Blackout Wednesday Survival Guide

With Thanksgiving break around the corner, arguably the biggest going-out night of the year is swiftly approaching. Blackout Wednesday, essentially one big premature high school reunion, might be your hometown’s social event of the season. With that comes the pressures of showing up and showing out.

The fun and excitement of the night doesn’t come without its fair share of preparations and precautions. Luckily, VALLEY is here to provide you with all the necessary tips and tricks for making it out on top of all the night’s trials and tribulations. Here is your official guide to surviving Blackout Wednesday.

Preparations

One of the most important parts of Blackout Wednesday happens during the days leading up to it. If there was ever a time to reinvent your look, refresh your signature style, buy that top you’ve been eyeing for months or finally commit to that haircut you’ve been debating, the Monday and Tuesday before Blackout Wednesday is your chance.

Whether your confidence comes from a full-on makeover or an everyday look elevation, consider this your sign to show up feeling your best. Book the bouncy blowout, treat yourself to a mani-pedi and don’t skip out on the spray tan. Let’s be honest, half of this holiday is about showing off just how good you look (and feel) since high school.

WTW: What To Wear

The key to surviving Blackout Wednesday is choosing the perfect outfit — something that makes a statement but still feels authentically you. A good rule of thumb would be to opt for the outfit you’d normally save for your best day.

Wear something that you’d feel completely yourself in while still dressing to impress. The more comfortable you are in your skin, the better you’ll feel throughout the night. Dress like yourself at 110%!

Have Your Friend Group On Lock

Nothing will make you feel right at home like having your best group of friends by your side. Sometimes just having your friend group next to you is all you need to socially shine. Gather up your ride-or-dies and strut into your hometown bar with confidence. This way no matter what the night throws at (or up on) you, you’ve got your people to fall back on.

Convincing The Bouncer You’re Of Age

Okay, this step is slightly more difficult to execute, but lucky for you, steps one and two will go a long way with helping you secure that nod of approval when handing over your ID at the door. Thankfully, you’ll already have your hair, makeup and outfit details set to perfection, which will help you sell that “I’m of age” facade.

Carry yourself with confidence walking up to the door. Avoid those shaky hands and make sure you memorize the information on your fake ID back to front. You never know when the bouncer is going to play the “What year did you graduate high school?” card. Under no circumstances can you allow them to find out you only graduated half a year prior!

What To Do When You Run Into That Not-So-Friendly Face

This is an inevitable bump in the Blackout Wednesday road. There are always going to be those few people from high school we’re less excited to catch up with. Instead of worrying about the awkwardness of the interaction, take this as an opportunity to show them just how great you’re doing. (Fake it till you make it!)

The best thing you can do in this situation is to kill them with kindness. Fake a smile, talk yourself up and exude utter confidence. Nothing drives someone crazier than seeing just how bright you’re shining!

Thanksgiving Morning Recovery

As is the case with every big night out, the morning after is probably not going to be the easiest. Hopefully, for your sake, you weren’t born into a turkey trot family … but even if you were, don’t worry.

Here are some tips and tricks to survive Thanksgiving morning. No matter if your family wakes up at the crack of dawn to run a 5K or rolls out of bed to their mimosa tower, your local bagel store will always be there for you. There is truly no hangover a large iced coffee and a bagel sandwich can’t fix.

An absolutely crucial ingredient to this survival guide is having a debrief buddy on hand.  Whether that’s a sibling, a cousin or even your mother, Thanksgiving offers the perfect lineup of trusted confidants to recount the events of the previous night with. 

Finally, your saving grace of the day will be the Thanksgiving meal itself. Load up on all the mashed potatoes, turkey and fixings you can. The food coma is a problem for Friday. 

What are you wearing out to the bars this Thanksgiving Break? Let us know your thoughts by mentioning @VALLEYmag on X!

**VALLEY does not support underage drinking. Please remember to always drink responsibly.

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