What Should You Wear to Thanksgiving Dinner?
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. It's a time to gather with family, friends, and loved ones, share a delicious meal, and reflect on everything we’re thankful for.
(and well, eat a lot of food and drink wine in the morning)
But with all the excitement comes the inevitable question: What should I wear to Thanksgiving dinner?
Whether you're hosting thanksgiving, (which if you are, check out these themes to crush your thanksgiving this year), heading to a cozy family gathering, or attending a fancy dinner party, figuring out the perfect outfit can sometimes be tricky.
You want to feel comfortable (especially with all that yummy food), but you also want to look stylish and festive.
Last thing you want is to be underdressed when you’re having a garden Italian themed thanksgiving. Or overdressed for a warm and sweaty Mexican thanksgiving.
Let me help you out with some ideas! In this post, I’ll cover everything from casual to formal looks, so no matter the vibe of your Thanksgiving celebration, you'll have the perfect outfit ready to go.
1. Casual Thanksgiving Dinner at Home
If your Thanksgiving plans are more low-key, like mine usually are, comfort should definitely be the top priority. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style.
There's a sweet spot between looking put-together and feeling relaxed.
Cozy Sweater and Jeans
How to get the look
For men
Let me just say, jeans are absolutely appropriate for Thanksgiving! In fact, they might be my go-to every year, especially for casual family gatherings.
I love pairing dark-wash jeans with a cozy oversized sweater. Not only does it look great, but you’ll be thankful for the stretchy waistband after the second (or third) helping of mashed potatoes.
Opt for rich autumn colors like deep reds, mustard yellows, or forest greens to keep the outfit festive.
If you want to elevate the look a bit, go for heeled ankle boots and a statement necklace. This is a look that also goes great if you’re hosting a thanksgiving games night or finishing dinner with some activities that’ll get you moving around.
Oh, and for more men thanksgiving outfits, check out this resource.
Top Tip: If you're someone like me who tends to eat a lot on Thanksgiving, you might want to try jeggings or jeans with a bit of stretch.
They’ll give you that polished look without feeling restrictive.
Sweater and Skirt
If jeans aren’t for you or you’re really going in for that cute thanksgiving look. Go with this.
Sweaters
Skirts
Complete the outfit
2. Smart Casual for a Friend’s Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re invited to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving, you want to strike a balance between casual and chic.
Or maybe you’re a plus 1 and you don’t know whether to go casual or formal. Then go with one of these…
Cardigan
How to get the look
This is one of my favorite outfits when attending a Thanksgiving party when Im the plus 1. A stylish cardigan with tailored slim pants, skirt, or leggings is the perfect balance of casual and smart.
Opt for fall-inspired colors like burnt orange or rich burgundy. Add some cute flats or ankle boots to complete the look.
Top Tip: If you're going for pants, make sure they have a little stretch. Trust me, after a couple of slices of pie, you'll be thankful for that extra comfort.
Midi Skirt and Turtleneck
Skirts
Turtlenecks
Another excellent option is a midi skirt paired with a turtleneck sweater. It’s feminine, cozy, and has that autumn vibe we all love.
Last Thanksgiving, I wore a pleated midi skirt in a deep maroon shade with a soft beige turtleneck, and it was a hit. Throw on some booties or flats to finish off the look. It’s stylish but not over-the-top.
It also works great for date night.
3. Dressy Thanksgiving Dinner at a Restaurant
Heading to a fancy Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant? Or something a little more classy, like a seafood thanksgiving?
Now’s your chance to dress up a little more! I personally love these kinds of Thanksgivings because they give me an excuse to pull out something a bit more formal. Something that pairs nicely with a thanksgiving cocktail.
Classic Little Black Dress
Can you wear black to Thanksgiving? Absolutely!
A little black dress is always a classic choice, even for Thanksgiving. I once wore one to a fancy Thanksgiving dinner with friends, and it was perfect.
You can dress it up with statement jewelry and a bold lip for a sophisticated look. Add a cute pair of pumps or heeled boots to complete the outfit. It’s simple but always stylish.
Just remember this is late autumn, so keep it warm. Like these 3 options…
How to get the look
Blazer
How to get the look
If you're not much of a dress person (I totally get it), a blazer paired with a skirt or trousers are a great alternative.
Opt for deep fall colors like plum, camel, or forest green. I wore a burgundy blazer with black tailored trousers one Thanksgiving, and it felt both festive and professional.
Finish the look with a pair of loafers or heels, and you’re ready to enjoy a chic Thanksgiving meal.
Alyson Haley also has some good ideas around this vibe.
4. Fun and Festive Outfits
Sometimes, Thanksgiving is all about fun, especially when you’re celebrating with friends or attending a more casual get-together. Why not get into the holiday spirit with a playful outfit?
Fall-Themed Dresses
You can never go wrong with a fall-themed dress.
Think of patterns like plaid, autumn leaves, or even Thanksgiving-themed prints. A couple of years ago, I wore a dress with tiny pumpkins on it, and everyone loved it.
Pair it with tights and ankle boots to keep things comfortable yet stylish.
Our Favorite Thanksgiving Dresses
Holiday Sweater and Skirt Combo
One of my favorite cute Thanksgiving dinner outfits is pairing a fun holiday sweater with a maxi skirt.
I once rocked a sweater with a giant turkey on it (yes, really), and it was a hit! It’s quirky and festive, making it perfect for a lighthearted Thanksgiving celebration.
Thanksgiving Sweaters
Skirts to match
5. Thanksgiving Outfits for Outdoor Gatherings
If your Thanksgiving includes a backyard game of football or hanging out around a fire pit, you need an outfit that balances warmth and style.
Quilted Jacket and Jeans
A quilted jacket is one of my go-to pieces for outdoor gatherings. Pair it with dark jeans and a cozy sweater, and you’re set for the day.
Don’t forget a scarf and some waterproof boots if the weather’s unpredictable.
How to get the look
Top Tip: If you know you’ll be outside, dress in layers. You never know if the temperature might drop in the evening, and having a warm jacket or vest on hand is always a good idea.
Knit Dress and Tights
If you want something a bit dressier but still appropriate for an outdoor setting, a knit dress paired with tights is perfect.
I wore this outfit last Thanksgiving when we had an outdoor bonfire, and it kept me warm and stylish. Opt for a midi-length dress in a rich fall color like wine or emerald.
How to get the look
6. Thanksgiving Dinner Outfits for Kids
Dressing the kiddos for Thanksgiving can be so fun! My tip? Make sure their outfits are comfy enough for all the running around they’ll inevitably do.
Festive Sweaters and Corduroy Pants
For boys, I love the idea of a festive sweater paired with corduroy pants. It’s cozy but still looks dressed up for the holiday.
Choose sweaters with fun fall motifs like pumpkins or leaves to keep things seasonal.
Jumper Dress and Tights
For girls, a jumper dress layered over a long-sleeve shirt is both cute and comfy. Add some tights and boots, and they’re ready for anything from family photos to playing tag with cousins.
Conclusion
Dressing for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be stressful.
Whether you’re going for a casual look or dressing up for a fancier event, comfort and style can go hand-in-hand.
From cozy sweaters and jeans to classic dresses and smart-casual outfits, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
And remember, Thanksgiving is all about feeling good, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying great food. So whatever outfit you pick, make sure it’s something that makes you feel confident and comfortable!
Do you have a go-to Thanksgiving outfit? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!
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