Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we’re here to celebrate any opportunity to be thankful. Not sure what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner? We have you covered wherever you are headed for the holiday. Whether you’re having a family dinner, meeting your partner’s parents or toasting to Friendsgiving, we have style tips for you. Here are our favorite men’s Thanksgiving outfits to get you showing up looking sharp.
What to Wear to Thanksgiving Dinner
You’ve got your invite, now it’s time to think about what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving causes a cornucopia of closet conundrums because the dress code varies widely. Big soirées call for formal menswear while visiting the family can constitute a super casual look. For formal Thanksgiving dinners, suits, ties, dress pants and button-down shirts, take the cake (or the pumpkin pie). Going casual? Athleisure wear will take you from a family football game in the yard to dinner. If you need something in the middle, reach for jeans and a soft, plaid flannel. You can’t go wrong with a flannel shirt and plaid prints—historically a perennial fall favorite.
One thing’s for certain when choosing your men’s Thanksgiving outfit: comfort is key. Whether you don a suit and tie or worn-in tee and jeans, make sure your clothes feature a bit of stretch. You’ll stay comfortable and content as you devour Thanksgiving sides and gobble up turkey.
A Formal Thanksgiving Dinner
If your Thanksgiving dinner plans require formal wear, be prepared to layer up. Fall-friendly men’s blazers and sweaters are at the top of the menu for what to wear to a formal Thanksgiving dinner. When getting dressed, look no further than a classic men’s blazer and pants combo. This elevated, yet understated pairing looks and feels great for any holiday gathering. Embrace the season by opting for a printed pant and wear it with a solid button-down shirt. Choose a blazer that complements the color of your pants and wrap up your formal Thanksgiving outfit with brogue shoes or boots. Now, you are ready to celebrate.
A warm sweater is a smart alternative to a blazer when you want to take your men’s Thanksgiving outfit to a new level. Opt for a sweater in a luxurious fabric like cashmere or merino wool and layer it over an oxford button-down shirt. Brighten up short, fall days by picking an autumnal-colored sweater. Tie together your look with pants (stretch is your friend here) and add chukka boots. Now that’s what to wear for a formal Thanksgiving dinner.
What to Wear to a Casual Thanksgiving Celebration
Thanksgiving and football go hand in hand, so root for your team in casual wear before it’s time to eat. Not a football fan? No sweat. Casual clothes keep you relaxed for extended Thanksgiving visits with friends and family. Here’s what to wear to a casual Thanksgiving dinner as you lead the charge preparing dinner (or at least eating it).
Score major points at Thanksgiving in athleisure wear. It’s no secret why it’s a 2021 men’s winter fashion trend. It keeps you comfortable while tossing a football around the yard and post-dinner when the L-tryptophan sets in. Kick-off your casual Thanksgiving outfit with a pair of thick jogger pants. Pair them with a henley shirt, an upgrade to your go-to crew or v-neck tee. If it gets cold as the day goes on, keep a trending men’s shacket or denim jacket on hand to stay warm. Classic court sneakers complete your Thanksgiving ensemble and serve up a little street style. Talk about a touchdown––you’ve definitely won the what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner game.
A Family Thanksgiving Dinner: Feast with Family in Style
We know that the last year has been tough and your resiliency is something to be grateful for. You don’t have to forgo the holiday if you can’t jet set to join your loved ones. Connect with your family via video call and keep the dinner tradition alive. Wondering what to wear to a virtual Thanksgiving dinner? Stay comfy in a micro-stripe T-shirt. Add a pop of color with a bold sweater on top. Pick a pair of colored jeans and you’ll be ready to give thanks with your family, even if they are miles away. The best part? This is what to wear to a family Thanksgiving dinner if you are celebrating in person as well.
Expert Stylist Tip: Any of these casual outfits can also make your day easier if Thanksgiving isn’t a time for celebration for you. For many, the fourth Thursday of November is a day of remembrance or service to Native American communities. Throw on comfy clothes and supportive shoes for volunteering at food banks, community centers or other nonprofit organizations assisting those who lived here first.
