What To Wear For Thanksgiving: A Stylish Women’s Guide for Dressing on Turkey Day


Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we’re already dreaming of turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and, of course, the perfect outfit. When it comes to what to wear for Thanksgiving, there’s a lot for women to consider. Your outfit has to be roomy enough for that second slice of dessert, yet chic enough to post pics to the ‘gram. With a little help from us, you’ll find it easy to dress for any gathering this holiday season. From casual to dressy, this year’s top Thanksgiving outfits will get you through Turkey Day looking like your most stylish (and comfortable) self.

What To Wear For Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a chance to reflect, relax and spend time with friends and family, both near and far. An added bonus? You get to eat a cornucopia of tasty food all weekend long. And maybe even score major Black Friday deals, too. A win-win, if you ask us. With everyone’s favorite November holiday fast approaching, you no doubt have a lot on your proverbial plate. As you put the finishing touches on the menu, don’t forget to plan what to wear for Thanksgiving dinner. Let your outfit choice be one less thing you have to worry about.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving dinner was a formal affair, no matter how or where it was spent. Were jeans of any kind banned from your family gatherings growing up? You’re not alone. Luckily, this strict dress code mentality has eased over the last decade, and even more so in the past year. Now, the name of the game for what to wear for Thanksgiving is comfort. Not to worry, this can be incorporated into any dinner setting, from formal affairs to sweatpant-friendly get-togethers. Always look for stylish items that have plenty of stretch, from dresses to leggings and sweaters. And yes, even jeans. Seasonal colors will keep your outfit festive, while jewelry acts as the finishing touch to tie together everything.

This year, your Thanksgiving plans and celebrations may continue to look a bit different than they have in the past. Our best advice? Embrace change and create new traditions with your loved ones. Your Thanksgiving dinner might be small and intimate, set outside among the stars or even held virtually. No matter how you enjoy your delicious meal, there’s certainly no reason you can’t celebrate in style. Keep scrolling and feast your eyes on the following outfit ideas for inspiration.

What To Wear To A Formal Thanksgiving Dinner

If you’ve got a formal turkey affair on the schedule, don’t hold back when planning what to wear for Thanksgiving. Put together something amazing and dress to the nines. Yes, it is possible for women to look formal while feeling comfortable, too. An on-trend midi dress will have you looking sleek and sophisticated. Double check the fabric content for spandex for even more ease of wear. If the weather forecast is on the chilly side, reach for a pair of opaque tights to add extra warmth. Stockings with metallic detail will add a touch of sparkle to your elevated look. Who says you can’t glimmer and gobble until you wobble?

While dresses are the obvious choice for what to wear to a formal Thanksgiving dinner, they’re not your only option. To shake things up, don’t be afraid to try a fashion-forward jumpsuit in lieu of a fancy frock. A plethora of shoes pair well with jumpsuits, so look no further than what you have already in your closet. Finish your dignified Thanksgiving outfit with a pair of t-strap heels and chunky gold jewelry for an impressive holiday look. Remember, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed for stately soirées.

What To Wear To Your Boyfriend’s Thanksgiving Dinner

Holidays spent with your significant other’s family can pose, perhaps, the biggest dilemma when wondering what to wear for Thanksgiving. From meeting your partners’ family for the first time to celebrating with your in-laws, you want to make a good impression. As a general rule of thumb, it’s important to wear something that isn’t too distracting. Classic black pants are a timeless option for what to wear to your boyfriend’s Thanksgiving dinner, no matter the formality. This year, opt for the wide-leg pant trend to strike a balance between appropriate and trendy. Tuck in a jewel-tone blouse or turtleneck sweater and add festive flair with animal print flats. 

Stylist Tip: Spending the long weekend at your other half’s family home? Score extra etiquette points by bringing a hostess gift like flowers, a sweet treat or a seasonal candle. You can’t go wrong with pumpkin spice and everything nice. 

