Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away, and while many people are deep into menu planning, I’m over here outfit planning! Hosting for the past few years has taught me to juggle both — but thankfully, I’ve outsourced the turkey since Paul got his smoker for Father’s Day a few years back. (Best deal ever!)
What about you? Are you hosting, traveling, or keeping it low-key this year? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re looking for a little outfit inspiration, I’ve put together a handful of looks for every kind of Thanksgiving celebration — from dining out to cozying up at home.
Hostess with the Mostest
Chic and stress-free for a day at home
Hosting means plenty of time on your feet, so comfort is key. I usually wear a short-sleeve top in an autumnal hue because I always get warm while I’m working in the kitchen, paired with a favorite pair of jeans. I stick with comfy shoes until guests arrive, and then I switch into something cute but still practical. This year, I’m planning to wear these fun embellished Mary Jane flats… And don’t forget a festive apron!
draped top // wide leg jeans // embellished mary janes // apron // earrings // bracelet
The Formula
- Short-sleeve top or lightweight sweater — save option / splurge option
- Wide-leg jeans — save option / splurge option
- Cute but practical flats — save option | splurge option
- Festive apron — save option | splurge option
- Simple jewelry — earrings / bracelet
Dining Out
Polished pieces for a restaurant Thanksgiving
If your Thanksgiving plans involve dining out, it’s the perfect excuse to dress up. I love a sweater dress for this type of occasion. It’s comfortable, flattering, and leaves plenty of room for pie! Choose an autumnal hue, pair it with knee boots for a modern touch, and top it off with a chic statement coat. Add a great bag and some bold jewelry to pull everything together.
plaid coat // sweater dress // knee boots // earrings // suede bag
The Formula
- Sweater Dress — save option / splurge option
- Knee Boots — save option / splurge option
- Statement Coat — save option | splurge option
- Bold Jewelry — earrings
- Chic Bag — save option | splurge option
Guest Mode: Polished & Comfortable
Comfortable yet put-together for family gatherings
If you’re lucky enough to be a guest this Thanksgiving, the dress code can vary from super relaxed to a little more polished, depending on the group. For a laid-back gathering with extended family, I like to hit that sweet spot between casual and refined. A cozy sweater, great jeans, and simple accessories keep you comfortable through the meal (and the inevitable family photos) without feeling underdressed.
cashmere cardigan // wide leg jeans // pointed booties // slippers // earrings // tote
The Formula
- Cozy Sweater in a Warm Autumn Hue — save option / spend option / splurge option
- Comfortable Wide-Leg Jeans — save option / spend option / splurge option
- Casual Ankle Boots — save option / splurge option
- Statement Jewelry — earrings
- Roomy Tote Bag (big enough to tuck slippers inside) — save option / splurge option
- Slippers (for shoe-free homes or post-dinner comfort) — save option / splurge option
Guest Mode: Friendsgiving Style
A dressier look for celebrating with friends
If your Friendsgiving involves a more festive dinner party, or you simply want to dress up for the occasion, this look is a great way to do it. A pretty floral blouse paired with coated denim and suede booties creates a chic, elevated outfit that feels special without being fussy. It’s a polished option that’s perfect for celebrating with friends and making the evening feel a little extra.
floral blouse // faux leather flares // black suede bootie // scarf coat // shoulder bag // earrings // necklace
The Formula
- Feminine Floral Blouse — save option / splurge option
- Coated Denim — save option / splurge option
- Suede Booties — save option / spend option / splurge option
- Chic Scarf Coat — save option / splurge option
- Complementary Jewelry — earrings / necklace
- Polished Shoulder Bag — save option / splurge option
Run Now, Feast Later
Layered activewear for a chilly Turkey Trot
I used to love starting Thanksgiving morning with a local Turkey Trot. It’s been years since I’ve done one, sadly, but I remember how cold those early starts could be—layering was always the way to go. Whether you’re walking or running this year, choose activewear you can move in comfortably, and add layers you can peel off as the day warms up. And don’t forget supportive sneakers you’ll want to keep on all weekend.
packable quilted vest // zip up jacket // long sleeve tee // leggings // baseball hat // sneakers
The Formula
If you live in a milder climate, the pieces shown above might be perfect for your local Turkey Trot. Since ours tended to be very cold, I also linked a few additional options below—more like what I would actually wear on a chilly Thanksgiving morning.
