A guy’s guide to a classy Thanksgiving

Ahhhh. You can almost smell it in the air. Leaves darkening and eventually falling, a pigskin flying through the air and hot apple cider burning the tip of your tongue.

It’s fall, gentleman, undoubtedly one of the best times of the year. As winter approaches and summer fades into our recent memory, we as young men have much to look forward to.

Like “No shave Novembeard” a tradition you can’t help but notice whether you participate or not. And Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving will soon be here. Has there ever been a more manly holiday? Football, a heavy meal and a case of beer. If that doesn’t excite you, it is time to turn in your man card.

But before heading to your girlfriend, mother or in-law’s house for Thanksgiving, make sure you have considered some important guidelines regarding your threads.

1. Earth tones are key. Try to get some in almost every outfit you wear to any fall outing. Greens and browns are subtle yet reflect staunchness and certainty. These colors fit the mood of almost any cold, windy, November afternoon. Just don’t mistake a grass stain on your jeans as being “earth-y.”

2. Match or at least coordinate with your date. You are in college now, so you should have a nice young lady hanging on your arm these days. Especially if you are going to her family’s home, make it clear that you view yourself as an extension of her. It doesn’t have to be obvious or glaring, and all it takes is a little planning. If you mention to her that you want to coordinate outfits, your girl will surely rip apart your closet in hopes of dressing you like a million bucks. After she gets done doing a backflip, that is.  You’re welcome.

3. Don’t over or underdress. This one can be difficult. Take some time to investigate how formal or informal your fall gathering will be. If you still can’t decide on what’s appropriate, air on the side of slightly fancier. For a gentlemen, it is much more flattering to be overdressed rather than sloppy.

4. Shave. Please; for everyone’s sake. We all know you are proud that you beat out all your buddies for the “who could stand the patchy-ness the longest” award, but none of your bros are here.  Being clean-shaven shows you care about your appearance. The No. 1 thing people around the dinner table will be looking at is your face (scary, I know), so make sure it looks presentable.

5. Rock the sweater dress shirt combo at every available opportunity. If you don’t have either of these, stop reading this and go buy both. Nothing says “Hi, nice to meet ya. I’m (insert name) and I’m not a jerk,”  like a nice collar peeking out of a sweater from Macy’s.

As with many male style tips, attitude is everything. So keep the spirit of autumn in your mind as you attend all of your get-togethers this season. Consider some of this advice, and the female company you intend to keep is sure to be convinced that Christmas has come early this year.