Your Thanksgiving to-do list is already long enough, so planning outfits for the holiday weekends should be as easy as pie. With a few key items that do double duty from the dinner table to Black Friday shopping, you’ll be able to focus on the important things like spending time with the fam instead of fussing over your wardrobe. Get inspired with these enviable outfits from the College Fashionista community that focus on simple styling tricks with items you’re already planning to pack in your overnight bag.
Get Creative With Layering
Extend the life of your summer go-tos, like your favorite silky tank top by pairing it with a plain white T-shirt like Jade Sayson, Columbia College Chicago, Class of 2020. “If I want to get creative, I can usually find an outfit combo I’ve never tried before through layering,” she explains. “Recently, I’ve also been tying my belt in a knot. It’s a fun styling tip and great for hiding the fact that your belt’s too long for you!.”
Try On a New Persona With Conversation Starting Accessories
Although Gisele Smith, University of Arizona, Class of 2017, could wear this outfit nearly any day of the year, a wool beret and statement earrings give it a festive bent, while the combat boots and the wool socks make it seasonally appropriate. “Fashion allows you to be whoever whenever, so for this outfit I went all out with the French vibes.” she noted. “The beret and red lip are more traditional, while the Dr. Martens were a touch of my own personal style.”
Reach for Items With Fancy Embellishments
Lex Kelly, Central Michigan University, Class of 2018, toughed up her motorcycle jacket with elegant extras like dangling earrings and brocade booties that feel special enough for a family get-together. Pairing the look with a lipstick shade that matches your earrings ties the whole outfit together.
Know What to Pair With Double Denim
Denim on denim is always a winning combination, but the addition of patent leather booties and a long white blouse makes the look that Anna McLaughlin, ESMOD International, Class of 2019, created polished enough for a weekend away while still looking cute and casual. “Whenever I’m looking for comfort or style, I always go straight for denim,” she admitted. For this look, she explains that picking similar shades of blue creates a unified look. “I went for similar washes on the top and bottom, but I broke it up up with a long shirtdress to help lessen the visual impact of wearing that much denim.”
Add Cozy Socks to Transition Summer Shoes
Not ready to put away your favorite sandals just yet? Make like Natalie Geisel, George Washington University, Class of 2020, and wear them with wool socks. “I decided to have fun with the shoes and wear socks with my favorite pair of blush clogs, making a simple outfit more holiday-ready,” she noted.
Try Wearing Your Maxi Dress as a Duster
There’s nothing like a dramatic coat to make a grand entrance, and dresses can do double duty when styled unbuttoned like a duster. Style bonus points if you can find one in season-appropriate cranberry red like Naomi Parris, School of Visual Arts, Class of 2021. If you want to add a bit more shape to the look, try belting it high at your waist.
Make a Simple Look Pop With Statement Shoes
A cozy, oversize sweater that you’re probably already planning to wear on your flight home gets an instant upgrade when paired with satin mules like how Emmy Zobitz, New York University, Class of 2020, achieved this #OOTD. “I am obsessed with sweaters and turtlenecks, but I like to find ways to dress them up,” she said. “I think a monochromatic outfit automatically looks so chic when combined with these shoes”
Opt for Super-Soft Favorites
Thanksgiving is all about comfort, so go for maximum hygge by mixing hard and soft elements like a skater skirt and a knit beanie with a shearling jacket and leather biker boots. “I love wearing skirts year round, so when I came across this drop-waist skirt from Aritzia, I instantly fell in love with it,” says Norah Murphy, Parsons School for Design, Class of 2018. By opting for a suede moto jacket over leather, she kept her look luxe rather than all-out edgy.
Pull Out the Faux Fur
With the weather finally cooling down, now’s the chance to wear that faux-fur coat you had stored in the back of your closet all summer. Pair it with a tie-neck blouse in a bold hue and simple black jeans like Reina Inoguchi, Berkeley College, Class of 2019, to add some edge to your go-to separates. “This jacket completely changed my look, and it’s so comfortable,” she explained.
Let Your Accessories Take Center Stage
It is easy to take an otherwise simple jean-and-tee combo from everyday to party-ready with on-trend extras like a cabby hat and a Western-style double belt. Mimic Tuyen Bui, Consumnes River College, Class of 2019, and throw on a knit cardigan to finish off a relaxed look that’s
What are you planning to wear this Thanksgiving break? Show us your #OOTDs by tagging @CFashionista on Instagram!
