Thanksgiving ’Fits or Feasts?
It is officially the final stretch of 2023, and Halloween is over, leading to the two most chaotic months of the year. Thanksgiving and Christmas are stressors in most people's lives, especially dealing with unruly family members at celebrations and dinners while picking the perfect gifts for those they love (Scott, 2022). By the time Thanksgiving day comes, everyone has just about exploded with stress, leaving them little time or excitement around figuring out what to wear for the many celebrations scheduled.
Dressing for holiday celebrations may seem vain to some, but outfits can make or break the experience. I know most of you reading have dealt with snide or rude remarks from family members regarding the clothes you chose to wear- I don't know if I can answer the question "Did you buy those jeans with holes?" ever again. In the hopes that everyone can enjoy their holidays, here is a holiday outfit survival guide to aid everyone in this stressful time.
Thanksgiving Outfit Survival Guide
Comfortability
A good outfit is always a priority when dressing up for special events. However, Thanksgiving is centered around an enormous feast, so wearing something tight or uncomfortable may make it hard to enjoy your meal and time with your family. Trade in skinny or tight jeans for those with wide legs or looser waistlines. Consider finding a pair of trousers with elastic or a loose, flowy dress.
Festivity
This one is optional but can bring some holiday cheer to your celebrations! Adding hues of fall colors such as muted oranges, greens, and browns to your outfits may help invoke the feelings of fall and the transition into winter (Jackson, 2023). To warm your mood, go for some texture with suede, leather, or sherling (Jones, 2023).
Modesty
This one is optional, but often, especially around the holidays, family members comment on clothing, usually displeased by a "lack of modesty." If you don't feel like handling comments like this, it may be best to consider "modesty" when picking your outfit (Bedewi, 2019). Try nondistressed jeans, full-length tops, and tights under short skirts or dresses to keep elder relatives off your back.
Personality
Personality is the most essential part of your outfit. Be yourself! Wear what makes you the most excited to celebrate the holidays. Whether you express yourself with fun accessories, patterns, hairdos, or makeup, remember that the only opinion that truly matters is your own.
Despite the holidays continuing to be stressful for everyone, I hope you find solace in picking out an outfit with this guide for the many fun celebrations as this year comes to a close.
Sources
Bedewi, J (2019). What to Do If Your Family Doesn’t Approve of the Way You Dress. Sweety High. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from
https://www.sweetyhigh.com/read/family-doesnt-approve-way-you-dress-tips-101619
Jackson, L. (2023). Latte Dressing, Tomato Red- Fall’s Viral Colors Were All Over Street Stylers. Vogue. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from
https://www.vogue.com/article/fall-fashion-colors-2023
Jones, J (2023). 9 Fabrics That Deserve a Place in Your Fall Wardrobe. Who What Wear. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from
https://www.whowhatwear.com/fall-fabrics
Scott, E (2022). Managing the Seemingly Inevitable Holiday Season Stress. Very Well Mind. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from
https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-and-managing-holiday-stress-3145230
Written by Katherine Fivgas
Copyedited by Rachel Odling
Graphic by Sophie Difusco