What to Wear to Thanksgiving: Your Complete Style Guide
Thanksgiving plans are officially on the calendar, and we've got one question: what are we wearing? Whether you're heading to a casual family dinner, dressing up for a special occasion or hosting Friendsgiving with your girls, the best Thanksgiving outfits are cute, comfortable and ready for whatever the day brings.
From cozy knits and relaxed denim to statement dresses and fall layers, there are plenty of ways to make Thanksgiving dressing your own.
Need some Thanksgiving outfit ideas? Here's what we're loving this season:
- Cozy and casual: Oversized sweaters, relaxed pants and soft matching sets.
- Dressy dinner looks: Statement tops, chic skirts and heeled boots.
- Jeans and a cute top: A classic combination that works for almost any Thanksgiving plan.
- Sweater dresses: An easy one-piece outfit with endless styling options.
- Friendsgiving fits: Trend-driven looks featuring suede, lace and rich fall colors.
Keep reading for our complete guide to Thanksgiving outfits for women, including styling tips, layering essentials and the finishing touches that'll make getting dressed easier than ever.
Thanksgiving Dinner Outfits
The best Thanksgiving dinner outfits balance comfort with your personal style. From cozy sweaters and jeans to cute dresses and statement tops, we’ve planned a look for every Thanksgiving dress code.
What Should I Wear to a Casual Thanksgiving Dinner?
For a casual Thanksgiving dinner, you can't go wrong with a cute knit sweater, relaxed jeans and your favorite flats. Proof that the best outfits don't need to be complicated!
For a little outfit inspiration, try these combinations:
- The classic jeans and knit combo: An oversized striped sweater + relaxed bootcut jeans + ballet flats.
- Cute and cozy: A matching knit set + fleece-lined ankle boots + a slouchy shoulder bag.
- Casual with a twist: A fitted long sleeve top + straight-leg jeans + a faux fur trim jacket.
What Should I Wear to a Formal Thanksgiving Dinner?
For a dressier Thanksgiving dinner, opt for elevated textures, statement silhouettes and accessories that make your outfit feel a little dressy. Think off-shoulder dresses, lace tops, heeled boots and rich fall shades.
Here are a few formal Thanksgiving dinner outfits we're loving:
- The sweater dress moment: An off-shoulder knit mini dress + an oversized belt + heeled knee-high boots.
- A little more dressed up: A midi sweater dress + statement hoop earrings + heeled boots.
- Jeans, but make it dinner: A lace long sleeve top + bootcut jeans + kitten heels.
If you're not sure how dressy the occasion will be, start with a classic jeans-and-a-cute-top combination and let your accessories do the work. A pair of heeled boots or statement earrings can instantly take your look from casual to dinner-ready.
Comfy Casual Thanksgiving Outfits
Plans include spending time with friends and fam around the dinner table? This is for you. The best comfy Thanksgiving outfits feature soft knits, relaxed fits and easy layers that you can wear all day long.
Think oversized cable knit sweaters, baggy sweatpants and matching sets in cozy fabrics. This season, we're loving chocolate brown, burgundy and cream, with lightweight fleece and textured knits adding a little extra personality.
Need some casual Thanksgiving outfit inspo? Try these combinations:
- The cozy classic: An oversized cable knit sweater + relaxed straight-leg jeans + ballet flats.
- Off-duty dressing: A matching sweat set + lightweight fleece jacket + your favorite sneakers.
- Cute and comfortable: A soft V-neck sweater + foldover sweatpants + fleece-lined ankle boots.
- Easy layers: A fitted long sleeve top + oversized cardigan + relaxed denim + loafers.
Our biggest tip: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics and relaxed silhouettes, especially if you're spending the day lounging and cooking. Add a lightweight layer you can easily take off and you've got your Thanksgiving outfit sorted.
Friendsgiving Outfits
Friendsgiving is the perfect excuse to have a little more fun with your outfit. The best Friendsgiving outfits mix dressy and casual pieces, with trending textures, statement accessories and plenty of personality.
This season, we're loving rich burgundy, chocolate brown, faux suede and lace. The trick is to choose one statement piece and keep the rest of your outfit simple.
Need some Friendsgiving outfit ideas? Here's what we're wearing:
- The suede moment: A faux suede midi skirt + off-shoulder knit top + statement belt + heeled knee-high boots.
- A little more edge: Faux leather pants + a layered long sleeve top + ballet flats.
- Jeans and a cute top: Bootcut jeans + a lace long sleeve top + heeled ankle boots.
- Something bold: An animal print skirt + a simple fitted top + knee-high boots.
Not sure what the dress code is? Jeans and a cute top are always a safe bet. Add some statement jewelry, a cute bag or your favorite boots to make the look your own.
Sweater Dresses & Knit Dresses for Thanksgiving
A sweater dress is one of the easiest Thanksgiving outfits to style. From cozy knit minis to midi lengths, sweater dresses are an easy choice for everything from casual family nights to dressier dinner plans.
This season, we're loving chocolate brown, burgundy and soft neutrals, alongside off-shoulder necklines, button-front details and textured knits.
Not sure how to style a sweater dress for Thanksgiving? Try these outfit combinations:
- The dressy dinner look: An off-shoulder sweater mini dress + an oversized belt + heeled knee-high boots.
- Casual plans: A long sleeve knit mini dress + hunter-style boots + a slouchy shoulder bag.
- The classic knit combo: A midi sweater dress + statement hoop earrings + heeled boots.
- Keeping it simple: A knit midi dress + ballet flats + dainty jewelry.
