Heading Home For Thanksgiving? The Shallow Girl’s Guide To Becoming The Envy Of Your Hometown

If you’re worried about running into your toxic (but devilishly hot) ex, that old classmate you definitely don’t still Insta-stalk to check if she’s doing better than you, or the annoying second cousin who always has something snarky to say about your appearance, fear not. By the end of this guide, you’ll be practically begging to run into them while everyone is home for the holidays.

You’ll find yourself volunteering to run even the most mundane of errands just to get out of the house. Run out of toilet paper? To the town grocery store you go. Craving a toasted pecan oat milk latte? Forget the drive-through, your “quick” coffee run is now your reason to linger in the spotlight (a.k.a. the checkout line, of course). Get ready, girlie – Thanksgiving in your hometown is about to become your Super Bowl. 

Let’s be real. Thanksgiving isn’t just about expressing gratitude for your friends and family. It’s about being grateful you still look as stunning as you do. And if you don’t feel that way right now, it’s time to locate your inner shallow girl and work on changing that. Everyone wants to put their best foot forward and feel their most confident, but that’s especially true when you’re seeing people you haven’t had the chance to awkwardly blurt out “we should totally get coffee and catch up” to in years – sometimes decades. Of course, you’ll never actually get that promised coffee because, really, neither of you want to, but that’s not the point. The point is that you’ll walk away feeling renewed, invigorated, knowing that they can go back to living their happy, little lives thinking, “Wow, she really looked like she’s doing well.” Or, more shallowly (and accurately), “She looks even hotter than she did in high school.”  

So, how do we go about achieving these high accolades, you ask? I’ve curated somewhat of a shallow checklist that I’ve used every time I’ve returned to my hometown over the years, whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or high school reunions. And I’ll tell you, it has never steered me wrong. 

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Whiten Your Teeth

Okay we’re going to start with the bare minimum here. If you aren’t being bothered to throw on a quick 30-minute whitening strip every week or two, it’s time to change that – ASAP. A bright, white, happy, and confident smile is the best opening you’ll get, no matter who you run into. Let those chompers shine. Here are my favorite affordable strips from Amazon. 

Tame Your Eyebrows

Another obvious tip, but sometimes we simply forget to check if the caterpillars up there are getting unruly. Eyebrows are the frame of the face, and even if you’re caught without any makeup at all, if your eyebrows are clean, even, and brushed up, you’ll look a hundred times better than if not. 

Apply a Coat of Self-Tanner

Even if you’re not someone who needs a spray tan year-round to feel your best, applying a light, natural coat of self-tanner before a special occasion like Thanksgiving can only help your case. Brush up on best practices so you don’t wind up with Cheetos fingers, and watch your confidence soar with more toned-looking, glowy skin. It’s just a fact of life that when you’re tan, you look better (especially your legs). Here’s my go-to self-tanner from Amazon. 

Bring Hydration Supplements

Traveling can really throw a wrench in your habits that maintain hydrated, plump-looking skin. Whether you’re driving or flying into town, chances are you’re not going to want to get up every 30 minutes for a potty break. Similarly, holidays are known for overindulging in alcohol, which can also suck your skin dry and make you look less than youthful. Throw some hydration supplements into that brand new Stanley of yours that will prevent you (and your gorgeous skin) from getting and looking dehydrated. This is my favorite brand. 

Utilize Undereye Patches

Is there anything that makes you feel chicer than throwing on a pretty undereye patch in the morning? Bonus points if it matches your silky, luxe pajama set. No matter how late you stayed up playing card games and giggling over Adam Brody with your sisters, you’re guaranteed to look perky and awake. These are my favorites. 

Indulge in a Hair Mask

How are the locks looking? Even if they’re not desperately brittle and lackluster to the naked eye, your hair can always benefit from receiving a bit of extra love. Whether you opt for a classic hair mask or a professional shine treatment, the heat styling and products that are inevitably in your future for the next couple of months will appreciate it. 

Clean Your Shoes

When was the last time you really evaluated the condition of your shoes? This may seem like a minor detail, but if your white sneakers are looking, well, anything but white, or your mules still show proof of that iced matcha you spilled running out the door six months ago, it’s time for a little cleanup. Grab that Magic Eraser and get to work. You’ll look that much more polished without spending a dime. 

Rent an Elevated Wardrobe 

A budget for a brand new wardrobe in this economy? As if! Instead of swiping into oblivion and ignoring your credit card statements, set aside $100 to rent a completely new, designer wardrobe for the month. Just one of the Anthropologie, LoveShackFancy, or Hill House Home dresses you get will make the rental worth it. The best part about renting from a service like Nuuly is that they have the latest, trendiest styles and carry everything from luxury athletic wear to timeless trench coats. Here are a few of my favorite picks for Thanksgiving: Drop-Waist Contrast Midi Dress, Mixed Media Ruffled Cashmere Sweater, Sydney Cropped Trench Coat.

Use my link for $30 off your first order with Nuuly!

Build a Capsule Collection of Accessories 

Don’t skimp on the accessories! Whether you’re sporting a white tee and straight-leg denim with a cropped trench coat for a grocery run or a gorgeous midi dress for gobbling up Thanksgiving turkey, adding a pair of dainty gold earrings, a feminine watch, and classic sunglasses will take your look from cute to fashion ‘it girl’ in an instant. This is my current capsule collection: Shimmer Huggies, Gold Watch, Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses. 

Elevate Your “Lazy Girl” Looks

It’s always those days when we aren’t expecting it that we actually run into an ex or a frenemy – like when we’re traveling. Bring a chic baseball cap (I love this one for dressing up), and elevate even your “lazy girl” looks with slide-on loafers, a neutral bag, and a matching sweater over your shoulders. Think old money. Your hometown is no place to be caught in dingy sweats or an oversized graphic tee. 

Get Your Car in Tip-Top Shape 

If you’re making the back-breaking drive to your hometown over the holidays, make it a point to treat your car to a luxurious car wash on the way. Nothing says “yikes” like dust and grime that has settled so deep into your back windshield you can write “wash me” on it. And while you’re at it, clean out the inside as well. There’s nothing chic about a crusty old McDonald’s bag and empty Starbucks cup spilling out of your driver’s side door when you open it.

That’s it, girlies! Are we feeling more prepared for heading home this Thanksgiving with this checklist up your sleeve? Whether you run into 10 of your old classmates or no one at all, if you set yourself up to feel confident and look your best, it’s guaranteed to be a trip you can add to your gratitude list.