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What to Wear to a Thanksgiving Day Parade (Hours of Standing in the Cold)

“People dress for the forecast and then stand on a corner for four hours without moving. A parade is really a test of your socks. Keep your feet warm and your hands free, and let your coat and hat do the looking good.”Her take

Why a parade feels colder than the forecast

Walking makes heat. Standing on a curb doesn't. On parade morning you may wait for hours before anything goes by, often beginning around or before sunrise, on cold pavement between buildings that can funnel the wind. Late-November mornings in northern cities often start around the 30s or 40s Fahrenheit, and the weather can be much harsher: the forecast for the 2018 New York parade was in the low 20s, with gusts up to about 30 mph.

Check the hourly forecast the night before, and look at the wind and the feels-like temperature as well as the number on top. Then dress as if it will be about 10 degrees colder, because you can always open your coat. You can't add a layer you left at home.

A head-to-toe outfit that keeps you warm

Think in three layers, and avoid plain cotton next to your skin, which stays cold once it gets damp.

• Base: a thin merino or thermal long-sleeved top and thermal leggings or fleece-lined tights under your pants.
• Middle: a wool or cashmere sweater, or a fine fleece, that's warm but not bulky.
• Pants: dark straight-leg jeans or lined wool pants that fit over your thermals. Skip anything with a tight waist.
• Coat: a thigh-length or longer windproof wool or down coat, with a hood if you can. Covering your hips and thighs makes a real difference.
• Extras: a large scarf, a hat that covers your ears, and gloves with a touchscreen fingertip or thin liners under mittens.

How to keep your feet warm for hours

This is where most parade outfits fail, because your feet are in direct contact with cold concrete. Wear insulated or lined boots with thick soles, and a single pair of wool socks. Your boots must leave enough room to wiggle your toes, because a too-tight boot makes feet colder, and two pairs of socks can make it tight. Skip fashion boots with thin soles and heels.

Felt or wool insoles add a layer between you and the ground. So does standing on a folded piece of cardboard or a small foam mat, which keeps your soles off the cold ground. If you use toe warmers, follow the package instructions and keep them away from bare skin. Walk around briefly every 20 minutes or so, if you can keep your spot.

What to carry, and what to leave behind

Choose a small crossbody bag worn under your coat or at the front, with your phone, ID, card, some cash, tissues, lip balm and a charger. Big events often have bag checks and crowded streets, and some don't allow large bags, folding chairs or backpacks, so check your parade's official website first. Crossbodies also keep your hands free for coffee and photos.

A wool or fleece blanket does double duty. You can sit on it during the long wait or wrap it around your shoulders. Bring a thermos only if rules permit. It's also worth thinking about how much you drink, because public restrooms along a parade route may be hard to find, and getting back to your spot through a crowd can be nearly impossible.

How to look good in parade photos

On a gray morning, a solid, clear coat color will make you stand out far better than black in a crowd. Camel, cream, forest green, navy and cobalt all show well. If your coat is dark, add a light or colored scarf near your face. Light knit hats also brighten your skin in photos.

Wear long-wear lip color rather than a gloss, since wind can blow your hair straight into it. A low braid or low ponytail under a hat keeps your hair tidy and protects your neck. Then take your outdoor photos early, before your nose goes pink and your hat changes your hair.

What if you're bringing kids or going straight to dinner?

If you're going with children, dress them in the same layers, with an extra pair of gloves and socks in your bag. It's easier to keep track of them in a crowd if they're wearing something bright, and a recent photo of them on your phone can help you describe them if you get separated.

If you're headed to Thanksgiving dinner afterward, plan a quick change for when you arrive. Wear a nicer sweater as your middle layer, so all you have to do is take off the thermals underneath, and carry a pair of flats and light earrings in your bag. A dark-wash pair of jeans and good knit can move directly from a curb to a dinner table.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Dress for standing still: thermals, a long windproof coat, warm boots with room for your toes, a small crossbody, and a blanket.

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