Hi Deborah,
What should I wear to Thanksgiving dinner? Our family is getting together at my sister’s and even though dinner will be relaxed and low-key I still want to look fashionable and pulled together. Can you give me some ideas for Thanksgiving dinner outfits that are casual, stylish and comfy? Thanks, Sue
Hi Sue,
Even though your Thanksgiving dinner is a relaxed affair, it’s nice to hear you want to celebrate in style. Life is too short to be frumpy! This Thanksgiving, seize the holiday spirit by saying no to sloppy sweatpants and boring slump-around-clothes. Try these suggestions for Thanksgiving dinner outfits that are casual and classy.
1. The Statement Sweater
Just because it’s a low-key meal doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Sweaters are always comfy, so why not wear one with some personality? Pair this fun tiered sleeve sweater with a pair of side stripe jeans and some pretty earrings. Open toe booties and a cute bag finish off this cool Thanksgiving dinner wear.
2. A Cozy Sweater Dress
If pants seem too boring, and a dress feels too stiff, the perfect compromise is a soft, warm sweater dress. I love sweater dresses because you get to feel a little bit dressed up without having to sacrifice comfort. This rich red and black sweater dress is a beautiful choice. The fit and flare cut is very flattering, plus who doesn’t 3/4 length sleeves? Layer this dress with a long cardigan and a classy pair of suede booties. You’ll feel fab sitting around having a glass of wine in this modern, easygoing Thanksgiving outfit.
3. Leggings and a Cardigan
If you can’t wait to curl up by the fire this Thanksgiving, then you’ll love the idea of wearing this cozy leggings outfit. The recipe is easy. Take a pair of soft, stretchy leggings. Then, add a cozy cardigan . Throw on a pair of black leather booties, and some fab accessories like a scarf to add color and finish off the look. Chillin out in style is easy when you’ve got the right mix.
4. Super Simple
If there’s nothing more relaxing than wearing your favorite jeans, dress them up a little by adding a textured sweater in beautiful color. This blue on blue with taupe accessories is a very classy monochromatic look.
5. Skirt It
How about a cute skirt and your favorite sweater for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a great way to look a little dressed up and show off those fab suede booties you just bought. Don’t forget a touch of jewelry like these fun earrings to go from average to awesome.
All these Thanksgiving outfits are easy and foolproof. Relax and enjoy, and have yourself that extra piece of pumpkin pie!
P.S. If you are traveling home for Thanksgiving, here are some ideas for what to wear on the plane.
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Miranda says
November 15, 2018 at 10:54 pmA cute skirt and your favorite sweater for thanksgiving dinner, warm and beautiful
Miranda @ kissprom.co.uk
Bonnie says
November 19, 2016 at 9:48 amBeautiful sweater! That is my favorite. ! I have a gray one that is long with lace at the bottom and ties in satin bow at the v’d back neck. Probably wear it but will keep my eye out for a cream one like you posted . I agree about alittle bit pricey?
Joanie says
November 18, 2016 at 9:24 amI love your wide range of outfits. There is something for everyone. I especially like the sleeveless turtleneck since I get warmer while cooking. I could not see where the turtleneck was from.
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Kathy says
November 18, 2016 at 9:03 amBecause Thanksgiving is now just my mom, my husband and me, it is very casual. Since I’m cooking, I wear sneakers so my feet are comfy and while we wear jeans, they are our nicest pairs with a dressier top. Don’t forget the apron if you are cooking, so you don’t have to change clothes at the very last minute.
Diane Smith says
November 17, 2016 at 2:29 pmI like these outfits. Joie makes such pretty things. They are a little pricey, but I splurge every once in a while or try to snag something by them on sale. I own the Kendra Scott earrings pictured above. They are very pretty and lightweight. I live in South Carolina and I would wear these outfits for Thanksgiving. The poncho is the only thing that looks like it’s for very cold weather. Thanks for putting these together. I love seeing entire outfits with links for where to buy!
Debbie Savage says
November 14, 2016 at 3:45 pmAs always~ wonderful suggestions! I love the sweater dress option a lot!
Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
Nancy says
September 28, 2016 at 2:07 amThe beautiful sweater ….LOVE it!!!!
Ellen Slavitz says
December 10, 2015 at 1:18 pmI’ve found some great and reasonably priced sweater dresses/tunics at Old Navy! They even have petites. Be sure to search the Web for discount coupons before you order or go.
Kathy says
November 22, 2015 at 2:37 pmThe ideas are all so very cute, but most people probably cannot afford spending $200-300 alone for one piece of clothing…myself included. It would be nice to see the same alternate version in a price range that is affordable to the average person. We shouldn’t have to spend that kind of money just to look and feel beautiful!
Deborah Boland says
November 24, 2015 at 9:33 pmHi Kathy, I usually show a range of clothing in terms of price, but your suggestion about more lower priced options is noted. Thanks for your input! Cheers, Deborah
Corinne Garrett says
November 20, 2015 at 8:48 amGreat article: chock full of good suggestions for a stylish holiday gathering. We always ‘dress up’ – even if I am cooking for 20. After all it IS a party – coming to the table in sweat pants is not an option.