What to Wear to Your Girlfriend’s Family Thanksgiving
Heading to your partner’s family dinner and wondering what Thanksgiving outfit to wear? Dress to impress in elevated or casual looks that will showcase your personality and style. Whether you are meeting the parents for the first time or you’ve been gathering around the table for years, here’s what to wear to your girlfriend’s Thanksgiving dinner.
If it’s the first time meeting your partner’s family, you are sure to be in the spotlight. Keep cool in a pair of black denim. These workhorse staples are incredibly easy to dress up or wear casually. Not to mention, they pair effortlessly with just about anything. For a sleek Thanksgiving outfit, wear black jeans with a lightweight button-up shirt. Roll up your sleeves and keep the first two buttons undone to keep you looking and feeling cool under pressure.
Now you’re ready to kick back and connect (or reconnect) with your partner’s family. Don’t forget to bring something special for the hosts. Ask your significant other if there is a dish you can bring. Or, you can never go wrong with flowers, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider.
What to Wear For Friendsgiving
Friendship is always something to be grateful for. If you’re skipping the trip home and dining with friends instead, we’re on board. When deciding what to wear for Friendsgiving, stay seasonal in fall hues. Add a pinch of texture, and you have the recipe for fresh formal outfits to feast your eyes on.
Fall for flannel at Friendsgiving and reach for your favorite workwear hero, the plaid button-down. Plaids come in a variety of different patterns, so pick your favorite in soft flannel fabric. Layer it over a T-shirt and add a pair of jeans (that have stretch, of course). Add sport-sole boots or sneakers to finish your Thanksgiving outfit.
Add a touch of texture to your Thanksgiving get-up by opting for comfortable corduroy pants. Packing on texture adds dimension to your look. Try a crisp cotton T-shirt under a knit henley-style sweater and toss on a pair of corduroy pants. We dare you to experiment with colored bottoms in a rich earthy brown or mustard yellow. Now you’re ready to raise a toast to friendship and celebrate the holiday with pals who’ve always had your back.
Look Picture-Perfect: Prints and Colors to Wear on Thanksgiving
If there’s one thing we can rely on, it’s that Mother Nature shows her true colors in the fall. When picking what to wear to Thanksgiving, get inspired by the earth. The leaves are changing into hues of yellow, red and orange. The setting sun gives way to a smoky, dark sky in shades of gray and navy blue. Take a nod from nature and infuse these colors into your Thanksgiving outfit.
Additionally, show off your style in a new print––animal prints, stripes and camouflage are on-trend this fall. Mix and match these prints with in-the-moment colors, think hazelnut browns, rich reds, opulent olive and crisp golds. Pick one of these patterns to wear with colored jeans and layer with a bomber jacket. That’s how you saturate your ensemble with on-trend colors and prints like a pro.
What Not to Wear to Thanksgiving
Now you know what to wear to Thanksgiving, let’s talk about what you should avoid. If you are heading to a Thanksgiving dinner with a dress code, then definitely stick to it. For dinner plans without style stipulations, use your best judgment. Otherwise, what not to wear to Thanksgiving dinner really is a matter of comfort.
Typically, the holiday of thanks is one that tends to last long. After all, you can’t put a time limit on bonding with loved ones or giving thanks. Don’t arrive in a bulky sweater without thinking through your underlayers. Be prepared for any type of weather with short-sleeve T-shirts in a lightweight fabric. Thinking through your base and over layers will keep you feeling your best regardless of the activity or temperature.
Whether you are going casual or dressing up in your Sunday (or Thursday) best, stay comfortable. Avoid tight or constrictive clothing. Stick to soft fabrics and clothes with stretch. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable and restricted in your clothes after a big meal. A henley long-sleeved shirt with room for extra helpings and pants with elastic waists are key. Try a pair of joggers that are as plush as your favorite sleepwear. A stomach full of delicious food all while looking smart and stylish? That’s something to be thankful for.
It’s not too late to try a new look for Thanksgiving, and our expert stylists are here to help. Take your style quiz, schedule a Fix and let us do the rest. Try on your 5 items from the comfort of your home. Keep what you like and send back the rest––returns are always on us.
