NOTE: This post was published in 2022. Most original links are unavailable, so I’ve linked similar.
Click here for my 2024 Thanksgiving Outfits Guide.

Yep, Thanksgiving is 3 weeks away. And while it’s a holiday of gratitude, it is also one that causes stress on many levels. As a host, as a guest, family dynamics, food issues, seeing people you only see once a year, travel, travel delays - I mean, the list goes on and on.

While I can’t help with all of the stressors on the list (and I am sure there are more), I can help with what to wear - and maybe, if that issue is covered, it will have a positive effect on some of the other things.

When it comes to dressing for Thanksgiving, there is not one right way to go about it. Much of it is personal to you, such as your individual style, weather forecast, and level of formality at your Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving Outfit Guidelines

There are a few “rules” to keep in mind that help make the outfit planning a bit easier…

Comfort

Even if the dress code for your gathering is a bit more formal, always remember comfort, especially in the midsection, is key. I mean, if there is pecan pie involved, you’ve got to indulge.

Look put together, but not try-hard

This may be the one time you see these cousins all year long. Or have a reunion with your high school friends. So the goal is to look effortlessly chic - a kind of Je ne sais quoi vibe, if you will.

Pieces or outfits you can wear again

The great thing about Thanksgiving outfits is that if they work and they’re comfortable, you can and should wear them again. You only wore them with a small group - so repurpose them and wear them to a meeting or a GNO.

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration

Shirt Dress

I am kind of obsessed with shirt dresses this season. And this one is A+. The fabric is lightweight so you can wear it year-round. Or in warmer climates, if you’re celebrating Thanksgiving there. I styled it with pumps, but it would look equally as fabulous with boots. If it’s cold, put a tissue turtleneck under or a leather jacket over it. The possibilities are endless.

Bodysuit and Blazer

Leather pants might not seem like a comfortable option - but hear me out, please. Leather (and faux leather) actually give and mold with your body, so they are a perfect option for mid-section comfort. AND I am not a martyr when it comes to waistband comfort; that is number one on my list of non-negotiables.

This sweater blazer is super soft and cozy. More structured than a typical sweater but softer than a typical blazer (and how chic are the contrasting collar and cuffs?).

The bodysuit is really special because it does double duty. It’s actually shapewear that you can wear under an outfit OR, as I did, on its own. The secret sauce of this piece is that it’s smoothing but not binding at all. There is a malleable yet sturdy boning on the sides, so it stays up and, for me, really helps my posture (but in a comfortable way). 

Leather Pants and Cashmere Sweater

I know, leather pants again… They’re really speaking to me this season. They feel “fall” and are more put together than denim, yet feel less dressy than a traditional slack. Also, they are oddly comfortable and buttery.

I love the tonal look of this outfit - it achieves that put-together yet not trying too hard thing. The cashmere sweater is meant to be oversized, so DO NOT size up. In fact, you could size down if you want just a bit of slouch.

BTW, the pants and sweater come in other colors in case you like the idea, but the color scheme is not your cup of tea.

Jeans, T-Shirt, and Duster

One dress, two ways. I think one of the reasons I’m into shirt dresses is that you can repurpose them as a duster, and look soooo chic. If your thanksgiving meal is on the more casual side, this outfit would be great. The jeans have stretch (comfort) and the whole outfit has a polished yet easy feel.

And, of course, it totally checks the boxes on all of the “guidelines” above too!

Leather Pants and Button Down

Yes, I know, leather pants again… The great thing about this outfit is that the top is untucked, so if you need to unbutton your pants after dinner (a subtle trick I often use) no one is the wiser!

I also already had a lot of questions about my shoes. They are from 2016 - they’re Dior, and I wore them to my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. I love them! And I found a great pair that is very similar for $118 - it is linked.

Full Suit

Our Thanksgiving is rarely this formal, but I wanted to include this because I think the outfit is really striking. The play of blues is uber fun. And all of these pieces could be broken up and worn separately to give just a pop of color.

My favorite part is the collar of the suit jacket (the pieces are all separate so that they can be purchased individually). It is inverted, so it permanently pops, meaning it beautifully frames the face.

This blue color, IMHO, looks good on just about everyone and is the epitome of dopamine dressing. And who doesn’t need a good hit of the happy hormone when we’re around family for a holiday?

Shop the looks:

Wishing you all a chic and Happy Thanksgiving!!