Corinne Garrett says
November 20, 2015 at 8:54 amEvery outfit here can be closely “replicated” with finds from consignment shops, discount stores, and online sources. The individual pieces are not expensive, and you may have components of each in your closet already! Shop Ross, TJ Maxx, Target, J.C. Penny’s and Marshall’s for fashionable clothing and accessories that don’t break the bank.
EricaRenae says
November 19, 2015 at 5:16 pmI sometimes marvel at these extremely warm outfits for several reasons. Most houses are very warm at least 70 degrees….Most older women run warm anyway so who wants to wear a sweater, jeans and a scarf INSIDE? Many people live in the Southwest or in California even where the highs on Thanksgiving day are in the high 70s. I feel like there is a lot of reality being left out in these suggestions for Fall dressing at times. There should be also suggestions that include the realities of the above scenarios.
Deborah Boland says
November 24, 2015 at 9:22 pmHi Erica, These outfits were created with Northern Climates in mind, but you make a good point. Next time we will have to include some sets for my Southern readers. These outfits would be far too hot for Florida or California, and if you were experiencing hot flashes too – you’d get more cooked than the turkey! Thanks for your input! Cheers, Deborah
Britta Higgins says
November 19, 2015 at 2:29 pmOkay, these are all so darling that I’m ready to go to all the relatives and eat numerous meals :) while wearing each one of these outfits :)
I especially love the long turtleneck with leggings!
Judy Hall says
November 19, 2015 at 11:49 amAll of these outfits are darling, but all very $$!
Lisa Slattery says
November 19, 2015 at 11:43 amLove all the options! As the hostess I think the sweater dress is the best option as I won’t get my sleeves in the mashed potatoes! Even though I live up north the shirt dress is a good alternative as it still gets hot in the kitchen!
Deborah Boland says
November 24, 2015 at 9:29 pmHi Lisa, You’re right. A lighter shirt dress may be a better choice for the hostess/cook who is certain to be dishing out the dinner over a hot stove, but it would be a fabulous dress to wear if you were going to Thanksgiving dinner as a guest. Imagine yourself walking into the party in this cute outfit! Talk about turning heads and so comfy too! Cheers, Deborah
eva says
November 29, 2014 at 3:34 pmI have the same concerns as the reader below. It’s pretty much always summer where I live. I’d love to wear boots, tights, and sweater dresses but I would swelter, especially with hot flashes added to the equation. How do I stay comfortable while looking seasonally appropriate?
Deborah Boland says
December 2, 2014 at 9:08 pmHi Eva, What about a shirtdress with leggings (long or capris) and flats or heels instead of a sweaterdress with stockings and boots? Check out my post on shirtdresses to see what I mean.https://www.fabulousafter40.com/how-to-style-a-shirt-dress/
These dresses are everywhere and look great with leggings. Cheers, Deborah
Corinne Garrett says
November 20, 2015 at 9:18 amTunics in light fabrics or long sleeveless vests for Sutherin’ ladies in warm climes. A classic (long belted) white shirt with jeans/leggings or a pretty plaid shirt which designers are showing this season. Wear a light silk scarf in seasonal colors vs a heavier scarf – and tie loosely versus cinched up around the neck. Ditto leggings in thinner material and wear the booties – just don’t buy the ones lined with shearling. Booties are imminently more stylish than flip flops for fall. Use the same jewelry, the same flats, the same great looking bags and there you are: dressed to wow.
Ann Paulson says
November 27, 2014 at 12:43 pmThese are great suggestions as long as you live where it is cold. It will be 85 degrees for my Thanksgiving Day…no sweaters, turtlenecks, or ponchos for me! I would really appreciate you addressing seasonal styles for the different parts/weather of the country. It is sometimes a challenge for me to wear and enjoy the seasonal fashions when the season change is not evident in the weather….how to look appropriate to the season and also the weather. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving!
Deborah Boland says
December 2, 2014 at 9:13 pmHi Ann, check the answer I just gave Eva about shirtdresses. That is one good option. You make an excellent point. I spend part of my winters in Florida so if your are there full time or somewhere else warm, I can see how you would need suggestions. I will work on that and bring you some posts in the next couple of weeks. Cheers, Deborah
Marylin morello says
November 27, 2014 at 10:28 amWhat is the difference between tights and leggings
Deborah Boland says
November 27, 2014 at 12:11 pmHi Marilyn, good question. Many people are confused. Tights are generally footed. Think of a thick opaque stocking or opaque leotards. Leggings are not footed. You can have different thicknesses of leggings. Some are as thick as an oapque tight with the foot cut out, and other leggings are a heavier knit almost like a pair of pants. Of course there is everything inbetween.
The heavier, bulkier your top the thicker your legging. For example if you wore a long, blousy shirtdress you would wear light-medium weight opaque leggings. If you were wearing a long chunky sweater you’d be better off in medium-heavy weight opaque knit leggings. I hope that helps. Cheers, Deborah
Donna Cognac says
November 27, 2014 at 7:50 amThese are great suggestions for Thanksgiving Day outfits. Relaxed fit knit dresses or tunics over tights or tapered stretch waist pants are perfect to look good and feel you can still breathe after dinner. Just be sure the room temperature won’t be too warm.
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