Finding the perfect Thanksgiving outfit is a tricky balancing act. You want to look cute enough for the annual family photos, but you also need enough room to comfortably enjoy that second slice of pumpkin pie. Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or heading to a relaxed “Friendsgiving” potluck, the goal is to feel confident and cozy all day long.
In this guide, we have gathered the best Thanksgiving outfit ideas to suit every style and budget. From trendy oversized sweaters paired with leggings to chic sweater dresses with knee-high boots, we have you covered. Get ready to browse stylish looks that are perfect for feasting, celebrating, and making memories!
Also, read our in-depth guide to 25 Stunning Winter Sparkly Nails.
What to Wear to Thanksgiving: Choosing Your Vibe
Deciding what to wear to Thanksgiving starts with knowing where you are going. The perfect look depends on whether you will be watching football on the couch or sitting at a fancy dining table. The goal is to match the energy of the host while staying true to your own style.
Assessing the Venue: Casual vs. Formal Dinners
Before you pick an outfit, think about the setting.
- Casual Dinners: If you are visiting close family or having a “Friendsgiving” potluck, you can relax. A casual Thanksgiving outfit focuses on feeling cozy. Think soft fabrics, jeans, or even elevated loungewear.
- Formal Dinners: If you are meeting a partner’s parents or dining at a restaurant, you might need to dress up. In this case, aim for a smart-casual look. Avoid ripped jeans or hoodies. Instead, choose a nice blouse, a dress, or dark trousers.
The “Comfort-First” Rule: Fabrics that Stretch
Thanksgiving is known for one thing: delicious food! Because you will likely be eating a big meal, comfort is key. Avoid stiff fabrics or tight waistbands that dig into your stomach.
Instead, look for fabrics that stretch.
- Knits and Sweaters: These naturally expand and keep you warm.
- Elastic Waistbands: Skirts or trousers with a stretchy waist are a lifesaver during dessert.
- Soft Cotton blends: Great for layering if the house gets warm from the oven.
Casual Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas (Comfort & Cute)
You don’t have to sacrifice style to be comfortable. These casual Thanksgiving outfit ideas are perfect for relaxed family gatherings where you want to look put-together but feel like you are wearing pajamas.
The Classic Combo: Oversized Sweaters and Leggings
This is the number one choice for a reason. An oversized sweater outfit is the ultimate “food-friendly” look.
- The Top: Choose a chunky knit sweater in fall colors like cream, rust orange, or mustard yellow. Make sure it is long enough to cover your hips.
- The Bottom: Pair it with high-quality leggings. For a more stylish look, try faux leather leggings (like Spanx). They look dressy but feel just as comfy as gym pants.
- Shoes: Finish the look with white sneakers or ankle boots.
Denim Done Right: Jeans with a Flannel or Shacket
If you prefer jeans, make sure they have some stretch! Pair your favorite denim with a plaid flannel shirt for a timeless autumn vibe.
- The Shacket Trend: A “shacket” (shirt-jacket) is very popular right now. Wear a simple white t-shirt underneath and throw a plaid shacket over it. It keeps you warm but is easy to take off if the room gets hot.
- Style Tip: Tuck the front of your shirt into your jeans (the “French tuck”) to define your waist.
Athleisure Looks for a Relaxed Home Dinner
Athleisure means clothing designed for workouts but worn for everyday life. If your family is very casual, a matching lounge set is a great option.
- Look for matching sweatpants and sweatshirts in neutral colors like beige, brown, or sage green.
- Add some gold jewelry (like hoop earrings) and clean shoes to make sure you look intentional, not messy.
Dressy & Classy Thanksgiving Outfits
If your plans involve a fancy dinner party, you will want a classy Thanksgiving outfit. These looks are sophisticated but still leave room for turkey and pie.
Fall Favorites: Midi Skirts and Turtlenecks
A midi skirt (a skirt that ends below the knee) is universally flattering and very stylish.
- The Pairing: Wear a pleated or satin midi skirt with a fitted turtleneck sweater. This balances your silhouette—tight on top, flowy on the bottom.
- Why it works: The skirt sits higher on your waist, which is very comfortable for eating, while the length keeps you modest and elegant.
Styling a Sweater Dress with Boots
A sweater dress is the easiest way to look dressed up with zero effort. It is literally a long sweater!
- The Fit: You can choose a bodycon style (tight) or a relaxed fit. For Thanksgiving, a relaxed fit with a belt is usually better.
- The Shoes: Pair this with knee-high boots or over-the-knee boots. This combination is a top trend for 2025 and keeps your legs warm.
Velvet and Corduroy: Adding Texture to Your Look
Fall fashion is all about texture. Wearing unique fabrics makes your outfit look expensive and festive.
- Corduroy: Try a pair of corduroy pants or a pinafore dress in brown or forest green. It feels vintage and cozy.
- Velvet: A velvet top or dress catches the light beautifully and feels very soft. It is a great bridge between Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas season.
Thanksgiving Outfits by Weather
The weather on Thanksgiving can vary dramatically! Here are ideas for staying stylish, whether you’re dealing with snow or sunshine.
🌬️ Cold Weather Layers: Coats, Scarves, and Tights
When the temperature drops, it’s all about strategic layering to stay cozy and chic.
- The Foundation: Start with a simple base, like a knit sweater dress or tailored pants and a cashmere sweater.
- Essential Outerwear: Your coat will be the first thing people see! Choose a flattering piece like a wool-blend trench coat or a festive, textured jacket (think corduroy or tweed). Look for coats in autumn colors like deep burgundy or mustard yellow.
