10 Outfits for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, my family hosted Thanksgiving, and we always had a table full of family, friends, and neighbors. Over the years, I have celebrated Thanksgiving at friends' and relatives' homes and have hosted myself. While most of the U.S. spends the fourth Thursday in November having a meal with loved ones, the rest of the day can be quite different—and require different outfits.

10 Outfits for Thanksgiving Dinner

I wanted to share some fall fashion outfit inspiration for Thanksgiving, providing a few different Thanksgiving outfits that would work for different ways that we spend Thanksgiving. The day can be frantic enough; I hope this simplifies getting dressed for Thanksgiving. Below is a table of contents so you can hop right to the appropriate Thanksgiving outfit for you:

What is a Typical Thanksgiving Dinner Outfit Like

Growing up, our version of Thanksgiving was a nice pair of pants and a sweater or blouse, while my best friend's day was spent in a football jersey, jeans, and sneakers. I've been to Thanksgiving, which felt more like a formal occasion, and Thanksgiving, where we started the day with a turkey trot, then headed to a nearby soup kitchen or food bank, and ended it with a big crowd and a buffet on the back deck.

The key is to bring comfort and joy to your Thanksgiving outfit. To feel stylish and confident while also being comfortable. The following Thanksgiving outfit ideas combine comfort and joy and are appropriate for a range of dinners and events.

What To Wear To Thanksgiving Dinner

Hostess With the Mostess

If you are hosting Thanksgiving, it can be a very busy day. Once guests arrive, you're refilling glasses, making rounds to talk to everyone, and dashing from the dining table to the kitchen and back. Comfort is paramount, but if you also want to look polished, the key is comfortable dressy shoes and an elegant outfit that doesn't restrict and can be machine-washed at the end of the day. Consider a stylish apron to keep your look fresh while prepping.

Shop the Collage: dress | earrings | necklace | shoes | apron

This dress is made from machine-washable stretch velour and comes in raisin or black, sizes 0/2-20/22. With bracelet-length sleeves, you don't have to worry about dipping into the gravy boat or skimming a lit candle when serving the potatoes. These flats are cushioned like slippers and will be perfect all season long with jeans or cocktail pantsuits. Add your favorite earrings or necklace for sparkle and personality.

It's All About the Game

Is Thanksgiving for your family more about football than turkey? A game of touch football in the backyard, a buffet of food you can then take into the living room and watch the pro game? Dress the part, and have some fun with it.

Shop the Collage: jeans | shoes | bracelet | earrings | sweatshirt | shirt

Keep it comfy and durable with stretch jeans and cold weather shoes that can get muddy. Even if you aren't big into the NFL, this tongue-in-cheek sweatshirt can be your go-to for all sporting events. Consider a button-down under the sweatshirt and some jewelry if you want to look more polished at the table or the sidelines.

Creative Color and Jeans

Who says that for Thanksgiving, you have to wear autumnal colors? A go-to outfit for Thanksgiving dinner is a blouse and jeans… why not get creative and colorful? It would be much more fun to look at while sitting at the table.

Shop the Collage: earrings | ring | belt | shoes | blouse | jeans

Darker denim looks more elevated. When you're not sure which belt goes with statement shoes leopard print haircalf is a safe bet. And these earrings will go with every occasion dress all year long.

Caftan Queen

Have you graduated from hosting to becoming a guest? You deserve to be comfortable, and dress like the queen you are with a silky caftan, comfortable yet elevated shoes, and fun accessories.

Shop the collage: caftan | earrings | bracelets | shoes

Sweater Dressing

I believe one of the best Thanksgiving looks for grown women is sweater dressing. Whether in separates or a dress, the look is cozy, chic, comfortable, and totally Thanksgiving-appropriate.

Shop the Collage: earrings | bracelet | boots | dress

Pair with boots for warmth and style. The boots linked above are not only stylish but also available in wide and extra-wide calf sizes!

Cozy Comfort

If Thanksgiving for you is a relaxed affair with close friends and family, possibly with a walk around the block after the meal, you want to be cozy and comfortable. You can't go wrong with an autumnal-colored Fair Isle sweater and stretch cords.

Shop the Collage: sweater | pants | boots | earrings | belt

These boots are waterproof and designed to walk for miles. No need to match your belt to your shoes; adding a different texture provides depth and richness to your outfit. And why not have fun with on-theme earrings?

When You Don't Know the Dress Code

Having Thanksgiving with new friends, or maybe the family of your child's new partner? Did you ask what to wear and bring and they just said, “Bring yourself, and whatever is comfortable” and you don't know if it's sweats or silk? A safe bet is a black or dark colored blouse or sweater with trousers and flats.

Shop the Collage: sweater | pants | earrings | blazer | shoes

Think business casual on a day when the boss will be in the office. A bit more refined, a tad more elegant, but something that will work if the rest of the folks are in jeans, or if they are in dresses. Consider a top layer (blazer, dressy cardigan) you can add if it's dressy or cold, and tuck some sneakers in your car in case there's an after-dinner walk.

The All-Occasions Dress

I highly recommend having an all-occasions dress in your closet. A dress that isn't too formal, not too casual, can be worn in three seasons: a relatively timeless silhouette and a dark color. Funerals, day weddings, showers, work parties, dates, and yes, Thanksgiving.

Shop the Collage: dress | earrings | bracelet | belt | tights | booties

Navy, purple, dark teal, and other jewel tones are great along with classic black. The polka-dots keep it from feeling too severe while still appropriate for a somber occasion. For Thanksgiving, make it feel seasonal with boots and/or tights, suede, gold, and warm makeup.

Relaxed Elegance

The dress code is festive and you know the hostess will be wearing a cocktail dress. However you want to be comfortable, even if you have a second piece of pie. A dressy two-piece set is the way to go!

Shop the Collage: blouse | pants | necklace | earrings | bag | shoes

In a color like dark blue that isn't season-specific, you can wear these separates all year long. The pants with a sweater, the blouse to work… you can tuck in or leave out. Add sparkle to elevate the look.

Create an Annual Tradition Outfit

Many years ago, I got a black ball skirt with large white polka-dots from Talbots. That year, not sure what to wear while hosting Thanksgiving, I tried it with a refined fitted black t-shirt and loved the result. I could stay cool while dashing around, I had pockets for my phone and other essentials, and I could wear it with comfy flats yet still look elegant.

Shop Similar Statement Skirts:

I have now worn this look for multiple Thanksgivings. Because the look is such a statement, it doesn't feel like, “Oh this look AGAIN?” but more of an annual tradition. And the cost per wear is far better than buying a new dress every November.

I hope these outfits for Thanksgiving dinner gave you some inspiration on what to wear for the holiday. Remember, you should feel comfort and joy in whatever you wear and the time with loved ones is the top priority for this holiday!