With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, I thought I’d pull together some Thanksgiving outfit inspiration for you today. When most women are menu planning, I’m outfit planning!
Although this year I’ll have to do some menu planning too, since I’m hosting Thanksgiving again. It’s a new role for me that I’ve only taken on out of necessity. Fortunately I’m able to outsource the turkey, which is the most intimidating part.
That was part of the deal when Paul got his smoker for Father’s Day a couple years ago. He doesn’t do much cooking, but the smoker is his newest pet project, and it comes in very handy at times!
Anyway, I’d love to hear what your plans are for Thanksgiving this year. Feel free to share in the comments!
Meanwhile, here are some outfit ideas. Whether you’re hosting or attending a family gathering or going out for dinner, hopefully there will be something in here to inspire you!
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and hovering around 145# these days. I usually wear a small in tops and dresses, a 28 or 29 in jeans, and a size 8 shoe.
Casual Thanksgiving Outfit Idea
Evereve fair isle sweater (S) // KUT from the Kloth jeans (6) // Dolce Vita Volli boots (8) // Kendra Scott earrings // YSL Lou (similar for less)
Our Thanksgiving gatherings are always casual, and I’m usually in jeans and some type of sweater. When I saw this fair isle sweater at Evereve, I thought it had Thanksgiving written all over it. It pairs perfectly with light wash jeans as shown here, but it would also be really pretty with white.
It’s made of a soft acrylic knit, with no wool to irritate sensitive skin, and the fit is easy through the body with a subtle balloon sleeve. It runs true to size.
And these are the KUT from the Kloth Rosa Straight Ankle Jeans. They have a slim, straight fit with a 27″ inseam and 14″ leg opening and a sky high 12″ rise. I actually find it quite comfortable, but I wouldn’t want to front tuck into them, for fear of making my torso look about an inch tall, haha! But they work perfectly with this sweater that is 22″ long.
These jeans run true to size, or size down if in between. They’re pretty much true for KUT from the Kloth jeans, which always run big.
The 99% cotton/1% spandex fabric has the look of traditional 100% cotton denim, but with just enough stretch to be comfortable. Also, these jeans are 40% off at Nordstrom!
These Western-inspired pointy-toe booties in the Dune Nubuck are the perfect complement to this casual look. I love this color with light wash denim, and the way it repeats the colors in the sweater. These boots are true to size; I’m wearing my usual size 8.
I realize not everyone goes this casual for Thanksgiving, but it’s perfect for our low-key family gatherings. And of course, this look can be worn for so many other purposes this fall. I just think the color palette is perfect for Thanksgiving!
I also rounded up a bunch of other ideas from my outfit archives. Shopping details are below each picture, along with the sizes I’m wearing for reference.
More Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration
For those who like to dress up or go out to eat for Thanksgiving dinner, a sweater dress is my favorite, and I’ll give you a sneak peek to a couple of looks I have coming to the blog later this month!
This cashmere sweater dress in a pretty shade of olive green is from Saks OFF 5TH and it’s a great price for the quality. I’m wearing a small, but I think I’d be more comfortable in a medium.
dress (S; extra 25% off with code COLD25) // boots (8) // earrings // bracelet (similar for less)
And this chunky ribbed black turtleneck sweater dress is from Gap Factory. It’s 100% cotton, and it also comes in cream, which I actually ordered as well. I plan to shoot a look with that one soon!
dress (S) // black tights (B) // boots (8) // earrings // Gucci camera bag (similar for less)
Not a dress fan? I love this teal sweater with the tank corduroy flares for a Thanksgiving Day outfit. It’s such a pleasing color combination for fall, without going neutral.
sweater (S) // cords (6) // boots (8; on sale!!!) // bag // earrings // nails
Or if you are a fan of neutrals, I love these chocolate brown coated jeans. They look great with all the taupe, ivory, and oatmeal tones. Unfortunately, this necklace is sold out.
sweater (S) // coated jeans (6) // boots (8) // R Minkoff crossbody // hoops // old WHBM necklace
For those who like to keep it casual, this is a layered look that I like a lot for Thanksgiving. Black and brown is a great color combo this time of year, and with a graphic tee underneath, you can take off jacket if it’s warm inside and still look cute and put together. These jeans are washed black, by the way. They got a little blown out in the photography.
graphic tee (size 1) // jacket (M; option) // similar jeans // sneakers (39) // LV Neverfull MM (option/option) // belt (M; similar) // YSL sunnies (similar for less)
And this is a cozier layered look that I love for the color combo. If you’re doing some type of outdoor activity on Thanksgiving, this would be perfect, but it might be too toasty for indoor events… at least with the vest. It’s a great simple look without the vest, too!
J. Crew vest (S) // Jenni Kayne sweater (S; similar for less) // Mother Denim (28) // clogs (8) // belt (M; similar) // rag & bone sunnies
Here’s that same sweater with a different pair of light wash jeans and taupe mules for a luxe but minimalistic outfit that will take you just about anywhere this fall.