- Leg Warmers: Don’t let your legs freeze! If you’re wearing a skirt or dress, fleece-lined tights are your best friend. They keep you warm while maintaining a polished look. For pants, consider thermal leggings underneath.
- The Finishing Touch: A thick, oversized infinity scarf or a printed silk scarf adds a pop of color and extra warmth. It’s an easy accessory that makes any outfit look more expensive.
Warm Weather Thanksgiving Outfits (For Southern States)
For those celebrating in warmer climates where a coat is unthinkable, focus on lightweight fabrics and breezy styles.
- The Dress Option: A flowy midi dress in a fall print (like a subtle floral or paisley) is perfect. Look for breathable fabrics like cotton or Tencel. A dress is comfortable and allows for that second helping of pie!
- Separates Strategy: Pair wide-leg trousers in a lightweight material (linen blend or soft cotton) with a beautiful silk or satin blouse. Tucking the blouse in and adding a belt instantly elevates the look.
- Footwear: Skip the heavy boots. Opt for stylish flats, mules, or open-toed ankle boots with cutouts. The goal is comfort without sacrificing style.
Specific Style Inspo
Thanksgiving is a time for everyone to shine! Here are ideas tailored for specific needs.
💖 Plus Size Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas
The key to a fantastic plus-size Thanksgiving outfit is finding pieces that fit well and make you feel confident and comfortable.
- The Cozy Cardigan: A long, chunky knit cardigan is perfect for layering over a simple tunic and leggings. It creates vertical lines that are flattering and provides that essential cozy holiday vibe.
- Stretch and Style: Choose high-waisted dark-wash jeans with excellent stretch, paired with a fitted blouse or a relaxed-fit peplum top. The peplum shape accentuates the waist.
- Accessory Focus: Use your belts (one of our keywords!) to cinch the waist over a dress or cardigan for definition. A long pendant necklace can also help elongate your frame.
🤰 Maternity Thanksgiving Outfits for Moms-to-Be
Comfort is king when you’re expecting, but you can still look incredibly stylish for the holiday.
- The Elegant Empire Waist: Look for maternity dresses with an empire waistline—this is the most flattering cut, sitting right above the bump. Choose velvet or a fine-rib knit for a festive texture.
- Bump-Friendly Bottoms: Maternity leggings paired with an oversized, luxurious tunic sweater are a foolproof choice. Add some statement gold jewelry to dress it up.
- Functional Footwear: Stick to comfortable ankle boots with a very low or flat heel, or stylish ballet flats. Safety and comfort are paramount!
👨👩👧👦 Matching Family Outfits for the Holiday Card
Planning a family photo? Coordinated outfits look beautiful without being overly “matchy-matchy.”
- Color Palette Coordination: Instead of identical outfits, choose a color palette (e.g., deep greens, burnt orange, and cream) and have each family member wear pieces within that range. This looks polished and natural.
- Texture Play: Mix different textures like corduroy, wool, denim, and knitwear within the palette. For example, Dad wears a corduroy jacket, and the kids wear knit sweaters in the same color family.
- Plaid Power: A touch of plaid (on a scarf, a button-down shirt, or a dress) is the ultimate Thanksgiving pattern that ties everyone together.
Accessories to Complete the Look
Accessories are how you turn a simple outfit into a memorable one. Don’t forget these key pieces!
| Accessory Keyword | Why It Works for Thanksgiving | Style Tip |
| Ankle boots | The perfect balance of comfort and style. They look great with dresses, skirts, or tucked-in jeans. | Choose a suede or leather pair in brown, black, or deep red. |
| Gold jewelry | Adds a touch of glamour and warmth. It complements the rich, autumnal colors of Thanksgiving. | Layer several delicate gold necklaces or wear a pair of chunky gold hoop earrings. |
| Wide-brim hats | Adds a rustic, sophisticated flair. Perfect for a family photo outdoors or on your travel day. | A felt wide-brim hat in black or camel works best for fall. |
| Belts | Essential for defining your waist, especially when wearing chunky sweaters or tunics. | A leather belt with a statement buckle is a great focal point. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you absolutely can! Jeans are a staple of a comfortable Thanksgiving outfit. The key is how you style them. Choose dark-wash, well-fitting jeans (avoid overly distressed denim). Dress them up by pairing them with a silk blouse, a beautiful blazer, or a pair of heeled ankle boots. Add some gold jewelry, and you are instantly elevated from casual to chic.
The best colors are inspired by the fall harvest:
* Rich Jewel Tones: Deep burgundy, forest green, sapphire blue, and plum.
* Warm Neutrals: Cream, camel, mustard yellow, and chocolate brown.
* Classic Staples: Black, charcoal gray, and navy blue are always safe and stylish choices.
Pro-Tip: Choosing a color that complements your skin tone ensures you look vibrant in all those holiday photos!
A simple knit sweater can easily be dressed up for the holiday!
* Add a Collar: Layer a crisp, button-down shirt underneath and let the collar and cuffs peek out.
* Statement Jewelry: Ditch the basic chain and put on a chunky gold necklace or large, decorative earrings.
* The Belt Trick: Cinch the sweater at your natural waist with a stylish belt to give it shape.
* Elevated Bottoms: Pair the sweater not with jeans, but with a flowing pleated skirt or tailored velvet trousers.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Feast in Fashion
Finding the perfect Thanksgiving outfit is all about blending comfort with style. Whether you’re layering up against the cold or choosing a flowy dress for a warm climate, the most important accessory is your confidence. By utilizing key items like versatile ankle boots, statement gold jewelry, and strategic layers, you can enjoy every moment of the holiday feast looking and feeling your absolute best.