Yes, ladies, it is that time of year again. And while I am so very thankful for many, many things in my life, I often dread the travel that goes along with celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. One year, I was so traumatized by an 8-hour drive from DC to New York that I boycotted Thanksgiving the next year. This did not go over well with my family, needless to say, and so I've arrived at the point that I just accept the holiday for the hectic event that it is and try to plan accordingly.
Part of the pre-Thanksgiving drama includes packing for the trek. One of my packing vices is that I wait until the very last minute to start packing--notice that this post is coming only a couple days before the holiday ;-) . One of my packing virtues, however, is that I am a notoriously light, yet efficient packer--I once flew to a friend's house for a quick summer weekend visit with only undies, a couple rolled-up tops and skirt, and some toiletries tucked into a LV Speedy bag (the purse, mind you, not the duffel). The jeans I wore on the plane did double-duty on the flight home and the nude-colored slingbacks I wore worked with all three combinations over the 48 hours I was away. My travel bag did double-duty as my purse.
Packing for Thanksgiving travel gets a little more complicated for several reasons. One is the fickle weather in November: will it be warm, cold, rainy, or snowing? How much exposure do you expect to have to the elements while you're gone? Another issue is planning outfits suitable for your "audience." Going to visit a girlfriend is one thing, but being around grandparents and children is another. This is especially true if you're going to be going to a guest of a family other than your own. You want to have family-friendly picks on hand. Lastly, you have to figure out where you might expect to go, say, after dinner? Bowling or clubbing? How about the next day?
Here are my picks for Thanksgiving packing this year:
1. A Walking Coat. I would wear this for the trip, so it doesn't need to actually be packed. Walking coats can go just about anywhere. In a mid-weight wool, it's long enough to keep you warm, yet can be worn open if the weather's milder.
2. A Blazer. In a wool-blend or leather in fool-proof black, this can be worn to a post-dinner party or to the mall for Black Friday shopping (the walking coat might be too bulky and slow you down as you scramble around for sales).
3. Boots. You can't go wrong with boots in November. It's not going to be THAT hot. Two pair are necessary: One primarily for comfort and one primarily for dressing up. My picks are ole reliable Uggs and suede booties, again in fool-proof black.
4. Jeans. Two pair ought to do it. Wear one pair while you travel and pack the other. I pick a dark blue rinse and a grey pair, both skinny leg.
5. Dresses. I would opt for two dresses in lieu of tops, one in a silk or synthetic and a heavier one in wool. These could go with opaque tights or leggings, or even over jeans if it's really chilly. They also work with both the coat and the blazer.
6. Opaque Tights and Leggings. Two pair opaques--one bright, one black. One pair leggings, something a little funky.
7. A Clutch Purse. Goes from day-to-night, is easy to tote around, and conveniently fits into luggage while schlepping through the airport.
8. Accessories. My picks are fancy posts for earrings, a bangle set, and drama around the neck. These can be mixed and matched as necessary or worn all at once for a night out.
9. The Little Things, etc. These aren't the most glamourous things in your luggage, but you could end up uncomfortable without them should you forget, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Bring a long robe, pajamas, and slippers--none too sexy.
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