It’s that time of year to gather with family, join hands, and break bread — yes, Thanksgiving is here! Whether you’ll be hosting the meal, traveling for the holiday, or laying low with a simple family dinner, comfortable clothes are definitely on the menu. When you’re eating, drinking, and socializing with loved ones all day, you don’t want to look sloppy, but comfort is vital for Thanksgiving festivities. If you’re not sure what to wear for Thanksgiving, here are at least the key pieces you should avoid wearing this turkey day.

High-waisted skinny jeans may look cool, but they are your #1 enemy when it comes to celebrating in comfort. Leave the skinnies for New Year’s Eve. On the 4th Thursday in November, go with mid-rise stretch jeans with a straight, cropped, or flared leg. Girlfriend jeans are a great sitting-and-eating style of denim. Opt for a dark wash pair that has some stretch in the fabric. I also recommend classic straight jeans in black, which can be dressed up or down depending on how formal your dinner.

Avoid anything leather that’s not shoes this Thanksgiving. Since leather has very little give and isn’t exactly breathable, it’s not an ideal fabric choice. Instead, cozy knits will keep you warm while allowing you to graze all day in comfort. Try pairing a cowl-necked sweater with a pair of jeans from above. Or go with sweater-dress and fleece leggings.

Other materials to avoid on Thanksgiving Day are silk and satin. With any feast, stains are bound to happen, and dry-clean-only fabrics like silk and satin are way too vulnerable. If you’re wearing a white silk blouse, chances are your sleeve is going to get caught up in a gravy boat — trust, I’ve seen it happen. Keep your fancy, shiny garments in the closet and grab pieces that are machine washable and easy to stain treat.

Speaking of sleeves, when you’re busy cooking and eating and playing cards, the last thing you want is your shirt-sleeves getting in the way. Opt for tops with sleeves you can roll up. Button-down tunics, blouses with elastic or gathered cuffs, sweaters with sleeves that don’t hang too loose or low. Or go with a 3/4 sleeve top, just be sure to avoid bell sleeves and French-style cuff shirts. Again, that gravy boat is a menace quietly lurking.

No matter your shirt or sweater style, it’s best to avoid wearing heavy tops with nothing underneath. Chances are the house will be a mix of hot and very hot with the oven going all day and multiple generations of family all under one roof. Do yourself a favor and dress in layers. Wear something presentable under your cute holiday sweater so you can take it off while still being appropriate. A simple white t-shirt will do the trick. Or, go with a sleeveless blouse and cardigan combo. If you’re sporting a button-down, try an embellished tank top underneath. I would advise against camisoles, as they come across more like lingerie than a layer. No matter how stifling it is, you don’t want it to look like you were in your underwear in the group picture at the dinner table.

Lastly, footwear. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we’re all guilty of wearing shoes that look great but pinch our feet when they inevitably swell. Skip over your tight high-heels on Thanksgiving, instead, slip into a walkable shoe with room to wiggle. Again, this will be an all-day event in a warm house with folks eating, drinking, and laughing all in the same space, so it’ll be hot, and maybe a bit cramped and everyone’s feet will swell a bit. Plus, comfortable shoes will come in handy for the post-meal walk everyone will say they want to go on, but only a handful will actually make it out the door. I love the idea of a moccasin-style loafer that’s durable enough for a light walk but feels like a slipper inside.

No matter what you end up wearing or not wearing, hopefully, this Thanksgiving will find you and your family happy, healthy, and heart warmed.