Unsure what to wear for Thanksgiving? 9 Outfit ideas from Formal to casual
Issue 10
When I was a little girl, my parents always opened our doors at Thanksgiving. We lived in a college town and my Dad was a pastor so there was almost always a handful of extra guests at our Thanksgiving table. And I loved it.
I loved spending all day on Wednesday in the kitchen with my mom, covered in flour, probably more of a hindrance than a help, but never feeling anything less than needed and capable. My mom has an amazing way of making you feel special. And I treasure my days spent together, peering into the oven as our rolls rose and mixing together a chocolate chess pie.
And I loved choosing what I would wear. Since I was a small child, I have believed that special occasions are made more special with a great outfit.
While my holidays today look very different than my childhood ones - a long day filled with cranberry bread (best in a bread pan, skip the raisins), a long table full of new friends, usually a musical performance or last minute play, and masterfully maneuvering the spoon in the sweet potatoes so I got 95% marshmallows - I still hold onto my belief about special occasions and a good outfit.
Whether an outfit makes us feel extra cozy, elevated, and at peace with our holiday, or if it provides a sense of armor and an extra encouragement to rise above it all and love those who we are with, what we wear tends to set the tone for how we carry ourselves. So let’s break down styling for a formal Thanksgiving, Casual Thanksgiving, and Cozy Thanksgiving. I have 9 different looks for us and even more options when you click on the photo.
Formal Thanksgiving:
There is a balance with a formal thanksgiving dinner to feel elevated but not too fussy, and definitely not uncomfortable. For many of us, the day will involve playing with a niece, nephew, son, or daughter at some point so we want to be able to have a bit of flexibility with what we’re wearing. I suggest muted tones, perhaps a pattern, and then using shoes and jewelry to make it dressier or more casual. Pumps, pearls, and jewels will instantly elevate a look. While boots and gold or silver jewelry will tone a dress down.
Casual Thanksgiving:
For most of us, our Thanksgiving dinners will be a bit more casual. We don’t have the luxury of pulling from the lounge & leisure section of our closet, but we also want to be as comfortable as possible. While I share relaxed jeans below, you can always swap jeans for tapered trousers or corduroys which tend to fit even more loosely and comfortably.
For this look, start with an oversized oxford. I’ve linked a few I love above and always recommend ordering a size or two up. Roll up your sleeves and play with the hem - you can leave it untucked, unbutton and tuck half of the shirt into your pants, or do a french tuck. Throw on a casual jacket (we know I love a trench) and/or wear a sweater over your shoulders. The extra details like a layer and jewelry will make this interesting and appear styled but not fussy.
This is an outfit I wear time and time again. It is classic and the oversized and boxy sweater makes it fresh and modern. Avoid anything too tight on top, and try doing a french tuck with your sweater, or using a tuck-band to help with excess fabric.
Trousers are intimidating to many people, and if they’re not your style then that is just fine. But I love them dearly. I find them to be comfortable and they make me feel cool and pulled together. If wide-legged trousers are too intimidating, try a tapered pair (I’ve included several when you click on the image above). I styled the trousers here with chestnut shoes & belt (I love to sandwich colors whenever possible). But this would also look great with white leather sneakers. The sweater should be boxy & slightly oversized to keep it feeling modern. And I’d recommend doing a french tuck with the sweater to create drape and shape.
Cozy Thanksgiving:
I am grateful, thankful, blessed (note; said very quickly as one word ‘gratefulthankfulblessed’ with as much gratitude and gumption as you can muster) to personally get to partake in cozy Thanksgiving this year. We are spending the holiday with just my immediate family, and there is a soft-clothes-encouraged policy in place. However, I will feel sleepy and off all day if I never change out of my pajamas. But thankfully, there is a simple way to elevate loungewear:
Neutrals. Even if you are in the softest of soft clothes, as long as they are black, white, grey, navy, or tan, you will look and feel pulled together.
Matching set. If you would like to wear a jogger and sweater set, have them be the same color.
Fine material. You will always feel more pulled together in cashmere.
Jewelry. This is not the time for your sparkliest pieces, but a simple stud earring and pendant will look intentional and make you feel like you got dressed, even at your coziest.
Tunic length or tuck. If you wear leggings, opt for a tunic-length top or a sweater; an oversized oxford would work here as well. You can even throw a sweater over your shoulders and have a coat close by for an extra layer which will make you look all the more pulled together. And if you are wearing joggers, tuck the front of your sweater in to add a bit of chic draping.
Here’s What Has Delighted Me This Week:
We are mere days away from a new and final season of one of my personal favorite shows. It is now time for last-minute binges of the last 4 seasons, and to remind ourselves that though wonderfully done, it is a work of fiction.
I’m in the final pages of this book and I cannot recommend it enough.
This show is currently filling a Ted-Lasso shaped hole in my heart.
Ralph Lauren launched their own monthly subscription service. After looking through much of what is available, I’m impressed. If I regularly needed to wear professional clothes, I would definitely consider it.
This is the only cookie recipe we need for Christmas, and maybe the rest of time.