What To Wear To A Family Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner traditions can look different for every family. Whether you’re hosting at home or headed to see out-of-town relatives, you’ll want to feel your best. Thinking about what to wear to a family Thanksgiving dinner that’ll score you a seat at the adult’s table? A flowy, floral print dress is a foolproof Thanksgiving outfit that’s sure to impress. An option with a tiered skirt will add extra flounce, giving you comfort and style all at once. A real MVP of the holiday, if you ask us. Flat over-the-knee boots and a stack of beaded bracelets will complete your casual, yet classy look.

Outfits For Virtual Dinner

If you can’t make it home this year, don’t fret. Virtual celebrations of all kinds are here to stay and Thanksgiving dinner is no exception. When figuring out what to wear for Thanksgiving spent online, it’s all about the above-the-keyboard design details. Sport your best on-camera look by opting for a puff-sleeve blouse or a statement necklace atop a cable knit fall-hued sweater. Eyeing the pearl trend that’s been popping up everywhere? Try a strand with a floral print blouse for a feminine style that will shine right through the camera.

What To Wear For Friendsgiving

As the old saying goes, friends are the family you choose. A Friendsgiving get-together is a marvelous way to celebrate this chosen family. Typically a bit more casual, these gatherings are the time to rock your best relaxed looks. At the top of our list for what to wear for Thanksgiving with friends is a pair of refined joggers. Not only are they one of our favorite Fall 2021 trends for women, but the elastic waistband is second-helping friendly. Keep your joggers fashion-forward by pairing them with a plaid menswear blazer or an of-the-moment fall shacket. Either one will come in handy for dining al fresco this year. 

Stay Comfy in Tried-and-True Leggings

Leggings are another casual Thanksgiving outfit go-to. You didn’t think we’d forget this dinner-friendly staple as an option for what to wear for Friendsgiving, did you? Pair them with your coziest sweater or cardigan and add on an eye-catching accessory like beaded chandelier earrings. Keep your footwear choice comfortable with fashion sneakers or ballet flats—they’re well-suited for that post-meal walk around the neighborhood.

What Colors To Wear On Thanksgiving

We’ve narrowed down the top choices for styles. Now it’s time to talk about what colors to wear on Thanksgiving. Take cues straight from the dinner table. Pumpkin is the obvious choice, so reach for a burnt orange pullover or blouse to perfectly coordinate with the season. Mustard yellow, chocolate brown, cranberry and deep olive are all autumnal favorites that will have you standing out in style. Are neutrals more your speed? Navy is a fall-ready base color when planning what to wear for Thanksgiving. Plus, it’ll help to hide any spills throughout the night. Accent with fall-ready metallics like gold and copper to really dazzle this Thanksgiving.

What Not To Wear On Thanksgiving (And What To Wear Instead)

We’ve covered all the do’s for what to wear for Thanksgiving but what about the don’ts? First and foremost, leave your tight, rigid jeans in your closet. Denim without stretch will be restricting, keeping you from living your best Thanksgiving meal life. If jeans are a must, opt for a straight-leg pair with maximum stretch or try a trusty pull-on waistband. Weather permitting, experiment with a denim mini skirt for a fashionable Thanksgiving outfit. When it comes to tops, bell sleeves are high on the list of what not to wear on Thanksgiving. The last thing you need to worry about is accidentally dipping them into the gravy boat.

Another top-notch tip? Tuck away your bodycon dresses when planning what to wear for Thanksgiving. Trust us. You’ll want something that allows you to breathe normally as you head to the couch for your traditional tryptophan-induced nap. As an alternative, we love a good wrap dress for any dinner setting. The tie-waist will add definition while the flowy skirt will accommodate another serving of stuffing. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

Looking for the ultimate outfit for your upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations? Our style experts are ready to lend a hand. Take your style quiz, order a Fix and don’t forget to ask your stylist for harvest-ready options. Relax and receive five items that you can try on in the comfort of your own home. Shipping and returns are always free.

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