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How to Dress to Survive Your Thanksgiving Weekend

It's a long weekend, here's what you need to survive every part of your Thanksgiving holiday.

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It's here, the American binge-eating festival (a.k.a. holiday) known as Thanksgiving has arrived, and so begins the long four day weekend home. Whether you're trying to make your train/bus/plane dodging human obstacles in your local station, or trying to decide what to pack to impress your grandparents, it's a weekend that hinges not only on how much food you can stuff in your face, but also genuine strategic planning.

From the commute there to the commute back and everything in between, we've got your outfit selection covered for each event of your long weekend. This is How to Dress to Survive Your Thanksgiving Weekend.

The Trip Home

Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Key Items: Nike Sweatpants, $100; adidas Ultra Boost Sneakers, $180; Filson Duffle Bag, $325

Running through the human roadblocks at your local bus depot/train station/airport on your way out of town out is no easy feat, and considering you've just worked all day, you're not going to be in peak condition to deal with the undoubtedly insane amount of holiday commute congestion. Since you're in travel mode for the next few hours (at least), you're going to need to maintain peak comfort if you want to maintain any semblance of sanity.

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Night Out With Hometown Friends

Wednesday, 10 p.m.

Key Items: Levi's Made & Crafted Denim, $195; Deer Dana T-Shirt, $63; Palace 6 Panel Hat, $62

You finally made it home, and successfully dealing with the worst travel day of the year means deserves a drink. If you're lucky, all your friends from home made it back too, so turning your local dive bar into the turn up is a must. Considering you're finally old enough to legally paint the town red, it's essential that you dress nice enough to at least give the appearance that you have your shit somewhat together in life.

Morning of Thanksgiving Day Hangover

Thursday, 12 p.m.

Key Items: Knockaround Sunglasses, $19; Reigning Champ Robe, $121; Harry's Daily Face Wash, $7

Last night was mad real, which means this morning is all about rest and recovery. Even though you're suffering from that last shot of Jameson, the relatives are coming over in a few hours, and you need to clean up quick. Remember, your grandparents haven't seen you since last Christmas, and you definitely don't want to disappoint them with your hedonistic and errant ways...unless you want to hear about it for four hours at dinner.

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Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday, 5 p.m.

Key Items: Uniqlo Shirt​, $30; Stone Island Lambswool Sweater, $229; J.Crew Trousers, $88

The main event. Of course you're home for the entire weekend, but this is when boys become men. A few cocktails deep from pre-dinner drinks, your appetite has made your eyes a helluva lot bigger than your stomach. Sure you're dressed to impress, but that doesn't mean you're going to sleep on that second helping of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Post-Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday, 8 p.m.

Key Items: Mitchell & Ness Sweater, $60; Pendleton Blanket, $109; Kith Sweatpants, $125

You realize what a mistake that last slice of pie was the moment you stepped away from the table, and your next move is to change into something more comfortable. Don't worry about disappearing for a minute; everyone else will be too slumped to notice. Put on your coziest/most elastic fit and sink in to the nearest couch/armchair/plush seating object for a turkey-induced snooze. Don't worry, the Cowboys game should just be getting good when you come to.

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Black Friday Cop-a-thon

Friday, 9 a.m.

Key Items: Minnetonka Slippers, $43; Tums, $4; Apple Wireless Mouse, $79

Even though you're battling a gravy-induced hangover, you better pop some Tums and get over it real quick so you can flourish on the biggest copping day of the year. Re-heat a plate of leftovers for you to munch on as you furiously click and scroll your way to prosperity. Then, when it's all said and done, line up a few hours of Netflix to gaze upon as you dream of your pending dopeness. Or at least until your parents' nagging gets you out of bed.

Family Chores

Friday, 3 p.m.

Key Items: Carhartt Jacket, $288; Timberland Boots, $190; L.L. Bean Flannel, $45

Your dad opens the door to the dark cave that is your room and you immediately know your day of binge-watching movies and Black Friday deals is over. You're being sent outside to go rake up leaves, take out the garbage, and fix that problem that he's been too busy to do but your mom won't get off his ass about it. Luckily, you have the gear required to get your hands dirty when you were heavily into workwear a few years ago. Now's your chance to actually put the work in workwear.

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Extended Family Visit

Saturday, 11 a.m.

Key Items: Unis Chinos, $198; Seiko Watch, $148; Club Monaco Turtleneck, $100

Oh you thought the Thanksgiving dinner was the only time you'd have to bullshit with family and tell them white lies about how well your life is going? Your extended family isn't on Instagram or Twitter, but they possess a sixth sense that exceeds all expert Internet-stalkers and tells them when you're home. You're definitely going to have to put in more family time this weekend, so make yourself a breakfast turkey sandwich and try to explain to your grandma how Drake is finally bringing turtleneck sweaters into the mainstream.

Trying to Re-Ignite an Old Flame

Saturday, 9 p.m.

Key Items: Vans Slip-On Sneakers, $60; H&M Shirt, $25; Topman Topcoat, $200

Something that was always in the back of your mind for this weekend was "accidentally running into" an old hometown flame. Well what do you know! You just happened to cruise through the same area of the mall about 20 minutes after she popped a 'Gram. Now that you set up a potential rekindling, you have to make sure your look for the night is equal parts dope and sophisticated. You should definitely aim high with the fit, but really anything that makes her forget the terrible haircut you used to rock is a win.

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The Commute Back

Sunday, 5 p.m.

Key Items: Nike Sneakers, $90; Champion Hoodie, $44; Master & Dynamic Headphones, $549

You've had a relaxing long weekend, but along with every other human in the U.S., you'll be trudging back to your normal life on Sunday evening. Just like the ride out, you'll be jockeying for seats while hauling your luggage around. Get as comfy as you can and plug in your headphones to tune out the noise. You'll be home before you know it—though we can't guarantee the transition back into regular life will be as smooth.

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