Meet the Parents: What to Wear to Look Like a Decent Guy This Thanksgiving

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There’s nothing like a classic menswear piece to immediately make your girl's father think you're not a dirtbag. The modern iterations are cut a little slimmer—but still boxy—than what her pops probably wore back in his day, and they're as versatile as ever. Wear it dressed up with a blazer and slacks underneath, or you can even throw it over your favorite streetwear gear. But if you want to impress the parents, we’d recommend the dressier option. 

If there was ever such a thing as a fail-safe option that saved dudes everywhere from harsh parental judgments, it would have to be a shirt-and-tie combo. Nothing says “decent guy” like this outfit, and you are automatically guaranteed a 99.9 percent approval from parents. It tells them that you’re a good kid with a job. But make sure everything fits perfectly; you don’t want to go in there looking like you just borrowed clothes from an NBA player. 

For those who feel that a shirt and tie is too stuffy, a polo shirt is the perfect alternative. These shirts aren’t only for the spring season; thankfully there are long-sleeved options for the brick portions of the year. Wearing it with a tailored pair of chinos and minimally designed sneakers will keep you relaxed all day. Just remember one thing: Do not, we repeat, do not pop the collar. 

Knit sweaters give off preppy and non-threatening vibes, so rocking one gives showcases you have good style and the illusion of good manners as soon as you walk through the door. Not only will you impress the parents, but you might also score some points with the grandparents, too. Of course, your girl's younger brother might start calling you Drizzy just to mess with you.

Sports gear might not be the most appropriate Thanksgiving dinner attire, but before and after that amazing meal, you’re going to be stuck on a couch watching the big game on TV. Obviously, make sure the parents are sports nuts before rocking any jerseys. If they are then you will have a lot to talk about, and if not, then you're an idiot that showed up with a football jersey. You want to get on their good side, so pick a team that you know will get the co-sign. 

Not only do you have to look good for the fam, but you have to smell good too. Invest in a quality scent so you won’t smell like a gym bathroom at the dinner table. Even with the delicious food wafting through the house, some sensitive noses might notice if your scent is lacking. Your best bet is to get a fine fragrance for this very important dinner. This will also help you cover unwanted scents when you’re nervous and sweating bullets from the parents grilling you all night. 

Don’t overlook the details when putting together your outfit. Show them that when it comes to telling time you don’t just look at your phone—you use an actual watch. Invest in a decent looking timepiece that you think will last and will upgrade your outfit. Give the digital calculator watches a break, but that doesn’t mean you have to ball out on a Rolex either. Keep it tastefully simple.

Showing up at the door with a good, clean image starts with preparation. The first step to looking decent is practicing good hygiene and grooming, which we hope should be routine to you already. But if not, you can start by getting yourself a sturdy electric shaver. Showing up with a tamed facial hair that's in control is always a good idea. 

Mixing tailored clothes with sneakers might be the daily move right now, but more often than not, parents could give a damn about what trends you're riding. If you show up to the door wearing futuristic neoprene sneakers they might just think you are too out-there for their daughter. Rocking a pair of nice suede chukkas takes the dressiness up a notch, but it doesn't delve into full-in formality, which would just make you and her parents uncomfortable.

While that turkey is cooking in the oven, your girl's fam might invite you out for a game of tag football. This is where you can score some points with your girl’s big brothers, cousins, or other athletes in her family. You will need all the mobility you can get, but you don’t want to be freezing either. A vest is a great option to show off your freakishly good athleticism and earn everyone’s respect. Even if you don’t plan on tossing the pigskin, a vest is versatile enough that it looks good with anything.