Do you dress up for Thanksgiving or keep it casual?
We’ve always taken the casual route, but I like to wear something a little bit special just for fun and because I can. Often my version of “special” is to throw on a pair of pumps with a sweater and jeans. I like the juxtaposition of casual and dressy, and heels have a way of making an ordinary outfit feel festive.
Today I’m partnering with Payless to bring you a dressed-up casual outfit that is the type of look I typically go for when I’m a guest on Thanksgiving Day. And be sure to read all the way to the end, because there’s a $100 Payless Gift Card Giveaway at the end of this post!!!
Lest you think I spend all day cooking in high heels, I should mention that we are usually guests for Thanksgiving. Believe it or not, I’m 44 years old and I’ve never actually cooked a Thanksgiving dinner. We’ve always gone to one of our parents’ homes for Turkey Day, or more recently, Paul’s brother and sister-in-law host. They’re local, and they always throw a great party. If we travel to Virginia to stay with my parents for the Thanksgiving weekend, then I usually wear flats because I’m helping in the kitchen all day; but when I’m a guest for Thanksgiving, this is the type of outfit I like to wear.
If you are in the kitchen all day, you may want to take a few minutes to freshen up before dinner and swap out your sneakers for a pair of pumps so you don’t feel harried as you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, but I realize that may be easier said than done. Whatever makes you feel festive, go for it!
When I went to Payless to shop for this post, I was immediately drawn to these cognac sueded pumps. I have a hard time finding pumps I can walk comfortably in, so I was pleasantly surprised when these fit me like Cinderella’s glass slipper. They come in a range of sizes, including wide width options.
Payless is doing a great job of providing stylish, comfortable shoes that are also budget-friendly. These retail for $34.99, and right now you can get an extra 20% off with the code ZZDEALZ.
They are super comfortable and easy to walk in, and I love the styling with the rounded toe and block heel. It is a 3½-inch heel, which is perfect for me. Any higher, and I have trouble walking in them, but these are perfect. Plus, the color just screams Thanksgiving, doesn’t it? If you are looking for a different color, they also come in red and black.
In most cases, I look for shoes to go with my outfit, but this time the shoes inspired the outfit. As soon as I saw these, I knew I wanted to go with neutrals, and I love how cognac looks with denim, so I came right home and went online to find a neutral sweater to pair with jeans.
I ordered a few, but I hit the jackpot with this oatmeal-colored textured sweater. I love the detail in the knit, and it has a slight A-line shape to it, making it perfect for a holiday when you want to enjoy all the good eats. After all, nobody wants to wear body conscious clothing on Thanksgiving, can I get an amen?
These jeans are comfortable too. They have a lot of stretch to them, so I don’t have to worry about feeling constricted as the day goes on.
I also tried this outfit with skinny jeans, but I decided that I prefer the way the boot-cut balances out the shape of the sweater, and since I’ve been wanting to style my bootcut jeans for 25 Days of Winter Fashion, this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Also, bootcut jeans look really good with heels, but here’s a picture of the outfit with skinny jeans to give you an idea.
These bootcut jeans are by Mavi, and they are almost sold out, but these are similar. For the price, you can’t beat ’em. Somehow Mavi manages to keep the price point under $100 and make premium denim comparable to other more pricey brands.
The sweater hangs a little bit longer in the back than in the front, and for size reference, I’m wearing the medium. I also ordered the small to compare, but it was too tight across the chest.
For jewelry, I stacked on some Alex and Ani bangles, and I added the Stella & Dot Pearl Spike Cuff to my watch hand. My nail polish is CND Oxblood. It’s a great holiday color.
I tried on a few long pendants, but they seemed to get lost in the texture and pattern of the sweater, so I opted for a pair of statement earrings instead. These were a gift from a friend, and I love them because they don’t get lost in my hair as smaller earrings tend to do.
Since it’s usually chilly for Thanksgiving here in Philly, I will need a coat over this outfit. A camel reefer coat is the perfect thing. The color works well with the neutrals in this outfit, and it adds a classy touch to the overall look.
Now that I have my outfit all ready for Thanksgiving, I just need to figure out what appetizers I’m going to bring! Anyone got a good idea for me??
Payless Mila Block Heel Pumps c/o // AEO Textured Jegging Sweater (40% off!) // Mavi Baby Stretch Bootcut Jeans // Ralph Lauren Reefer Coat (20% off!!!) // similar Tory Burch clutch (ON SALE!) // earrings via Fair Trade Friday // Stella & Dot Pearl Spike Cuff // assorted Alex and Ani bangles c/o
Win A $100 Payless Gift Card
Because they’re awesome, Payless would like to offer a $100 Gift Card to one lucky reader!!! Use the Rafflcopter widget below to enter. The contest ends on 11/30/16, and a winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Good luck!
Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the winter outfit she’s styling today!
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Did you decide on an appetizer? I’m going with this one: http://whole30.com/2016/02/best-of-whole30-recipes-valentines-day/. I think the combo of the blackberries and the crunch of the
Prosciutto will be amazing with the balsamic drizzle and fresh basil.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
That looks good!
I’m cooking this year but you inspired me to take a minute and get a pretty top to wear and change out of my slippers for the meal.
