Ultimate Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

Last year on Thanksgiving, I remember standing in front of my closet way too long, staring at piles of clothes and thinking, “Why is picking an outfit harder than cooking the turkey?” Maybe you’ve been there too—wanting to look cute for family photos but also comfy enough to survive hours of food, chatter, and, let’s be real, a second slice of pie. It’s a weird balance, right? You don’t want to look overdressed like you’re headed to a wedding, but sweats aren’t exactly the vibe either. That’s where a few simple Thanksgiving outfit ideas can make life a lot easier. I’ve pulled together some looks that are stylish without being fussy, cozy without being sloppy. Because honestly, the holiday should be about enjoying yourself, not stressing over clothes. Stick with me here—I promise you’ll leave with outfit inspo that feels both festive and you.

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas help you look stylish while staying comfortable for this cozy holiday. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, the right outfit makes all the difference.

Cozy Knit Sweater and Jeans

There’s just something about Thanksgiving that makes me immediately reach for a chunky knit sweater and my favorite pair of jeans. Honestly, it’s like the unofficial holiday uniform. You want to feel cozy while you’re sitting around the table (and probably going back for seconds), but you also want to look like you actually tried. I’ve found that a neutral-toned sweater, like cream or soft gray, works with pretty much anything, and when you pair it with dark-wash jeans, it looks effortless but put together. Plus, it keeps you warm if your family insists on cracking a window after the oven heats up the whole house.

The best part? You can sneak in comfort shoes, like ankle boots or even white sneakers, and no one will blink an eye. I once wore my comfiest oversized cardigan sweater, and my aunt swore it was “so stylish.” Meanwhile, I was basically wearing what felt like a blanket with buttons. That’s the win-win of this combo—you look nice but feel secretly snug.

Flannel Shirt with Leggings

Okay, I have to admit—this is my “I don’t want to think too hard” outfit for Thanksgiving. A flannel shirt and leggings are basically the holy grail of cozy. To be fair, some people think leggings are too casual for a holiday dinner, but I say if you wear them with the right top, it totally works. I usually pick a long, slightly oversized flannel that covers the hips, which makes the whole outfit feel intentional and not like I just rolled out of bed. Add a belt or a statement necklace, and suddenly you’re not underdressed—you’re effortlessly cool.

One year, I wore black faux-leather leggings with a red plaid flannel, and my cousin kept asking where I bought them because she thought it was “edgy but festive.” Little details like rolling up the sleeves or half-tucking the shirt make a big difference. And bonus—leggings stretch. So when the pumpkin pie makes its third appearance, I don’t have to discreetly unbutton anything.

Dress with Tights and Cardigan

Now, when I want to feel a little fancier for Thanksgiving but still stay comfortable, I go for a dress with tights and a cardigan. In my opinion, this is the perfect middle ground—it’s polished enough for family photos but not so over-the-top that you can’t sit cross-legged on the couch later. I usually pick a simple sweater dress or even a floral dress that isn’t too summery, then throw on black tights and a chunky cardigan. It gives a “put-together without trying” vibe.

Last year, I wore a green knit dress with thick black tights and my favorite longline cardigan, and honestly, I felt like the coziest person in the room. My grandma even said, “You look so festive,” which was really just code for “You look nice, but I know you’re secretly prioritizing comfort.” And she was right—I could eat, move around, and still feel like myself. For me, that’s exactly what Thanksgiving style should be about.

Chunky Scarf and Layered Tops

Adding a chunky scarf to layered tops is a smart way to add warmth and style. This outfit idea is perfect for outdoor events or chilly indoor settings. Layering also allows you to adjust your look easily when moving between different temperatures.

• Use neutral or autumn-themed scarf colors.

• Layer a long sleeve shirt under a sweater or vest.

• Pair with jeans or comfortable pants.

• Choose boots or sneakers that are easy to walk in.

• Add a hat like a fedora or beanie for extra flair.

Corduroy Pants with a Simple Blouse

Corduroy pants are perfect for fall with their soft texture and warm feel. Pairing them with a simple blouse creates a balanced look that’s both comfy and stylish for Thanksgiving dinners. This outfit is great if you want to look a bit more polished but still relaxed.

• Pick corduroy pants in earth tones like brown or tan.

• Choose a blouse in a light or warm color to contrast.

• Tuck in the blouse for a neater look.

• Wear loafers or low-heeled boots.

• Add delicate jewelry for a subtle shine.

Sweater Dress with Knee-High Boots

A sweater dress is a one-piece outfit that feels like wearing a giant cozy sweater. It’s easy to style and looks great with knee-high boots, perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. This look is feminine, warm, and trendy.

• Pick a sweater dress in a warm autumn color.

• Wear opaque tights for extra warmth.

• Choose knee-high boots in leather or suede.

• Add a belt to define your waist.

• Layer with a long coat or jacket if needed.

Denim Jacket with Autumn Tones

A denim jacket is a versatile layering piece that pairs well with many fall outfits. Wearing it over warm colors adds a casual, laid-back vibe to your Thanksgiving look. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or casual dinners.

• Wear a denim jacket over a sweater or blouse.

• Choose tops in orange, red, or mustard shades.

• Pair with dark jeans or leggings.

• Add boots or casual sneakers.