Quince has a similar version of this sweater for a lot less. I actually ordered it to compare, and I’ll be sharing my findings in a future post, but suffice it to say, it’s a very good substitute!
Jenni Kayne sweater (S; Quince version for less) // Frame jeans (29) // Gucci mules (similar for less) // similar John Hardy hoops
Here’s a similar outfit with the same jeans but a different ivory sweater and plaid loafer mules. If you know me, you know these simple outfits are my favorites. The key to making them look polished is to be sure each piece is in good condition, and fit and proportion must be on point. And a few thoughtful accessories make the outfit look complete.
sweater (S) // Frame jeans (29) // mules (8) // similar hoops // layer necklace // YSL sunnies (similar for less)
This is basically the same outfit in a bolder color palette. This sweater is a great buy right now; it’s very soft and comfortable, and it layers nicely under jackets too.
Halogen sweater (S) // Frame jeans (sold out, similar) // earrings // similar mules
Here’s another version of a classic pullover sweater and jeans, this time with a camel cashmere v-neck sweater, washed black denim, and brown ankle boots. I love how the mixed stone necklace and hoop earrings tie it all together. Unfortunately, these accessories are old and no longer available.
sweater (S; similar for less) // Paige jeans (28) // boots (8) // similar hoops // old WHBM necklace
Banana Republic Factory has a similar style of this sweater for a lot less. I ordered it to try, and it’s very nice, but it’s definitely a warmer shade of camel. See the comparison below.
Banana Republic Factory Essential Sweater (S) // Equipment Madalene (S)
If you prefer more pattern in your outfits, this argyle sweater in the brown and black color combo is a nice one for Thanksgiving and other fall events. I also like this brown and black striped sweater, and I would wear it with the same jeans and mules.
Evereve Frankie sweater (S) // similar jeans // similar mules
For those who are hosting and cooking all day, I recommend a short sleeved sweater because it’s always so hot in the kitchen. I usually wear flats while cooking and throw on some heels on when guests arrive. This is what I wore last year.
Vince short sleeve wool blend sweater (S) // Mother Insiders (29) // ruched flats (8) // Yurman earrings // VE bracelet c/o
And here’s a version of that look that I’ve worn more recently. I really wish this teal sweater were still available because I think it’s perfect for Thanksgiving Day. I like how it’s not the typical neutral, but it coordinates well with all of those colors for family pictures. (Yes, I’m always thinking about the pictures!) I did find a similar option.
similar sweater // Mother Hustler (28) // mules (7.5) // YSL belt (option / option) // earrings // bracelet // rag & bone sunnies
This year, I’ll probably wear this olive vest. I like how it pairs with my washed black ankle flares, although I doubt I’ll wear the clogs. Probably the brown ankle boots.
Evereve vest (S) // Paige jeans (28) // clogs (8) // bracelet // similar hoops
Want more Thanksgiving outfit inspiration? See these Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas from past years.
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photos: Alison Cornell
26 Responses
Our precovid tradition of Thanksgiving with friends/adopted family is back! Not sure how many of us will be there but usually around 30, and the cook is a professional chef so the food is amazing.
Yay for the return of pre-covid traditions!
Great looks! The outfit with the Kut coated jeans… what is the bag in that pic? 🙂
Oh, that is the Rebecca Minkoff Love Crossbody. It is old but they have some new colors, and this one is pretty close! https://rstyle.me/+_agD0vbUbmI8GmF424cqpA
Thank you for all the great ideas for Thanksgiving and all month long. They all look great on you. Im not a fan of coated jeans – because Im too old for that look! The outfit with the camel vest was my favorite but it is out of stock in my size. Bummer!
The camel color vest is out of stock for L and XL
It keeps going in and out of stock so keep an eye on it! 🙂
We will be guests at our daughter’s home this year and even though it’s casual, I will certainly wear something more than jeans! We always take a family photo to use with Christmas cards.
I am wondering how many of us are layering long sleeved t’s or button downs under our sweater vests? I know I am. I bought two last year in black and grey and this year I got ivory and camel. I think they can really elevate a fall or winter outfit!! I love your olive green one.
That sounds nice. I need to try that with my vest, for some reason, I just don’t think I’ll like it on me but I do on others.
I recently uprooted from Texas to Little Rock, Ar to be near my sister and family. Sooo I’ll be spending Thanksgiving with them…there will be around 32 of us, possible more, we all share the responsibility of cooking…my sister usually does the turkeys in an electric roaster and makes the dressing. I usually do a corn casserole and make the gravy, and usually a dessert; the rest of the family brings their most favorite dishes, so we eat like kings. Now that I’m older, I want to be 100% comfortable and usually wear leggings or jeans with a big, flowy top! Lol. My sister insists on using real dishes, no paper plates, except for desert, so lots of clean up. But we always have fun!
