What to Wear: Cute Thanksgiving Outfits
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to sort out which of your cute Thanksgiving outfits you’ll be wearing this year. After all, occasions to dress up are few and far between these days. The holiday likely looks different for us in 2020, too, as we adapt our plans to be mindful of the pandemic. We may be staying home and cooking for a smaller crowd or establishing entirely new traditions. Regardless of whether we will be spending time with family, friends, or maybe just a roommate or significant other, it’s important to keep the holiday spirit alive! It’s great to have an excuse to dress up, decorate, and cook special dishes.
Typically, we want our Thanksgiving outfits to be equal parts cute and comfortable so we can get seconds (or thirds…) of our favorite foods without our clothing pinching and squeezing. This year is no exception! So, how do you strike the balance between looking fashionable and cold-weather-ready while staying comfortable? It’s easier than you might think. Last month, we covered what to wear to go apple picking. This month, we’re covering the best outfits to wear to Thanksgiving dinner. Read on for our top picks and easy outfit formulas to keep you looking your best for the holiday.
Outfit #1: Patterned Cape + Long Sleeve Tee + Leggings
For our first outfit pick, start with the comfiest base layer of leggings and a long-sleeve tee. There are tons of legging options out there, and they are not just athletic wear or loungewear anymore. Designers are coming out with dressier options, like faux suede and faux leather fabrications, pairs with interesting patterns and sequin embellishments, and pairs with a moto look or trouser styling. These dressy-but-comfortable options make leggings the perfect piece to start with for the first of our cute Thanksgiving outfits!
Next, top with a long sleeve tee. You may wish to keep this layer a little longer to cover up if your leggings feel too revealing. Look for tunic-length tees if this a concern of yours! If you are just concerned about covering up in the back, high-low tees will also do the trick. Keep the top slightly oversized to make sure you have breathing room after indulging in all the turkey and stuffing your heart desires.
Leggings look great with longer and more oversized pieces on top, but we don’t want to lose your figure in too much fabric. To prevent this, consider a lower neckline to show off a bit of skin. This is a great place to accent with a necklace! With temperatures lingering in the 40s and 50s lately, you will probably want to add a layer on top. Besides, layering is a great way to show off your style and add pops of color and texture.
Throw on a fun patterned cape to pull the outfit together. A cape traditionally takes the form of a coat without distinct armholes, but the lines are somewhat blurred between a cape, shawl, poncho, and similar garments. While spending time indoors, a less structured cashmere or wool variation of a cape makes a great choice. Look for plaid, windowpane, and houndstooth patterns—they are some of the most popular choices for winter outerwear. Finally, finish your look with a block-heeled bootie. We stuck to a creamy brown and ivory color palette for this look, which is always a winning choice for Thanksgiving.
Outfit #2: Sweater Dress + Tights + Suede Boots
A sweater dress is another perfect place to start for putting together cute Thanksgiving outfits. The sweater dress is super cozy for the chilly weather, and there are stylish options that flatter all body types. You can choose from fitted varieties, wrap dresses, and more relaxed silhouettes. I love an off the shoulder relaxed fit for Thanksgiving. The looser shape keeps you from feeling constricted, and the neckline prevents the look from feeling too shapeless or sloppy.
If you prefer to add some definition to your waistline, a wide belt looks great here! For shorter dresses, pair with a knee-high or over-the-knee suede boot to cover a little bit of leg. A sweater dress with knee-high boots is such a simple, classic, and foolproof way to do a Thanksgiving look. Add a pair of tights underneath for extra warmth. I recommend a pair of semi-sheer black tights because they are going to be endlessly versatile in your wardrobe year-round. If you already have this basic pair and want something with more flair, look for subtle ribbed textures or lacy prints, a brown or burgundy color, or some shine in the fabric.
The great thing about this outfit is that you’re fully covered for warmth, nothing is too fitted but it still has a touch of sexiness, and no pants are required! Throw on some jewelry to make everything pop. I love off the shoulder necklines with a statement earring. You can also add some shine in the form of hair accessories, like an embellished headband, glitzy bobby pins, or a gold hair clip like the one shown here. Read our post about accessorizing like a stylist for more help selecting the right pieces to complete your look. Add a long unstructured jacket as your final layer and you are good to go! This is a great place to add a pop of color.
Outfit #3: Leather Joggers + Mules or Slides + Sweater
Looking for a little more coverage on your bottom half? Start with a leather jogger. These will be your best friend when putting together cute Thanksgiving outfits and into the holidays that follow. The sportiness of the jogger silhouette feels so cool juxtaposed with the sophistication of leather or faux leather material. These are cut for a more relaxed fit and often have an elastic waistband, so they are incredibly comfortable!
Choose lambskin for the buttery feeling of real leather or opt for faux to make it vegan. Faux leather pants are typically a fraction of the cost and can feel just as luxe. Again, this pant brings some sporty and some sophisticated elements, so you can go either direction with footwear when styling these. For Thanksgiving, however, let’s take them in a more refined direction with a mule or slide. These are similar types of shoes in that they have an open back and are either flat or have a low heel. The difference is that mules are closed-toe shoes and slides are open-toe. This makes the mule a slightly warmer option, though the difference won’t be drastic. If opting for a slide, look for a low heel to keep it from feeling too casual. Next, add a sweater on top for warmth. Try tucking the sweater in or choosing something cropped to show off any waistband detailing on the jogger!
Your sweater is a great place for an interesting neckline or sleeve detail, such as the balloon sleeve trend that we are seeing everywhere this season. A finer knit as I chose here will make the outfit feel more elegant. Pair with a simple clutch. The unstructured shape of this leather bag maintains the relaxed but refined aesthetic of the full look. Add a couple of pieces of jewelry or a bun wrap as the finishing touch!
Wrap-Up
Thanksgiving is sure to be a bit unusual this year given all that is going on in the world, but why not seize the opportunity to put on clothes that make you feel great and celebrate with loved ones in whatever way you are able to. These cute Thanksgiving outfits will keep you comfy and stylish for the holiday to suit whatever plans you have in store. If you’re looking for additional guidance on holiday event attire, we would love to help. Book an appointment to get started on your outfits for the season ahead.