How To Pack For Thanksgiving Travel: Part 1
Your suitcase is a mini version of your closet. It challenges you just like building and maintaining your wardrobe does.
You need to think of what you’ll need, what you’ll want, and how to style each outfit in a way that makes you feel and look as amazing as you are. With all this to consider, it’s not easy.
But today, I’m breaking down how to pack each day of your trip.
And next week, I’ll be sending you part two (keep a look out!), so you can see exactly how it’s all actually going to work together for Turkey Day and beyond.
Before I get into packing, though, a couple things to keep in mind…
Style is about creativity, so give yourself freedom to amend this list in whatever way makes your outfits feel the most like you.
I created this list for a three day trip: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Feel free to expand by adding one more outfit in the dressy casual category. Use the same outerwear (jacket, hats, gloves) and shoes, so you don’t over pack, but add in a new top, pair of pants, and accessories for the fourth-day outfit.
THE SUITCASE
Carry-on: I don’t ever play with checked luggage, even on a 13 day trip to Europe, and neither should you. Carrying-on is easy, fast, and makes you more decisive in the packing process, because you’ve only got so much room. So for three days of travel, a carry-on should definitely be your way to go.
DAY ONE
If you’re landing at your destination on Wednesday, a friends or family dinner is likely on the agenda for that evening. The category of dressing for dinner is typically dressy casual, so you’ll want your first travel outfit to be at that level of formality.
Pants: These bottoms needs to be dressy enough to go into evening activities, but comfortable enough to travel. Your options include blue stretch denim, black stretch denim, high-waisted trousers, harem pants, silky joggers, pencil pants, or non-athletic leggings. Skip workout leggings and ripped jeans, because they’ll be too casual for family dinner. Leave out pastel or white pants, because dirt and stains becomes more visible. These pants need to last all day.
Tops: You may be changing climates, so you want to be prepared for any fall/winter weather, which means layering up like a pro. First, add a dressier tee, tank top, or turtleneck — something you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in if you have to de-layer due to heat. Next, add a pullover sweater or cardigan. No hoodies or gym sweatshirts — only fine-knits, chunky-knits, or graphic fashion sweatshirts like this one.
Accessories: Pick two for this look, so your look is polished, but you don’t get overwhelmed with the shiny objects. Try hoops and a watch for a graphic sweatshirt, a long necklace and cocktail ring for a chunky-knit sweater, or statement earrings and bangles for a fine-knit sweater. Other options include waist belts, pants belts, layered necklaces, stackable rings, ear crawlers, cuffs, statement necklaces, etc…Accessories are your place to play, so get creative and have fun with it!
Socks: Go with thick socks on both travel days to carry you through any climate.
Shoes: You’ll bring two pairs of shoes for this trip: one everyday shoe to throw on during errands and making mashed potatoes, one dressier shoe for the actual Thanksgiving meal. You have to be comfortable for travel, so if the dressier shoe has a heel, it’s probably impractical. The more casual (but not too casual) shoe for Wednesday can be cowboy boots, fashion sneakers, oxfords or loafers.
Jacket: You’ll only be taking one jacket, so choose this piece wisely. It should be dressy enough for Thanksgiving Day and functional enough for travel. Options include an overcoat, a peacoat, a trenchcoat (if you’re going somewhere not too cold), a full-length down coat, or a moto jacket.
Extras: In addition to your carry-on, you should bring a medium-to-large purse to keep your books, laptop, gloves, scarf, and other miscellaneous stuff in. Throw a hat in there too or, if your hat isn’t made for bending, wear it on the plane/in the car.
DAY TWO
We’ve arrived at the holiday! Time for lots of stuffing (my favorite part) and style too.
If you’re cooking that day, you’ll want to pack a this-whole-look-can-get-dirty outfit. Don’t overthink it. This look goes something like this: oversized t-shirt, comfy socks, leggings, headband or hair tie if you need to put your hair up.
Now, the meal outfit!
Base Layer: You can do dressy separates like a silky blouse and high-waisted trousers if your style is all about practicality, a dress for a romantic look, or a jumpsuit for an edgy look that your great Aunt Mildred will love.
Jacket: You don’t necessarily need a jacket in addition to the one you threw on for travel day, but if you get cold easily, a lighter option is good to have. This jacket varies from the true outerwear jacket, because you feel less stuffy wearing it inside. Your options include a blazer, duster, kimono, sleek (non-holey) denim jacket or a dressy vest like this one.
Accessories: Just like day one, you’ll pick two. These should be different from the first day’s accessories if you have enough options in your wardrobe. The variety will keep you excited for each look and make you look as creative and thoughtful as you are.
Shoes: If you can, go for heels to give you a powerful presence (gotta assert yourself in the family), but nothing too high. A sensible heel like wedges, a block heel, stacked heels, or kitten heels will dress up your look and give your height without adding discomfort and distraction.
DAY THREE
You may be getting on a flight home immediately or you might be sticking around for brunch and Black Friday shopping — either way, keep your look dressy casual and comfortable to feel good for all day activities or on the flight home.
Repeat the formula for day one, and you’re all set to jet!
Feeling prepped and ready to travel this Turkey Day? Leave me a comment below and share which tip you found most useful for putting together your holiday outfits. I would love to hear from you.
Lots of love and joy!
Raquel
