Marie Claire senior fashion editor and E! News style correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi breaks it down:
Traveling over the holidays is stressful, but getting ready for the airport shouldn't be. You've got bigger problems to worry about like, "How do I hide my face when I'm ugly-crying at Inside Out on the airplane?" and, "Why do I always bring my passport with me when flying domestic?" Traveling can be exhausting, which means you have to keep your look utilitarian and cozy. You don't need to compromise style for comfort or vice-versa. Up next are a few versatile travel ensembles that are easy enough to throw on while half-asleep—because let's be honest: You probably will be.
Do: Let your menswear-inspired flag fly high. Think: oversized button-downs and knits layered on top of loose dress pants or boyfriend jeans. This look is comfortable but still impeccably chic, making it the perfect day-to-night look. Take it from the runway to your evening soiree by throwing on a pair of fun heels.
Don't: Go to crazy. How does anyone fly in this? Does it go into baggage claim? Does it double as a flotation device? I have so many questions. Granted, Rihanna can pull off just about anything, but the lesson here is that you shouldn't go to the airport dressed to the nines. Check your complicated pieces at the gate—TSA will thank you.
Do: Make a statement with your outerwear! It's amazing how simple getting dressed can be if you invest in one great jacket or coat that you can toss on top of anything to perk up your look. Try throwing a satin bomber or a flowing duster coat over your most comfortable jeans and a plain white tee and sneakers for the fastest way out the door.
Nasty Gal Hanover Linen Culottes, $78; Zara Patch Sweater, $39.90; Vans Canvas Old Skool, $55; Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote, $44; Forever 21 Oversized Round Sunglasses, $5.90
I promise that even if you only plan on eating Chinese take-out in front of the TV together, your friend has worked tirelessly to put together a wonderful evening by at the very least tidying up, washing all the dishes and restocking the toilet paper. Showing up well dressed and well groomed shows the host that you appreciate his or her efforts and goes a long way to making the night enjoyable. Here are a few easy styling tips that are sure to leave an impression, and as always, don't forget to accessorize with a bottle of wine or some sweets!
Do: Dress in plaids. Fall can be a pretty drab and dreary season, but if there's one thing I always look forward to it's breaking out my plaid flannels. They're super comfortable and perfect for dressing up or dressing down, as seen here on our fave VS model. For Friendsgiving, dress it up with tights, a pair of booties and some structured leather pieces.
Don't: Roll out of bed! Sure, Friendsgiving means you'll be overeating and overdrinking with your friends just like any other day, but it wouldn't hurt to put a little effort into getting dressed up.
Do: Try an athleisure look! High-low styling is all about finding creative ways to mix up pieces that on the surface shouldn't go together, but once on are sartorial gold. Elevate a pair of neat sweatpants with a feminine, flowing top or pair a flirty miniskirt and heels with an oversized crewneck sweatshirt.
Mango Leather Look Zip Detail Mini Skirt, $46; Ecote Mattie Flannel Shirt Jacket, $79; Mossimo Supply Co. Women's Solid Camisole, $9; Charlotte Russe Basic 40 Denier Black Tights, $5.99; H&M Patent Ankle Boots, $59.99; M&F Western Fringe Bucket Bag, $49.99
Rather than doing the bare minimum this year, why not wow your friends and family back home with a megawatt look? Sure, you'll have to keep your look modest but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. Keeping things traditional often gets a bad rap for being boring and drab, but there are plenty of fresh and exciting ways to dress modestly and still look chic.
Do: Bring sparkles to the table! This look has been all over the red carpets lately and it's sure to be a huge hit this holiday season. The trick here is to look as though you're dripping in sequins from head to toe, so go for a monotone look. Keep your accessories clean and minimal and wear your hair neat and simple.
Don't: Give your parents a heart attack this November by dressing up in something overly racy. After all, wearing a super-tight and revealing outfit on a day that is dedicated to non-stop feasting is a recipe for disaster. If you won't do it for me, then do it for your poor grandmother who will surely be crossing herself at the dinner table.
Do: Make a jaw-dropping entrance this Thanksgiving with a bare shoulder! The cut and print of this one-shoulder top is modern, sophisticated and extremely feminine. Try pairing a one-shoulder dress or top with block heels and throw on a pair of drop earrings for added bonus points.
ASOS Copper Sequin High Neck Shift Mini Dress, $128; Topshop Velvet Pumps, $52; Bagatiba Silver BDSM Hoop Earrings, $68; Milk Makeup Shadow Liner, $26