That textured sweater is EXACTLY what I’ve been lookin for, now to just choose between the neutrals and that burgundy!
Love this sweater. I host the Thanksgiving dinner so I’m usually in jeans and tee shirt while I’m cooking. I will try to change into a nicer top before dinner. Love your classic style and I also love Payless shoes. They are very affordable and stylish.
fabulous shoes! I’m thinking I need the red ones!
Love the neutral….and the shoes of course…..love me some payless, always new cute shoes at reasonable prices .
Love this outfit!! The shoes are great!!
Love the sweater and shoes! So cute!
Love that sunny wheat color on you! This year we traveled from our blustery cold climate in Michigan to visit my husband’s folks in Florida… I packed but forgot to pack the appropriate shoes… so, I’m debating what to wear for Thanksgiving- the dress I packed is so cute but its just not gonna work with the adidas… or the booties. So, my choices are limited… either I make a stop to pick up shoes today or I go as nice casual as I can by blinging up my denim. Kind of a fun challenge. I would like to take a moment to thank you for creating such a fun, friendly and informative blog and community. It blesses me everyday!
THAT is one of my very favorite outfits that you’ve ever posted! I definitely like the boot cut jeans better than the skinnies and am glad that you explained how the boot cut balances the shape of the sweater. I need fancy shoes for a deb ball tonight…might head straight to Payless!
You look great in this. Love those jeans and totally chrcking them out.
As for thanksgiving, same as what I have on. This year I’m planning skinny Jeans ankle boots and a grey sweater. I need something that I can nurse in easily. Last year I wore black and black with a brown jacket!
Love your coat!!! I’m trying to decide on what style to invest in and this one seems perfect and I am quickly becoming a big fan of camel color. Who would have thought??
Same! I actually ordered this in black (back in the summer, when it was on the #NSale) and then noticed camel on several people and went in and switched it. 🙂
Love the simple ease of the outfit. Comfortable yet classy.
Love the shows and the sweater. I work this thanksgiving. But having thanksgiving with my work family is just as much fun and special to me. Thank you for all you wonderful outfit ideas
This is AHHHMAZING!
Great sweater. Love the Cognac color shoes. Look forward to you blog everyday.
I love these shoes and have been looking for a pair in this color. Putting them on my list!
I love all of your outfits! These shoes are fabulous!! Need to get a pair.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I like to dress casually on Thanksgiving but I do like to add a little extra pizzazz to my casual outfit! Love your blog!
Thank you for partnering with Payless. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at their great styles as of late. Thanks to you & Cyndi I’ve purchased several pairs of shoes from them.
Love this entire outfit!
I love how you carry off beiges, oatmeals and camel-colors with dark hair. I don’t usually try this, but it definitely works!
It’s a new color palette for me. I have always gravitated to grey and black. It’s nice to have variety. 🙂
Beautiful outfit! I love it when your post includes stores I can easily shop at here in Canada too! I’ve been looking for this type of sweater so might have to check this one out. Happy Thanksgiving!
Good to know! Is it AEO or Payless that is in Canada?
It’s both!????
I would definitely say we trend toward a more casual Thanksgiving, especially if I’m cooking. Like you, I go a bit dressier if someone else is hosting.
You look really cute. I love the color of the shoes!
Boot cut jeans look nice on you. The sweater is cute, too. Is it thin? Those shoes and your coat are perfection!
It’s on the thinner side, but it isn’t see-through or anything. It’s a nice weight. 🙂
Love the outfit! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. Happy Thanksgiving!
Those shoes are gorgeous!
Love the sweater
I’m cooking this year, so I’ll keep it casual! Love love love the shoes you’re stylin’! You make everything look so classy!
What a wonderful article. I love the outfit pairing. I am keeping it very simple this year, a plaid loose fitting button down shirt, skinny jeans and wedges 🙂
That sounds cute!
Love the jeans with the heels. I was looking for some heels this color but so dislike heels. The way you described them made me what to add these to my closet. Definitely adding the sweater.
Our family usually holds Thanksgiving casual & comfy. 🙂 btw, I love your hair curled like it is today!
Thank you!
I LOVE this post! Those shoes are really cute and I’m surprised they didn’t hurt your feet. I might have to swing by Payless to try them on. As for what I wear on Thanksgiving, it depends if we’re going to church or not that day. Usually I go casual and wear jeans and cute top with my sneakers. I might “dress it up” and go with boots. Thanks for sharing your ideas. You always look cute. <3
Always casual on Thanksgiving. Love following your blog!
Thanks, Pam! Happy Thanksgiving!
Classy and simple JoLynne, I love this outfit !
Thanks, Candace! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love the shoes. I’m eyeing the red for the Christmas season. You look wonderful in boot cut jeans. Do you know when Nordstrom’s Black Frida starts? Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for all your help! Love your Blog!
Yes! It starts today! Extra 20% off sale items – http://bit.ly/2frXNcx Happy Shopping! 🙂
I tend to dress casual for Thanksgiving…it’s just close family. Jeans and a plaid shirt will probably be my outfit. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Thanks, Amy! And to you! 🙂
I’m keeping it very easy and casual this year. I work full-time and am a full-time student, so I need a little time to relax this year.
I hope you get lots of rest and relaxation!
Love that wool coat!