Whether you’re driving to the next town over or flying across the country, Thanksgiving entails pretty much the same degree of travel planning as any vacation, and it means dressing strategically. That’s why we asked the Bare Necessities buying team for their recommendations for what to wear on every (turkey) leg of the big event so you can look cute and super comfy.
HEADING HOME
Athleisure is the name of the game when it comes to planes, trains and automobiles, and that goes double for one of the busiest, most maddening travel times of the year. Flying the day of is always the most affordable; if you get out early enough, you’ll arrive in time to say grace. This year, Tuesday and Wednesday are both predicted to be some of the worst times for heading out, transit-wise.
So no matter if you’re going to the airport or your own garage, leave yourself loads of extra time, pack your patience and, above all, wear something really comfortable, from your base layers (we’re partial to the Calvin Klein Modern Cotton padded bralette) to your whole outfit. You’ll be smugly pleased with yourself that you went with the unbelievably soft Barefoot Dreams collection.
COOKING UP A STORM
After you’ve settled back into your childhood bedroom, it’s time to get down to the business at hand. That probably means hitting up the grocery store for the ingredients to your killer side dish and carving out a corner of the kitchen in which to whip it up. For a cozy, easy-wearing look that still says you tried, go for the fancy-casual mix of the P.J. Salvage Floral Embroidered Knit Lounge Top and matching Jogger Pants. You can wear UGG Ansley slippers to the store or slip them on when you get home, because you’re going to be on your feet chopping and stirring for the foreseeable.
SEEING OLD FRIENDS
You’re not the only one home for the holidays. Maybe you’re doing a Friendsgiving, or going to homecoming or a pub to meet the high school buddies you haven’t seen since last year, you might as well wow them with how little you’ve changed. In this case, there’s only one category to care about: shaping leggings. All the coolest looks—camouflage, velvet, moto, racing stripes, metallics—come with slimming technology invisibly built in. Just add a long tee or slouchy sweater for that “I’m not trying overly hard; I always look this good” vibe.
SLEEPING OVER
Yes, yes, you’re hanging out at home and want to be completely comfortable, but you’re not a kid anymore. Oversized promotional giveaway T-shirts riddled with holes won’t cut it. For maximum cuddliness in the form of a pulled-together look you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in when company comes over, you can’t go wrong with matching pajamas in a cheeky print. Our buyers’ new favorite is this P.J. Salvage Coffee is Life Flannel Pajama Set. Lord knows you’re going to need ALL THE CAFFEINE to get through this weekend.
EATING LIKE IT’S YOUR JOB
When you want an elastic waistband that’s not in the form of sweatpants, fashion hosiery is your best friend. On Thanksgiving Day, go for above-average levels of dressed with thick opaque tights, festive shimmery sheers or these incredibly cool Wolford Crossband Net Tights. Pair your legwear with an eternally chic, forgiving wrap dress or a skirt and sweater, and smile for all the pictures you know you’re going to end up tagged in.
WALKING IT OFF
After a good, long tryptophan- and pie-induced nap, you may want to take a leisurely lap around the neighborhood or even hit the gym, so make it a point to pack supportive workout gear—a sports bra especially. Our activewear buyer likes the unrestricted, forgiving flow of these Onzie Gypsy Yoga Pants with a Chic Racerback Sports Bra.
Then make sure you get back to your place in time for some truly epic Cyber Monday shopping.
