Today’s post is brought to you by one of my favorite southern clothing boutiques, Red Dress Boutique! I remember ordering my first tailgating dress from them over 5 years ago. I love having the opportunity to collaborate with brands I’ve supported and admired for years, even before Diary of a Debutante was born. If you’re meeting your boyfriend’s family for the first time this holiday season, I hope you love this article on what to wear for Thanksgiving as much as I do!

What started as a summer fling has blossomed into a fall romance – complete with chick flick movie dates and learning all of the players on his fantasy football team. This could definitely be the start of something amazing. But don’t go picking your wedding colors just yet. First, you have to meet the parents.

Time to crawl out of those cozy Netflix-watching couch cushions you two have so lovingly made your home and take the first real step towards a (gasp) serious relationship. Spending Thanksgiving with your new beau’s parents isn’t something to take lightly. That’s why we’re here to help you pack the perfect fall wardrobe that will not only help you win his parents’ hearts, but will also leave your boyfriend feeling pretty thankful to have you by his side.

The Home Cooked Dinner

A sure-fire way to become the new favorite girlfriend is to offer to help in the kitchen. After all, you don’t have to be Rachael Ray to mash a potato. Just be careful you don’t overstep because we’re pretty sure grandma doesn’t need any ‘tips’ on her perfected family recipes from the new girl.

Be helpful where you can, but don’t stress over the prep. Instead, make sure you keep an open mind about trying new things at dinner. A perk about spending Thanksgiving at someone else’s house is experiencing all of the different foods they have included in their feast over the years. What you consider dessert someone else may call salad (Jell-O, anyone?), and that is totally not weird at all (…or at least you have to pretend it isn’t).

What to wear: Anything but an empty plate at the end of your meal could be considered an insult. Play it safe. Come to the table ready to eat. Wear your favorite sweater dress over a pair of Spanx leggings with knee high boots to discretely (and stylishly) accommodate any needed waistline stretch.

The Formal Dinner

Sweating over a hot stove all day isn’t everyone’s idea of the perfect holiday. If your guy’s family would rather dine out for their fancy meal than cook, more power to them. Just make sure you’re dressed accordingly. Otherwise, you run the risk of being outshined by the wait staff. And that’s not a Thanksgiving memory you’ll want to cherish.

What to wear: Chances are you won’t be dining on turkey and stuffing at a roadside diner. Come prepared to wow at this year’s feast with a beautiful special occasion dress sure to steal at least some of the attention from the guest of honor (the turkey, of course).

The Family Football Game

Congratulations! You were a success at dinner and came off sweeter than pumpkin pie. Fortunately for you, that gives you the edge you need to be the touchdown queen on the field during the post-dinner-flag-football game.

What to Wear: Don’t let his brothers think you’re some dainty wallflower afraid of a little rough and tumble. Come dressed for action when you square off against his family in some serious (and seriously cute) athleisure style.

The Post-Meal Hike

You might as well get used to the idea that this is a weekend that centers around eating. Lean in to the carbo-load that is stuffing and pie. Then get ready to burn off those calories with a brisk fall hike. Not only will you get in a little exercise, but we’re pretty sure he’ll know all of the great hidden spots for a few stolen kisses along the way, too.

What to Wear: Don’t be afraid of getting a little dirty on your stolen adventure through the woods. Pair your favorite distressed jeans and boots with a cozy sweater and layer on a chic vest. Then get ready to take some selfies. Because those fiery orange leaves aren’t a backdrop you’ll want to squander.

The Hometown Hangout

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving weekends aren’t only about family. Chances are, if you’re going to his hometown, he’s going to want to show you off to all his friends. It can be a little intimidating being the girl that everyone is watching, but you’ve got this. You are a girl that can hang. With your shining personality and killer smile, we know that you will have everyone toasting to you by the end of the night.

What to Wear: You want to impress his crew but definitely don’t want to overdress. If you’re just meeting a few of the old crew at a bar, dress down to show them that you’re not above kicking back with a few beers. Wear a fun dressy top with some jeans and caged heels and then go ahead and kick their butts at a game of darts. (Because you’re not about to let them win.)

The End of Weekend Brunch

It’s been a great weekend, and you have clearly won over the parents. After all, they are pretty lucky that their darling boy has found a woman like you to keep him on his toes. But before you say goodbye and head back to reality (or your Netflix cue), you have to smile through one last family filled brunch.

What to Wear: The first impression is no doubt the most important, but you don’t want to just phone it in when it comes to your last look. Say goodbye in comfort and style with a classic plaid scarf and knit cardigan. Not only will they be impressed with your easy and elegant casual style, but we’re pretty sure they’ll also be picturing how you’ll look in a certain white dress as well.