10 Outfit Ideas That Will Seriously Impress Your Friends and Family This Thanksgiving

Materials + Tools:

• 1 roll of tin foil
• 2 packages of crescent rolls
• 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

1. Choose your battles ahead of time.

You're not going to change everyone's opinion about all of the things over the course of a meal and a football game. You might want to show up ready for a duel of words with your Facebook-meme-king cousin, but that's just going to put your opinionated family member on the offensive from the moment you walk in. Decide ahead of time if there's one issue that you really cannot keep your mouth shut about if it comes up, and have two or three talking points ready that clarify your position on that topic. If your hot button does get pushed, your talking points will help you keep from making things personal.

2. Confer with the host.

If you feel comfortable with the person that's organizing or hosting Thanksgiving, speak to him or her in advance about how you can be on Team Keep the Peace. Most people aren't keen on a political brouhaha breaking out around their dinner table, so they'll probably be relieved to hear that you're on board and willing to help make the day go smoothly for everyone. Brainstorm some ideas about seating arrangements or wholesome activities to fill the idle family time that can lead to trading barbs.

3. Make it a game.

Caitlin Bergstein, a Boston-based matchmaker and relationship expert for Three Day Rule, suggests a fun twist on the swear jar concept. “If your family is up for the challenge, you can even make it a game. Each time someone mentions something political, they have to put a dollar in a jar (or take a drink, depending on how your family celebrates the holiday). At the end of the night, that cash can be put aside for the next family get together!"

4. Have a moment of silence.

Sometimes the idea of a quiet table can be intimidating (all those chewing noises!), but encouraging a moment of reflection among your holiday guests can actually be transformative. Whether you observe several seconds of silence in honor of relatives you've lost, as a way to silently acknowledge your individual blessings, or as an act of prayer or meditation, you've hopefully brought the room back to focus on each other's company and the gift that it is to be together.

5. Be an active listener.

If your one doggedlypersistent aunt can't let go of her obsession with the latest political scandal, reconsider what she's actually trying to tell you. Chances are, it's not just about what she saw on the news. “Assume that your polarizing relative actually probably just wants to connect, feel respected, and reduce their own anxiety about holiday gatherings, and interpret even difficult behavior as such," advises Mary Fisher, a Salt Lake City psychotherapist who specializes in family relationships. “Express the desire to connect while redirecting the conversation," Fisher recommends. Emphasize the fact that you're interested in protecting the time your family spends together. That can help soften the blow when you ask to instead hear them share a family memory or talk about a hobby you both share.

6. Disengage.

Remember that if angry words or offensive language start flying at you across the sweet potato pie, you don't have to respond. Have a script in mind to use, something like, “While I hear where you're coming from, I don't share your opinion, and I'm done talking about it today." Convey the message that you're quite clear on the matter being discussed, and you're not going to take the bait. You may have to repeat yourself several times, or you may choose to remain silent until things cool down around you. Either one is okay.

7. Duck out early.

If you feel like you have to retreat from the situation entirely, do it. One of the best things about being an adult is leaving when you want to leave. You don't have to subject yourself, your spouse, or your family to any kind of dialogue that is insulting, bigoted, or aggressive. Fisher shares these words of advice: “While we might think that the holidays are the time to resolve differences, they are actually the time to affirm and nurture connection, which can be an uphill battle with politically polarizing relatives." If you don't feel like a connection is being nurtured and the environment is not good for you to be in, say goodbye and make a break for it.

1. Wedge Styles

As popular as these shoes were, it’s time to officially retire them. They have a way of reverting an outfit back to the early to mid-2000s and we’d love to not be reminded of our nights spent walking on sticky floors in a dark, sweaty club.

2. Shoes Without Heels

We still can’t believe this was once a coveted trend, but we’re not afraid to admit we bought into it. Though we haven’t seen anyone wear heelless shoes in a while, we sincerely pray no one thinks about revamping them in 2025. They deserve to remain a nostalgic piece of fashion we hardly ever talk about.

3. Excessively Chunky Heels

There’s a chunky heel and then there’s something that looks like a walking cinder block. In a perfect world, we’d abolish the latter so they never see the light of day again. But, we know someone is still making heels that can cause serious damage if someone steps the wrong way so we’ll say this: try not to bring them into 2025.

4. Sequin + Glitter Shoes

These were once one of the ultimate party girl shoes, but nothing says outdated quite like all-over sequin shoes. It doesn’t matter if it’s your birthday or not, wearing them is a style faux pas in 2025. The only time they’d be acceptable is if you’re going to an 80s-themed party.

5. Patent Leather Boots

It almost pains us to say this but patent boots are officially on the outdated list. They were once considered the ‘cool girl’ shoe to wear. Now they unfortunately scream, “I’m stuck in my late teens to early twenties and I’m not ready to let go.”

6. Dominatrix Style Boots

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wearing knee or thigh high boots. However, we’d love to see less of the dominatrix style. Unless you’re headed to fashion week and are working with a stylist to convey a certain look, please skip this outdated trend in 2025. We'd hate to see you appear on someone's 'worst-dressed' list.