Monday, November 19, 2018

What To Wear On Thanksgiving If You're The Cook!

Since it's just a few days before Thanksgiving I thought I would do a humorous post on what to wear for Thanksgiving if you're the cook:  and I emphasize the word humorous because this post is meant purely for fun.  I don't wish to offend any of my other blogging buddies.

About this time of year I see every style blogger doing a "What To Wear For Thanksgiving" post.  And even though they usually give options: casual or formal for example, they are always so impractical to me.  I wonder "Don't any of these women cook?"  And even if they don't cook and they just "show up" to mom or grandma's house I would hope at the very least that they would "help"  get the food on the table or clean up.  

Many of the Thanksgiving posts outfits I see are on the warm side:  long sleeve chunky knit sweaters, blanket scarves, tall boots.  I don't know about you but my house is hot, hot, hot on Thanksgiving Day because my oven has been on all day.  I'm usually a hot, sweaty mess and I do not want to wear a sweater, tall boots and a blanket scarf.  I mean, even if you don't lift a finger in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day, you will not want to dress warm for my house when you come over for a meal.

And then there are the gals who dress so fancy they look ready to go to a wedding.  Really?  Are there really people like that out there?  I thought most Thanksgivings in America were very casual and usually involved eating then sitting in the living room watching football?  Why do I need to wear a dress and high heels?  I must live on a different planet because no family,  rich or poor,  I know has  ever has celebrated Thanksgiving this way.

And while were on the topic of "fancy clothes" can we put the bell sleeves away for just one day?  I know they are super trendy, but talk about impractical for Thanksgiving!  Yes, I can see myself cooking in the kitchen as my long, flowing sleeves fall into all the food.  And even if your not cooking, it's still a issue.  I remember last year a popular style blogger posted a "What To Wear On Thanksgiving" post on Instagram and one of her looks was a bell sleeve top.  The comments were hysterical (although a little mean).  Many were commenting how lovely the sleeves would look covered in gravy as they struggled to eat wearing such a top.

I've also heard women say "Well I don't cook in this outfit.  I prepare everything wearing more practical clothes then I change before the meal.".  I'm thinking, "WHAT?  How do you do that?"  The thirty minutes before the Thanksgiving meal is the most stressful of the entire day.  That's when you're trying to carve the turkey (if you carve it before you place it on the table),  brown the rolls, make the gravy, and heat all the side dishes  so everything is equally hot at the same time.  Then I'm suppose to make everyone wait, while I "run upstairs and change" and the food gets cold?  How rude and selfish is that?  I don't know about your family, but mine is pretty excited to eat their Thanksgiving meal and they won't take kindly to the fact that I am going to make them wait to eat so I can "feel pretty".

So, what to do?  How do we look nice for Thanksgiving pictures and still wear something cool, comfortable, and hopefully won't get ruined by grease and gravy?   Well, first, wear an apron.  Thanksgiving is like the only time of the year I don an apron.  And second, pick nice short sleeve tops that are 'dressy' but practical.   I've rounded up a few of my older fashion posts for examples:

A dark floral tie front top with olive jeans.  

The top is "fancy" looking for the occasion but still practical because it has short sleeves and is a thin material.  You could even dress it up more by wearing black dress pants.


A pretty peasant top

I think this is what I will be wearing for Thanksgiving.  The top has pretty fall colors, short sleeves, and is cool and comfy.  I might switch out the jeans and wear my new eggplant dressy leggings for even more comfort.  Again, if you want to dress this outfit up more, just wear dressy pants and heels. 


3/4 length sleeve top with a vest

Okay, I know there are some women who are always cold.  I use to be one of you, but menopause cured that.  A vest is a great option because it keeps your core warm but there is no additional bulk on your arms.  The 3/4 length sleeves are also great for more of your arm is covered, but the sleeves don't get in the way.


Short Sleeve Top Under A Cardigan

Another option is to wear a cardigan over a short sleeve top.  You can take the cardigan off when you're in the kitchen, and then add it later when you're seated at the table or 'cold'.


Sleeveless Top with a Blazer

Wear a sleeveless top with a blazer.  Just like the cardigan pictured above, the blazer can be worn to and from the event, taken off while in the hot kitchen, and worn when seated at the table.


A short sleeve dress with a cardigan

Okay, maybe you're one of those families that I've never met who really dresses up for Thanksgiving and you need a dress.   This is a short sleeve shift dress in a fall color that would be perfect for Thanksgiving.  Add a cardigan if you need extra warmth.


Well I hope I gave all the cooks and cook helpers out there some practical Thanksgiving outfits to wear.  And to those of you who just get to show up for a Thanksgiving meal and eat, good for you.  Enjoy!  I will enjoy cooking and blessing my family with a delicious meal.

What about you?  What do you usually wear for Thanksgiving?  I'd love to hear from you!

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

22 comments:

  1. I love this because it is so true. You hear of women wearing these fancy dresses or tops and they look great but for me it is not practical. I have to do the cooking and dishes so I am always a hot mess and then my daughter always wants to take pictures. Sure and I look like this!! I love your ideals. Thanks for the post.

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    1. Thanks Diane! I was beginning to think I was the only woman in the world who had to cook for Thanksgiving!

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  2. Great post Amy! These outfits all look pretty and are perfect for the holiday, although I'd probably be too cold in most of them. I usually end up wearing a cardigan to keep me warm.
    I personaly think a quick change of clothes (or even just the top) would be ok, as long as they have been set aside and would only take a minute to change into.
    I'll be cooking too :-)

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    1. Thanks Ellie! If some families are willing to wait while mom or grandma changes clothes that's great! My house in general is pretty warm if we have both our wood stoves going. I'm usually walking around in shorts and a tank top in the middle of winter! ha ha!

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  3. Nothing like being practical, Amy. We go over to my cousins, so I have time to change before we jump in the car. But I'm ALWAYS cold---it's a rare thing for me to not be cold, so I'm one of those in OTK boots and a sweater...LOL!!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Jodie, you are so thin I can see why you're always cold. I have plenty of insulation to keep me warm. ha ha!

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  4. Sounds like these are great ideas for you! In my family, we kind of all pitch in and the meal is a pretty shared baking experience with as much done in advance as possible. We are pretty low key, so I am usually in something casual. I do still like to feel put together though.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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    1. That's awesome if you all pitch in. I think most people celebrate a casual Thanksgiving.

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  5. I let my hubby cook! So I can wear what I want!😂😂

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  6. You're right - if you're cooking blanket scarves and statement sleeves are not practical! Love all of these cute options, especially the floral tie top with the olive jeans! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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  7. Well said, Amy. I always wear a 3/4 sleeve top when I'm cooking, and I *try* to remember to put on an apron so I don't splash it up. And if you're helping me in the kitchen, roll up your long sleeves because I don't want your sleeves touching my food! No telling where those sleeves have been! #BloggingGrandmothers

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I think the moms and grandmas enjoyed this post the most. They could relate.

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  8. Such great outfit ideas! I do change but my family each brings dishes and whoever hosts makes the turkey so it isn't left up to one person. It makes it easier to be able to get ready closer to dinner!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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    1. That is so nice when others pitch in and one person doesn't have to carry the entire load.

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  9. Great tips dear, especially the last one. So comfy and cozy, can't go wrong with cute dress and cardigan combo.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  10. I really love all of these looks Amy. The print top with your jeans will look perfect for Thanksgiving. I am with you on the menopause thing, I used to be cold, not anymore!
    Happy thanksgiving!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. Thanks Jess! It's nice to have women I can relate too.

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  11. Great outfits! Comfortable but stylish!

    michellespaige.com

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