You can easily dress your favorite knit dress up or down depending on the occasion. Switch your ballet flats for heeled boots, add a statement bag or throw on a faux leather jacket when the temperature drops.
Jackets & Coats for Thanksgiving
The best Thanksgiving outfits are all about layers, especially when you're heading between houses or dealing with unpredictable fall weather. A cute jacket or coat will keep you warm while adding a little something extra to your look.
This season, we're loving faux suede jackets, oversized coats and faux leather bombers in chocolate brown, cream and neutral shades.
Need some Thanksgiving layering inspo? Try these combinations:
- The fall classic: An oversized trench coat + a lightweight knit sweater + straight-leg jeans + loafers.
- A little suede: A cropped faux suede jacket + a fitted long sleeve top + midi skirt + heeled boots.
- Off-duty layers: A faux leather bomber jacket + matching sweat set + sneakers.
- Cozy statement: An oversized faux fur jacket + a knit mini dress + knee-high boots.
Choose layers that are easy to take on and off as you move between the chilly outdoors and a warm Thanksgiving gathering.
Looking for a fall jacket you'll keep reaching for? One Princess Polly customer, Mia, shared this review of the Goldsmith Faux Leather Jacket:
"I love this jacket, it's perfect for fall weather and layering clothes, and the color goes with everything, making it great for casual wear. The quality is great and it feels like genuine leather."
Thanksgiving Outfit Finishing Touches
The right shoes and accessories can make all the difference to your Thanksgiving outfit. Whether you're keeping things casual or dressing up for dinner, here’s what you need to make your look feel complete.
Shoes
When it comes to Thanksgiving shoes, comfort and style go hand in hand. From ballet flats and loafers to kitten heels and knee-high boots, it’s about picking a pair that matches the plans and your personality.
Here's how we're styling our favorite shoes this Thanksgiving:
- Ballet flats: Pair with straight-leg jeans, tailored pants or knit midi dresses for an effortless everyday look.
- Loafers: Style with wide-leg pants, denim and an oversized trench coat for a classic fall outfit.
- Kitten heels: Add a little height to satin midi skirts, dressy matching sets or your favorite jeans.
- Knee-high boots: The perfect match for mini sweater dresses, midi skirts and cozy fall layers.
If you're after a pair of boots you'll wear on repeat, the Harrie Knee High Boots are a customer fave. As Joanne M. shared:
"These boots are drop dead gorgeous. And honestly quite comfy!! 10/10 recommend and honestly can’t fault them!”
Accessories
Accessories are the easiest way to add a little personality to your Thanksgiving outfit. Think oversized scarves, fluffy hats, statement bags and sheer stockings, especially if you're dressing for cooler fall weather.
A few accessory combinations we're loving:
- Oversized scarves: Style with a simple jeans-and-knit outfit in complementary shades like cream, burgundy or chocolate brown.
- Statement bags: Add a faux suede shoulder bag or structured handbag to your favorite casual Thanksgiving look.
- Sheer stockings: Pair with a knit mini dress and kitten heels for dressier dinner plans.
- Fluffy hats: Wear with an oversized trench coat or faux leather bomber for a cute, cozy fall outfit.
And if you're looking for a new winter accessory, the July Scarf is worth adding to your wishlist. Princess Polly shopper Grace S. shared:
"Amazing scarf! Super soft and long, definitely recommend if you're looking for a cute addition to your outfit."
What To Wear To Thanksgiving FAQs
Can I Wear Jeans to Thanksgiving?
Of course! Jeans and a cute top are always a yes, especially for casual Thanksgiving plans. We're loving relaxed straight-leg and bootcut denim styled with oversized knits, ballet flats or knee-high boots.
Want to dress things up? Swap the sweater for a lace top, add some statement jewelry and you're good to go.
What Should I Wear When Traveling for Thanksgiving?
Cute and comfortable, always. Think matching sweat sets, oversized sweaters, relaxed pants and your favorite sneakers.
Throw on a fleece jacket or oversized coat for those chilly airport moments, and you've got an outfit that works just as well for the journey as it does for your Thanksgiving plans.
What Are the Best Thanksgiving Outfits for Sitting, Cooking, and Moving Around?
If your Thanksgiving plans involve cooking, catching up and lounging, relaxed fits are the way to go. Think soft cable knits, foldover sweatpants and matching sets that feel just as good as they look.
Go for breathable fabrics, stretchy waistbands and easy layers.
What Thanksgiving Outfits Work for Both Daytime Activities and Dinner?
A Thanksgiving outfit that works all day has to be easy to style. Think knit dresses, relaxed jeans and cute matching sets that can go from casual plans to dinner with a few simple swaps.
Trade your sneakers for heeled boots, add statement earrings or throw on a faux suede jacket. Same outfit, different vibe.
What Should I Do If I Spill Gravy, Wine, or Cranberry Sauce on My Outfit?
First of all, don't panic. A little Thanksgiving spill doesn't have to ruin your favorite outfit. Gently blot the stain with a clean napkin rather than rubbing it, and check the fabric's care label before attempting to clean it.
For gravy, carefully remove any excess first. For wine or cranberry sauce, try cool water if the fabric allows, and avoid heat until the stain is treated. Crisis (hopefully) averted.
Good food, cute outfits and an excuse to get dressed up? Say less. Thanksgiving style is all about finding your version of cute and comfortable, from cozy knits and relaxed denim to statement boots and trending fall layers.
Shop the latest Princess Polly styles and find your Thanksgiving outfit!