I love the clothes you shared.,,I’m particularly drawn this season to maroon and teal tones. I have a maroon light weight sweater right now as I type this.
Happy November,,,thanks for all your hard work!
That sounds amazing!
Love all of these looks!! I just ordered the fairisle sweater from Evereve on Halloween during their sale. I think it looks so pretty on you and I can’t wait to get it 🤩
Awesome! Let me know how you like it.
I host every year. should have about 27 this year. I am no professional cook, but somehow it always comes together. One of my daughters is celiac so its just easier if I do most of the meal to make sure its gluten free.
We normally have someone take our family photo early in the afternoon so I dress in something that coordinates with the rest of the family. Normally change after and either wear a dress or jeans and a blouse, I am always warm when I cook.
That sounds like a great plan. I wish we had the family photo tradition but it’s hard to wrangle everyone.
This is actually a question. I am 68 and dress modern for my age, am I too old for booties with a 2 inch heel. I wear straight leg jeans, just don’t want to be dressing too young for my age.
Not at all! My mom is… let’s just say older than you and she wears booties a lot.
You sound like my mom. 💕😊 Booties are so cute and appropriate for every age.
Love all the Thanksgiving ideas, you look great in all of them! We will be guests at my aunts for Thanksgiving, our year to be in California and then on Saturday I’ll be hosting our annual dinner after Thanksgiving (hubs likes leftovers, lol) for friends, our kids and some of their friends, so we’ll make a Turkey & ham on the Traeger and if course all the sides, cooking is my passion so I love this and my daughter the baker will surprise up with a couple of her amazing deserts (I don’t bake, probably bc I don’t like sweets)
My daughter usually makes pies too. So nice to have help! And of course people bring things as well. I enjoy hosting, I just always was intimidated by the bird. 🙂
Many, it seems, have large gatherings. I will be hosting and have 11 or 12 at my home. I miss larger groups from days gone by but enjoy and am thankful for the smaller gatherings as it gives us time to spend more time with each other. I do all the preparation but actually order the turkey, dressing, some sides, and desserts. I add more sides and a dessert and a salad. We all dress very casually but do try to take family photos. Thanks for your ideas for outfits!
The black turtleneck sweater dress looks STUNNING (on you) and “comfy glam”, lol, at the same time! I was just about saying to myself: that the green one might have looked too short (without tights and/or taller shaft boots to avoid looking so awkwardly “leggy”) — but then, voila!, the way you have the black styled: PERFECT.
Jeans (for me), on the other hand, by 6PM Thanksgiving night would *not* exactly be the most flattering(!). Back into the Athletas immediately and, for a brisk walk through the neighborhood with my dear one (when: you can smell all the woodburning stoves going and see everybody has their lampost on in front of their house; while their giant tv screens glare through their picture windows and — it really is SOOOO ROMANTIC to know you’re heading back home for a late coffee break!).
I love all of these outfits and you look great in every one of them. I especially like the black Gap sweater dress. But our Thanksgiving is more casual like yours, so I will also be going more basic. Thanks for all the great ideas.
Well, I will be calling Nordstrom customer service to see if they will give me a price adjustment for the jeans since I just ordered them a few days ago at pull price. Since I’m having shoulder surgery on the 18th, we do not have any plans for Thanksgiving. Larry will probably be handling all of the cooking this year.
Great ideas! What I wear will depend on the temperature. I’d love a cool Thanksgiving, but may have the AC on. One of our daughters, her husband and our grandsons are coming to visit us. My husband is smoking the turkey. My daughter and I will cook the sides. I will prepare my Carrot cake and dressing ahead. We love to cook together! There will be the parades and football. Our grands will be playing some kind of ball. Weather permitting we may take a dip in the bay.
As the baby sister/old maid aunt of a large family I had until recently hosted Thanksgiving for several years in a row. I would always get a little crazy and think I had to make ALL of the things, i.e. turkey, dressing, corn casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, sweet potatoes, rolls, an occasional veggie tray and/or salad and pies..coconut cream and apple. (Yep, I was crazy wasn’t I!?) Between covid and having sold my house I haven’t hosted since 2019. I am thrilled we will be getting together this year at a brother’s house, but it will be a relaxed evening meal after everyone has been to the multitude of in-law’s houses. Who knows? I might limit my cooking to just the pies(probably not). One thing I do know, is that I will be wearing stretchy pants! Albeit a cute pair of dressier joggers most likely.
Love all of these! I recently ordered a really cute pumpkin fair isle sweater from Maurice’s. I don’t typically shop there, but saw it in the window at a mall while I was dashing out for band chaperone duties. Lol. I think it will be perfect for our quiet Thanksgiving. We plan to travel to be with family as this will be the first big holiday since we lost my “other dad”. I’m thankful (no pun intended!) for this post and some ideas for outfits for other events and activities that week.