8 Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

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Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays, even though I’m not the person who can curate a perfectly decorated tablescape or deep fry a turkey. I just love spending the day with family in the kitchen and enjoying time together around a meal. And, of course, shopping. (If you want to get the best Black Friday deals emailed to you, join my newsletter here.)

And, I equally love choosing my outfit for Thanksgiving! (Hot take: I even think it’s more fun than choosing my Christmas Eve church service outfit.) We don’t take professional family photos on Thanksgiving, although I know many families do. (If you need family photo outfit ideas, read this.) But all of these outfits are cute enough for any photos we do snap. So, here are 8 Thanksgiving outfit ideas that never fail. Now, if only I could promise that for my favorite sweet potato pie recipe.

8 Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas 

Outfit 1: Mini skirt + turtleneck

This is probably one of my favorite combos for Thanksgiving and something I’ve worn for multiple years. It’s cute but fun, especially with a plaid mini or a suede skirt. You can wear it with tall boots like mine from Sam Edelman if it’s chilly, or pointy-toe, block heels if it’s a little warmer where you live. Even Mary Janes and tights will work. If you need an extra layer for outside time, throw on a long wool coat or an oversized blazer. 

Outfit 2: Classic Jeans + Cozy Sweater

You can’t go wrong with the simplest Thanksgiving combo: a great pair of jeans and a soft, polished sweater. Go for dark or medium-wash denim with a relaxed straight leg like the Abercrombie High Rise Loose Jean, and pair it with a slim cable-knit or cashmere crewneck – this J.Crew Cable Knit Crew Sweater is the perfect combination of both. If you add a silk scarf, it’ll feel more styled vs. “I threw this on and ran out the door.” And if you need extra layers, wear a button-down under your sweater. Add loafers or ankle boots and a little gold jewelry.

Outfit 3: Jeans + Tee + Sweater Vest

If your Thanksgiving plans are casual but you still want to look cute, I love this combo. Start with a great-fitting pair of jeans – I love these medium wash jeans from AYR for this look, but a cropped flare like these would also work well – and a simple navy or brown fitted tee. Layer a sweater vest like this one from Sézane or this Quince sweater vest over it for a polished, slightly preppy look that is on-trend and practical for a chilly day. (Here are other ways to style a sweater vest.)

You can dress it up or down depending on your plans. Loafers or ballet flats lean dressier, while white sneakers may be best if you’ll be chasing kids around all day. It’s one of those easy outfits that looks like you tried, even if you pulled it together in five minutes.

If you go for sneakers, check out my post on the best white sneakers (kid-chasing friendly).

Outfit 4: Plaid Midi Skirt + Turtleneck

If you love a traditional look, brown plaid is practically the official print of Thanksgiving. Try a pleated or A-line plaid midi skirt (like this one from Amazon) paired with a classic black fitted turtleneck. If you need an additional layer, a cropped cardigan works well. Add knee-high boots, a statement belt, and gold hoops for a photo-ready outfit that feels festive without being fussy.

Outfit 5: Sweater Dress + Tall Boots

A sweater dress is a no-brainer when you want to look cute with minimal effort. Choose one in camel, oatmeal, or olive and pair it with tall suede or leather boots. Either a short or long sweater dress will work with tall boots. For a shorter option, I have this Vivianne sweater dress from Tuckernuck in three colorways. It’s incredibly flattering with or without a belt. If you want a similar outfit, this sweater dress from Amazon is not itchy and almost as cute. I wore it when I was 7 months pregnant on Thanksgiving a couple of years ago. For a longer option, I’ve been eyeing the Vivienne Maxi Dress from Tuckernuck.

Here are more ways to style a sweater dress and my favorite Tuckernuck dresses.

Outfit 6: Sleeveless mini dress + Turtleneck + tall boots

This is one of those unexpected combos that looks like something straight out of a fall Pinterest-perfect picture. Layer a lightweight turtleneck under a sleeveless mini dress. I’m obsessed with this sleeveless mini from Sézane.

Go with a structured mini (like a tweed or corduroy) for a little texture, and pair it with tall leather or suede boots like these. Add opaque tights if it’s chilly, and accessorize with simple gold hoops.

Outfit 7: Corduroy Jeans + Button Down

There’s just something about corduroy that feels like Thanksgiving, right? I love how it adds that cozy, fall texture without being too heavy.

I just got these wide-leg corduroy jeans from Spanx and absolutely love the fit and feel of them. The patch-detailed button-down I’m wearing adds something unexpected, which is a fun addition for Thanksgiving. Add a pair of booties like my favorite chocolate brown Margaux booties that pull out one of the tones in your corduroy, and you’ve got the perfect Thanksgiving outfit – relaxed, festive, and still totally pulled together.

Outfit 8: Wide-Leg Trousers + Crewneck sweater

For a dressier Thanksgiving dinner or Friendsgiving, try wide-leg trousers with a crewneck sweater. But you can do better than your black work trousers – go for rust or green-colored trousers like these with a camel-colored sweater like this cashmere sweater from Quince. Add heels or pointed-toe flats, a slim belt (or a statement belt), and delicate jewelry.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the holiday isn’t about the outfit, but it certainly doesn’t make things worse. Unless, of course, your waistband is too tight. 

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