• Accessorize with simple jewelry or a watch.

Plaid Skirt and Sweater Combo

A plaid skirt combined with a cozy sweater is a stylish yet comfortable outfit idea for Thanksgiving. It gives a classic autumn look with a bit of fun pattern. This outfit works well for both indoor dinners and casual meet-ups.

• Pick a plaid skirt with fall colors like red, brown, or green.

• Choose a solid color sweater that matches the skirt.

• Wear tights or leggings if it’s cold.

• Add ankle boots or loafers.

• Accessorize with a simple pendant or bracelet.

Olive Green Utility Jacket Look

An olive green utility jacket adds a trendy, outdoorsy feel to your Thanksgiving outfit. It’s perfect for casual or outdoor events where layering is important. Pair it with neutral basics for a stylish yet practical look.

• Wear the jacket over a simple top or sweater.

• Pair with jeans or leggings.

• Choose ankle boots or sneakers.

• Add a knit scarf for warmth.

• Keep accessories minimal for a clean look.

Velvet Top and Dark Jeans

A velvet top gives a rich, festive feel perfect for Thanksgiving. Paired with dark jeans, it balances dressy and casual well. This look is great for family dinners where you want to feel special but not overdressed.

• Choose a velvet top in deep colors like wine or navy.

• Wear well-fitted dark jeans.

• Add heeled boots or flats.

• Use gold or bronze jewelry for a warm touch.

• Keep hair and makeup simple but polished.

Turtleneck with High-Waisted Pants

A turtleneck is a classic fall piece that pairs beautifully with high-waisted pants for a chic look. It’s comfortable and keeps you warm while looking stylish. This outfit is ideal for both formal and casual Thanksgiving gatherings.

• Pick a neutral or warm-colored turtleneck.

• Choose high-waisted pants in a soft fabric.

• Tuck in the turtleneck for a neat look.

• Add loafers or ankle boots.

• Finish with a statement belt or earrings.

Soft Cardigan over a Midi Dress

Wearing a soft cardigan over a midi dress creates a cozy yet elegant Thanksgiving outfit. The cardigan adds warmth without covering your whole outfit, making it perfect for mixed indoor/outdoor events.

• Pick a midi dress with fall prints or solid autumn colors.

• Choose a neutral cardigan that complements the dress.

• Wear ankle boots or flats.

• Add subtle jewelry like small hoops or rings.

• Layer with a scarf if needed.

Leather Jacket and Sweater Combo

A leather jacket adds a cool edge to a soft sweater for a perfect fall look. This combo is great for casual Thanksgiving events with friends or family. It mixes textures for a stylish outfit that stands out.

• Wear a fitted leather jacket over a cozy sweater.

• Pair with jeans or casual pants.

• Choose boots or sneakers.

• Keep accessories minimal to focus on the jacket.

• Add a scarf in a warm color for extra comfort.

Cable Knit Vest over Shirt

A cable knit vest layered over a button-down shirt is a smart, trendy look for Thanksgiving. It’s cozy and adds texture to your outfit. This layered style works well for both indoor dinners and casual outings.

• Pick a cream or beige cable knit vest.

• Wear a shirt in a solid or subtle plaid pattern.

• Pair with jeans or chinos.

• Add loafers or ankle boots.

• Accessorize with a watch or simple necklace.

Warm Hoodie with Stylish Joggers

For a super casual and comfy Thanksgiving, a warm hoodie paired with stylish joggers is perfect. It’s great for relaxed gatherings or virtual celebrations where comfort is key. You can still look put-together by choosing matching colors and neat styles.

• Choose a clean, well-fitted hoodie in a fall color.

• Pair with joggers in the same or a complementary shade.

• Wear clean sneakers or slip-on shoes.

• Keep hair neat and minimal makeup.

• Add a simple necklace or studs for a small touch.

Outfit Ideas for Virtual Thanksgiving

Celebrating Thanksgiving virtually has become common, and dressing for these online gatherings is just as important as in-person events. The goal is to feel comfortable at home while looking polished on camera. Choosing the right outfit helps you stay festive and confident during video calls with family and friends.

• Pick comfortable tops that look neat and polished on camera, like a soft blouse or a nice sweater.

• Opt for cozy loungewear that feels relaxed but isn’t too casual or sloppy.

• Use simple accessories, like small earrings or a delicate necklace, to add a bit of style without distraction.

• Choose colors that look good on screen, such as warm autumn shades or solid neutrals.

• Make sure your outfit fits well and is wrinkle-free to appear tidy on video.

FAQ

What colors are best for Thanksgiving outfits?

Warm autumn colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange, burgundy, olive green, and cream are perfect for Thanksgiving. They match the cozy and festive vibe of the holiday.

How can I stay comfortable but stylish on Thanksgiving?

Choose soft fabrics like knits, cotton, or corduroy, and layer your clothes. This way, you can adjust to the temperature while looking polished.

What should I wear for an outdoor Thanksgiving event?

Dress in layers with warm jackets, scarves, and boots. Choose weather-appropriate clothes that keep you warm but still look good.

Are there outfit ideas for virtual Thanksgiving celebrations?

Yes! Wear comfortable but polished tops, cozy loungewear, and simple accessories that look good on camera.