How To Pack for Thanksgiving Break
Graphic by Carly Witteman.
We’ve all been there.
It's the night before traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday with bags to be packed and miles to be crossed. Chaotic beads of sweat drip down your forehead while you yank your carry-on out from under your bed. As it sits empty in the middle of your room, you realize you have bigger fish to fry. Politically incorrect grandparents to drown out, awkward confrontations about your love life and a sudden realization that turkey is eaten to celebrate the forced removal of Native Americans. Yippee!
Amongst all this pandemonium, the last thing you need to spend time worrying about is having the right clothing for the holiday. And that's what this is for! An all-purpose, all-inclusive guide on how to pack when giving thanks.
TASTEFUL THEMES
Late fall calls for oversized hoodies, rugged wear and earth tones. As a general rule of thumb, err on the side of shades over colors, and multi-use over niche. That XL, gray TNA hoodie will serve you better than a vibrant quarter zip. Seek out your Carhartts, Levi’s, Dickies, Wranglers: brands that remind you of chopping wood. And in terms of color palate, stick to your roots. Literally. Browns, greens, grays, denims, flannels, maybe even some hints of orange and red for the festivities.
SOLEFUL SHOES
As Marie Kondo preaches, pack yourself two shoes. One every day, one more site-specific. Regardless, your two shoe choices need to cover basic bases. Your first choice needs the freedom of a dark color, a thick sole with the flexibility of a tennis shoe. Your second choice must be acceptable with a formal outfit, minimal in branding and excess flamboyance, but practical enough that you could wear them casually as well. Kill multiple birds with two stones.
CASUAL COMFORT
At the end of the day, this is a vacation. Please, for the love of all things almighty, do not forget your favorite groutfit and pajama set. Remember those fuzzy birks and the woolen socks, Grandpa’s collegiate hoodie and the overworn LazyOnes boxers. Your go-to jeans and that beanie that protects the bad hair days. Give yourself some love.
FORMAL FASHION
Establish one complete, premeditated, and appropriate outfit for the big meal of the trip. Account for the gathering of family members, the impressionable nature of your attire and a level of respect for both others and yourself. Nine times out of ten, you won’t wear the full outfit. But comfort will arise from having the option to choose one or a few of the pieces and mingle them with something that feels more true in the moment. Trust me, this works.
OPPORTUNE OUTERWEAR
Depending on geographic location, mother nature must be taken into account. During these particular November days, one may encounter wind, rain and even snow. Acknowledge and adjust accordingly, but don’t doomsday prep. A light rain jacket that's both elegant and low-profile will work wonders: Columbia does these great. You may also consider a more cozy and lengthy coat, which functions suitably in cold climates as well as acts as a great comfort on whatever transportation you plan on taking.
ADMISSIBLE ACCESSORIES
To many, accessorizing is a means of freedom and expression. And honestly, there’s not much to prescribe because it really is. Pull out all the stops: rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, sport your daily drivers. Ice out for the big day, you’ve earned it.
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
Don’t forget your toothbrush.