- Layering Tee — exact / mock neck option
- Jacket — exact / insulated option
- Quilted Vest — exact
- Leggings — exact / thermal option
- Supportive Sneakers — exact / option
- Hat — ball cap / beanie
Cozy at Home
Soft loungewear for a relaxed holiday
If your Thanksgiving plans are low-key, there’s no shame in reaching for cozy pieces you can truly relax in. A soft sweater hoodie and pants set is perfect for a day spent lounging, catching up with family, or watching the parade. Add fuzzy socks for extra warmth and comfy clogs if you need to step outside. Simple jewelry keeps things feeling put together, even if you’re spending most of the day on the couch.
relaxed CashSoft hoodie // CashSoft relaxed sweater pants // fuzzy socks // clog mules // earrings // necklace
The Formula
- Sweater Hoodie — save option / splurge option
- Relaxed Ribbed Sweater Pants — save option / splurge option
- Fuzzy Socks — save option / splurge option
- Clog Mules — save option / splurge option
- Simple Jewelry — earrings
I hope these ideas give you some festive fall outfit inspiration, so you can spend the next week or so focusing on meal planning and holiday shopping!
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photos: Alison Cornell
22 Responses
I LOVE the layout for your post on Thanksgiving outfits. Combinations are easy to view and the options for purchase are wonderful! Thank you!
Great post! You covered all the bases with style!
Love every outfit! Great inspo for Fall and not just 🦃 day!
You are radiant in the madewell cardigan; great color! Madewell typically runs roomy for me, what size are you wearing? The length sounds perfect!
Something has gone a bit Wild West when reading your blog on my iPhone in the last few weeks. Not sure if there’s been a change, the ads are so aggressive and a video type that continuously changes at the bottom (for me) which affects the reading experience a bunch.
Yes, someone else mentioned that yesterday and I don’t know what’s happening. I emailed my network, but they haven’t gotten back to me which isn’t really unusual so I will try again.
Oh, and it’s a medium. I love it.
I love that you added slippers to one of the outfits! Our home is a no-shoe home, as are several we visit regularly. How about a slipper post sometime? I have my comfy, supportive slippers for around the house– both warm and cold weather. However, I could use a pair of “nice” slippers to take with me when I visit other no-shoe homes. Or wear when we’re hosting. It bothers me that I take time to put together a nice, casual outfit for entertaining and then add my well-loved dorky slippers.
Colleen…. I hear you. The no shoes in the house makes it hard. We also have it and many we visit, like my kids.
Slippers ruin a good outfit choice.
Great outfit ideas Jo-Lynne and love the layout. I too have a hard time reading the post with all the ads etc running through and having to go back to find my spot to read.
your links for the save option slippers takes you to the gold drop earrings in both locations you have your link could you please provide that link or say what the brand is? I’ve had to retire a pair of slipper and am trying to find a replacement. I love the look of the bombas but they have too much of a memory foam sole.
loved all of the outfit options!
I like the save/splurge options.
I like having the options too! The different ideas inspire me to shop my closet as well since I’ve already purchased many new items for fall.😊
Must have details about the red cardigan sweater at the top, plus more pics! 🙂
I love that you shared different options to save, splurge etc.. That way you can decide what works best!
Thanks
This is a great post! I love seeing the entire outfits with the save/splurge options!
I absolutely loved this post . From dressy options to lounging at home . I particularly liked the save/spend/ splurge options . With the state of the world , I admit I feel a little guilty indulging money on jeans and boots , when so many people can’t afford food . I appreciate everything you do . Thank you
Yes to needing short sleeves! The kitchen gets warm when we’re prepping, but the whole house seems to when the guests arrived. This 50something mama will be wearing short sleeves with you!
Great options for Thanksgiving! I thing we will be staying home this year with a few family members. I like the comfy style. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
Wow! I think I’d wear everything here! Yummy! Unfortunately the brown leggings are sold out. The rust cardigan is gorgeous–I may go with the Gap one–since its all cotton. Love the brown baseball cap too. I just need to bring a couple of sides to my sister-in-laws for turkey day–and will be wearing the burgundy levis I mentioned b4. Just gotta figure out top. I will be re-visiting this post later, so many great outfits/ideas for xmas gifts too! Thanks Jo-Lynne for this great layout with options–I’m so glad I found you!
Agree with all, great post! Hoping to see something similar for holiday parties and Christmas. (:
Love this post & would love a similar one for all sorts of occasions in Dec/Jan.
Great guide and enjoy the options! Thank you for posting this for us!
Just five of us this year, so instead of turkey, dressing, and two kinds of potatoes, etc, etc, we’re substituting … wait for it …
PIES! Turkey pot pie, pumpkin cheesecake, and pecan pie!
(We’ll throw in ambrosia and creamed spinach with artichokes for good measure. Heh.)
We’re planning to watch “Die Hard” and check in-and-out of football games after we eat. So needless to say our dress code is VERY cozy casual. Ath-leisure, if you will.
This is totally different for us, but it just fit right now. Next year, we’ll probably be back to all-dressed-up-and-cook-’til-we-drop. And back to 13-15 people.