Every time I search for Thanksgiving outfit ideas, I find some version of the same outfit. Chunky orange sweater, skinny jeans, double G Gucci belt, Isabel Marant booties. Sometimes a large brim hat, too. This recipe has been repeated since the 2010s, and I am ready to see something else.
I understand wanting to be comfortable. But we spend so much time thinking about the food, the table setting, and decorating the house. Why shouldn’t our clothes reflect some of that thoughtfulness? Especially when someone has invited us into their home.
Perhaps my Turkish background has something to do with this. For Ramadan Eid, we buy new clothes for the family and choose what we are excited to wear when visiting relatives. There is a little similarity to Christmas gifts, although we don’t ceremoniously open clothing presents together. Everyone picks their own things. Getting dressed is part of looking forward to the holiday.
I don’t think Thanksgiving requires a new wardrobe. Several outfits below are looks I have already worn to the office and would happily wear again, depending on the invitation.
These are the Thanksgiving outfit ideas I have in mind.
Cool Girl Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas
1. Navy Cashmere and Smoke-Grey Jeans
This is where I would start for a casual family dinner. High-waisted, straight-leg grey jeans with a navy sweater feel much closer to my taste than blue denim surrounded by orange and brown.
A COS cashmere turtleneck is the kind of knit I mean. Tucked or untucked both work; I would decide once I see where the sweater falls.
2. Burgundy with Grey Trousers
Burgundy and grey would be one of my first choices for Thanksgiving. There is something about grey that makes burgundy look particularly beautiful.
I would wear a fine burgundy knit with wide-leg grey trousers. The trousers can be generous through the leg, with a proper waistband so the whole outfit still has some shape.
3. Straight-Leg Jeans with Pointed Ankle Boots
For anyone who wants to wear jeans, pay attention to the shoes. I am picturing a pointed ankle boot with a small heel, something in the direction of Khaite’s Sybil boot.
Add a white button-down shirt and high-waisted jeans. I would check that the hem falls nicely over the boot before deciding whether to tuck the shirt.
4. Beige, but in Different Shades of Beige
I do like beige. I just don’t want beige, brown, orange, and blue jeans all competing in one Thanksgiving outfit.
I would rather wear an oatmeal cashmere top with slightly darker beige trousers and a cream coat. Different textures matter here. Otherwise, several similarly colored pieces can look surprisingly flat together.
5. An Oversized Dress with a Sculptural Necklace
An oversized dress is probably the outfit I would be most comfortable spending the afternoon in. Think of the loose shape of The Row’s Nolo dress, then consider the weather and fabric.
The necklace makes this outfit. An Elsa Peretti Bottle pendant, a large sculptural pendant, or a shell necklace would give that simple dress something interesting.
6. A Grey Turtleneck and Leopard Midi Skirt
Some of my Thanksgiving outfit ideas come straight from my office wardrobe, including this one. I wore a grey turtleneck tucked into a leopard midi skirt, with lace-up boots and a black shoulder bag.
I lean toward minimal outfits, but I still enjoy a print. Here, the grey knit gives me enough quiet space around the leopard. I wouldn’t add another patterned piece.
7. Cream Layers with Olive Trousers
Another office outfit I would happily bring to a family dinner: olive trousers, cream knitwear, and a cream jacket.
I wore mine with a long tassel necklace. That little detail changes how the layers look together, particularly with a higher neckline. Flat shoes make sense for this outfit, too. There is already plenty happening in the shape of the trousers and jacket.
8. A Pleated Mini with a Shirt and Fine Turtleneck
I like a button-down layered over a slim turtleneck, especially with a pleated mini skirt. My pale blue shirt, black skirt, tights, and pointed ankle boots are a combination I would wear again.
I own an Intimissimi layering top that works for this idea. Their modal-and-cashmere high-neck top is a similar option. Keep that underneath layer fine enough for the shirt to sit properly.
9. A Checked Mini and Structured Black Jacket
My checked pleated skirt with a black, gold-button jacket is another possibility. I wore it with black tights and loafers.
The jacket gives the short skirt a more dressed-up feeling. For Thanksgiving, I would keep the rest very close to the original outfit. Between the checks and gold buttons, I wouldn’t feel the need to add a large necklace.
10. A Black Tweed Dress with Loafers
The black dress in my photo is tweed. I like its structured shape and the length above the knee, particularly with black tights.
Loafers are a good choice when the dress already feels dressed up. I would wear this to a dinner where jeans feel a little too casual, but I still want to be comfortable sitting around afterward.
11. A Velvet Blazer with Jeans and Slingbacks
A velvet blazer is one way I would dress up denim for a more formal invitation. Something like Nili Lotan’s Diane velvet blazer gives you an idea of the texture.
I would add a simple top and pointed slingbacks. Saint Laurent’s Jeanne pumps are the kind of sharper evening shoe I picture with this combination.
12. A Structured Velvet Dress
For a dressier Thanksgiving, I would consider a velvet version of the shape of my black tweed dress. Above the knee, but not extremely short, with some structure through the shoulders.
The dresses The Vampire’s Wife used to make come to mind as a reference. I would look closely at the cut. Velvet already has presence; the dress needs a shape I actually enjoy wearing.
13. Velvet Trousers with a Beautiful Top
When I think about velvet trousers, I picture Meghan Markle. That is the general direction I have in mind: trousers with a beautiful blouse or fine cashmere top.
I would spend time choosing the top rather than treating it as an afterthought. With simple pieces, the fabric and fit become very noticeable. This would be my alternative to a dress for a formal dinner.
These Thanksgiving outfit ideas are all combinations I can see myself wearing beyond the holiday, too. I want to feel that I have dressed for the occasion, even if the occasion is dinner with the people who already know me best.
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