Thanksgiving is the official start of the Eat, Drink, and Hope Your Pants Don't Split season, which means it's time to take your party on the road and spend hours noshing in front of someone else's television. Oh, don't pretend that's not what you'll be doing. You know it is. And you won't be alone: AAA estimates that approximately 37.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from their homes next week.

The real question, of course, isn't where are we going but what are we PACKING?

As little as possible, of course.

What do you absolutely need? Five things.

Empire waist snap front cardigan, Talbots, $88.00

1. Slim cardigan sweater. Wear it over a tee for football with the kids, or over a dress for dinner with the adults. Pack it in your bag for the airplane. Choose a bright color and wear it with your basic neutrals for a pop of color. Choose something that is appropriate both for the type of holiday your family celebrates and the weather where you will be celebrating; cashmere is warm but not heavy and travels well.

2. Casual but tailored pants. Jeans are fine, as long as they are a dark rinse and a mid-rise waistband. Chinos are good, as are mid-weight wool trousers. Wear with the cardigan and a tee or blouse. Feel free to substitute a skirt or day dress for trousers, if your family and their festivities, or your own personal style, calls for something more than pants. But choose a dress or skirt that will work with the other pieces in your luggage, for easy travel and simple preparation.

3. Neutral top, either a tee or a blouse or a sweater. Choose a top that goes with your trousers AND your cardigan; wear it on its own or layered under the sweater. A blouse, even a cotton blouse, is dressier than a tee; pair it with jeans for a festive casual look, or with the wool trousers for something more grown up. If you will be going somewhere cold, think about a sweater rather than a tee or blouse, and wear it with the cardigan. It can match, in a twin set kind of way, or contrast, for a simple layered look.

4. Comfortable shoes. Chose wisely, because these need to carry you through. If you will be chasing kids, opt for cute flats, either athletic-inspired or a driving moc; if you will be lounging inside, go with a ballet flat or something with a wee heel. Thanksgiving is the type of holiday that lends itself to long afternoon walks and hours of standing next to the buffet table; make sure you have ONE pair of shoes that works for BOTH of these activities.

5. One or two stand out accessories. A great necklace, a beautiful pair of earrings, a bracelet you love but rarely wear. The most basic outfit can be completely changed by the right accessories. This is a holiday, after all -- bring out the bling. Think about wearing that special piece your grandmother gave you, the one that is too nice for everyday; this isn't everyday, after all, and wearing sentimental jewelry is a nice way to be mindful of people for whom you give thanks.

Finally, keep two things in mind as you pack or get dressed: you want to be comfortable, even if your family is the formal sit-down dinner type. And you want to look festive, even if you will be outside playing catch with the kids before the turkey is served. Mix and match casual and dressy pieces -- wool trousers with a tee and cardi, or a beautiful blouse with your jeans -- for a look that is both practical and special.

Other ideas about what to wear when you're feeling thankful:

Fab Mommy at The Kiddie Fashionista has recommendations for holiday maternity wear.

Miss Em, at EmilyStyle, gives us the lowdown on holiday dress up.

And Mojo Mom reminds us that shopping isn't always the answer, and I agree -- shop your closet first.

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet, and about everything else at Friday Playdate. She wants you all to remember that no matter how much pie you plan to eat, yoga pants are NOT acceptable holiday dinner attire.