas plus the footwear and sock picks, so you watch the race instead of your feet.
Occasion Wear
Wear a cotton tee under a sherpa lined shirt jacket, with jeans and closed shoes you do not mind smelling like smoke. A bonfire runs 20 degrees colder at 10pm than it did at 7pm. Four formulas plus the fabric and footwear picks, so you can stay out past the good part.
Activity Guides
Wear long pants with a flat inseam, a fitted top you can layer, and a boot with a one inch heel. The heel is safety, not style, because it stops your foot sliding through the stirrup. Four formulas plus the boot and sock picks, so you show up at the barn already right.
Activity Guides
Wear leggings or fleece-lined athletic pants, a thin base layer under a fleece, gloves, and one pair of thin tall socks. Skating is aerobic, so you warm up fast and overdressing is the bigger risk. Four formulas plus the sock and glove picks, so you get on the ice and stay there.
Occasion Wear
Wear a flannel or plaid overshirt over a henley, with dark 5-pocket pants and broken-in boots. Most US Oktoberfests have no dress code, but they do have a 20 degree drop after sunset. Four formulas plus the vest and boot picks, so you stop checking the forecast.