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Good luck! We were in your shoes a year and a half ago. I don't live in Chicago but I would try to find a winter coat as soon as you can. Back in CO, they went on sale right after the holidays and by March, you can't find a coat in stores anywhere!
@MissAsB: So, are you guys happy with your move? So, to get the best deal do you suggest I wait until after the holidays?
Good Luck! it's a very nice city (and COLD in winter). I got sent there for work for about 1.5 months from sunny CA to cold Chicago during Nov and December. Aside from the cold temperature, the wind factor is going to make it worse. If you haven't got advices for Chicago native already, here is my 0.02.
1. Aside from getting coat, get a good scarf and wear it with your coat to keep the heat in. For me, it was a lot colder to wear the same coat without the scarf.
2. Buy flat shoes with good traction. Walking on ice with stiletto isn't a good idea.
3. Get gloves.
Oh yeah, Chicago deep dish pizza and Charlie Trotter = Yum 
Congrats on the move! Hopefully I will be in the windy city in 2 years...I so wish this would happen. I LOVE CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats on the new job!
Right now we are experiencing "unseasonable" cold temperatures here in Chicago. Makes for a fun commute :) If you are walking to the CTA, make sure you have boots. Lots of women either carry their work shoes in their bags or leave them at work. Shoveling and de-icing sidewalks can be hit or miss in the city. You will see a lot of down coats, hats, ear muffs, gloves, scarfs, boots, etc.
I layer when I go to work. I'm a nurse but work in an office right now. I usually wear tights under everything!! Keeps you warm and insulated for the walk to the bus stop. If I am wearing a dress or skirt, Gap has these incredible warm/insulated leggings that I throw on over my tights until I get to work. The key is to dress in layers. Women still try to remain warm AND stylish in the city.
warning....it might be a bit of an adjustment, but Chicago is a GREAT city to live and work.
Congrats again!!!!
Suggestions for clothes...
Uggs or Bearpaws for your commute. So warm and wonderful. Like someone else said I just carry my shoes in my purse or a bag.
Coats I like are Northface or Columbia for wintery type coats but any good coat with a scarf and gloves will do.
One thing that I absolutely love to wear are underarmor leggings. They are wonderful and will keep you toasty.
If you are going to be driving don't forget your car scraper for your windows. :)
Also, get a long coat. Hip length coats are cute, but there is a reason everyone in Chicago wears less fashionable long cots. Mine goes to mid calf and I am obessed. I haven't been this warm in ages. And don't worry. There are heat lamps on the EL platforms through march/april.
Thanks for the great suggestions ladies! We cant wait! :)
@bestbuddies: Eh, not so sure really. I'm not sure that I like living in the South really (hard being away from all family). If you can wait until after the holidays, you can probably get a good deal on a coat for sure.
I am in Minnesota, where it is even colder, and I love my long, mid-thigh length North Face coat. Keeping your butt warm is awesome!
@MissAsB: :( I am sure things will get better! :) It will be hard for us too but i think we will feel more at home there because of the religious community :)
@Miss Peach Tree: I agree with the long coat. However I disagree with long coat being not fashionable. There are fashionable long coats out there somewhere. 
However, if you can't find fashionable long coat, can always wear knee lengh coat or mid thight coat and pairs it with knee high boots. That would be HOT!
My fiance is still in school (1.5 yrs left) and hates the cold. One day he doesn't care where he moves, the next day he hates the idea of moving to Chicago. I think him not wanting to move to Chicago has a lot to do with his mother...but that's another story.
I absolutely have to move there. Its a great city for my career and I have always loved the city. At least I have 1.5 years to wear him down 
@2shy2Bbf: Oh, I see. Well, things will work out for the best!
moving next week ladies! So excited! i am hoping the weather will cooperate!
I moved to Chicago Feb. 1 2008. It was terribly cold and snowy but I wouldn't change it for the world!! You will love it.
Are you going to be driving or using public transportation? What neighborhoods are you looking at for apartments?
@angelastheboss: we have an apartment in West Rogers Park. Yes, I will be taking the L.
Do you use public transportation?
Yay for relocation! I got my coat at Marshalls- if you can, go for a big puffy down coat- and if you can find a long one, to your knees or more, that's what you want! It's pretty much the standard around here. And a hood is a huge bonus!
Mine has a tie belt. That makes it look a little nicer. Lol.
Yes, we don't have a car so when we need to get anywhere that isn't within walking distance we use the el or Zipcar. Look into Zipcar, it will be very handy for you for running errands after moving.
I was shopping yesterday and Loehmanns and Nordstrom Rack on State St. have a ton of GREAT winter coats for cheap. Definitely go for quality, your winter coat will be your best friend. I have a North Face 600 and I am always warm. A scarf and a hat are a must have! Also, boots.
@angelastheboss: we have two cars! eeek. We wont need both of them though...we will probably end up selling one because insurance is too expensive to pay for a car just sitting in a parking spot!
@angelastheboss: glad I noticed that it is the "el" not the "l" LOL!! I am such a noob!
haha call it whatever you want! You will want to buy a monthly pass from the CTA for the train. Sell one car for sure! It is very expensive to license a car in the city for parking and stuff.
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Here is the link to my latest update (with link to the original).
Here is what has happened since:
Offered my desired job
accepted job offer
found top 5 apartments we are looking at this weekend!
signed contract with the couple who is renting our house here in Indiana
put in my resignation
spoke with my team and good friend coworkers (the most said response. "Oh Shit!" LOL
Told my family. Some are supportive and some not so much :( (moving 6 hours away)
What is happening next:
Last day at current job is Dec 24
going up to view apartments and make a decision
Get house ready for renters
move to new apartment first week of Jan
Start new job Jan 10th!!!
telling everyone today reinforced how good of a move this is for us but I am still a little nervous.
Question for Chicago commuters. Even though I currently live in the midwest, it is a lot colder in chicago than here. Any suggestions for outwear? Where did you get your winter coats?
Thanks!