What to Wear for Thanksgiving: 8 Fall Outfits to Copy This Year

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and now is the ideal time to start planning your outfit for the holiday. Whether you're heading home to family, celebrating with friends, escaping to the countryside, or keeping it cozy at home, I've got outfit ideas for every Thanksgiving occasion. From formal festivities to casual affairs, here are 8 thanksgiving outfits ideas to inspire your turkey day outfit for 2023.

I’ll be in France again this year, but I intend to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a traditional meal to share with my boyfriend. I’m also planning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. While I do miss the way we celebrate holidays back in the U.S., I’m still happy to share some of my favorite traditions with my French friends and family. Since I’m not meeting up with family, I’ll be keeping my Thanksgiving outfit fairly casual. A classic sweater, straight leg jeans and ankle boots have been my favorite ensemble so far this season, so I imagine wearing something similar for the holiday.

How to Dress for Thanksgiving

1. Embrace Fall Colors

Fall style is all about rich and warm colors. To fully embrace the season, try incorporating autumnal hues like deep burgundy, rustic orange, forest green, and mustard yellow into your Thanksgiving outfit. If your color season isn’t autumn, you can still find fall shades in your personal palette. Here are some fall colors that work well for each of the 12 color seasons:

Spring

Light Spring: Light and warm colors like peach, soft yellows, and light greens.
Warm Spring: Rich and warm shades like pumpkin orange, warm red, olive green, and camel brown.
Clear Spring: Bold and clear colors like true red, emerald green and bright gold.

Summer

Light Summer: Soft and muted fall colors such as dusty rose, cool taupe, and soft teal.
Cool Summer: Cool and muted shades like mauve, cool gray, soft plum, and slate blue.
Soft Summer: Muted and soft earthy tones like mushroom gray, soft sage green, lavender gray, and muted teal.

Autumn

Dark Autumn: Deep and rich fall colors like rust, mahogany, olive, and dark teal.
Warm Autumn: Warm and spicy shades like pumpkin spice, mustard yellow, terracotta, and olive brown.
Deep Autumn: Bold and deep colors like burgundy, deep olive, eggplant, and pine green.

Winter

Clear Winter: Clear and bold shades such as true red, emerald green, royal blue, and pure white.
Cool Winter: Cool and vivid fall colors like royal purple, sapphire blue, emerald green, and charcoal gray.
Deep Winter: Deep and intense colors like burgundy, midnight blue, evergreen, and dark charcoal.

2. Prioritize Comfort

Thanksgiving is a day of indulgence, so prioritize comfort in your outfit choice. I know when I’m enjoying an holiday meal, I always prefer to opt for clothing with some stretch or loose-fitting styles. Fabrics like knits, cashmere, and soft cotton blends are excellent choices. Avoid anything too tight or constricting.

3. Layer for Versatility

The weather can be variable on Thanksgiving, so layering is key. Start with a comfortable base layer, like a long-sleeved tee or lightweight sweater. Then add a cardigan, vest, or sweater for warmth. This way, you can adjust your layers to stay comfortable, whether you're indoors or outdoors. Complete your look with a wool blazer or coat and, if needed, a cozy scarf, hat, and gloves.

4. Mix Casual and Dressy Pieces

Be prepared for any type of gathering, from formal dinners to casual potlucks, without being over or underdressed. Mix and match your clothing to find the right balance in your outfit. For example, pair a casual item like jeans with a dressier blouse or a sweater. Wear a comfortable sweater dress with a pair of heeled boots.

5. Choose Footwear Wisely

Footwear is an important element of your Thanksgiving outfit. Opt for comfortable shoes that can accommodate the possibility of post-feast walks or a football game. Ankle boots, loafers, or stylish sneakers are great choices. Avoid heels that are too high or narrow, as they can lead to discomfort after hours of wear. If you decided to wear heeled shoes, consider bringing along a comfortable pair of footwear for outdoor activities.

6. Consider Your Role in the Kitchen

If you're helping with cooking or serving, think about practicality. An apron or a casual, washable outfit might be a good choice to protect your clothes. You can always change into a more formal outfit just before the meal.

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration

Thanksgiving Outfits

1. Homeward Bound

For those heading back to their hometowns to celebrate with family, here are a couple of classic, comfortable looks for a traditional dinner. A knit sweater dress is my go-to option for a semi-casual occasion like Thanksgiving. Pair your dress with tall boots and statement earrings for an effortlessly chic look to wear at home. If you prefer to keep it casual, opt for a knit sweater, your favorite denim jeans, and a pair of heeled ankle boots. Accessorize with matching leather belt and suede shoulder bag. This Thanksgiving outfit is comfortable, but slightly dressed up for a comforting dinner with loved ones.

2. Friendsgiving Feast

If you’re partaking in a Friendsgiving get-together this year, choose a casual and chic ensemble that reflects the relaxed yet stylish occasion. A brown cable-knit sweater, light-wash jeans, and heeled boots are the perfect combination for an effortlessly stylish Thanksgiving look. Complete your look with a brown suede shoulder bag and now you’re ready to celebrate with your friends in style. I’ve been with obsessed with the color brown this season, and this outfit is a great example of how to combine different brown tones.

3. Chef Essentials

If you're the designated chef for the Thanksgiving feast, your outfit should strike a balance between practicality and style. Opt for a loose-fitting pair of pants and a classic sweater. This combination will keep you comfortable while you’re preparing in the kitchen. Avoid light colors in case of any accidents in the kitchen; this outfit features brown tones that are perfect for the fall season. Keep it comfortable with ballet flats, sneakers or loafers, and don’t forget to complete your look with an apron. ;) If you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want to wear this practical yet chic look

4. Countryside Escape

If you're headed to the countryside for Thanksgiving, dress for the rustic ambiance with a casual, cozy outfit that you can wear from the dinner table to the outdoors. A turtleneck sweater, slim jeans, and leather hiking boots are the best basics for your Thanksgiving Day outfit. Finish the look with a field jacket and a wool scarf for a touch of rugged sophistication. Whether you’re enjoying a walk in the woods, a game of touch football, or simply relaxing by the fireplace after the meal, this outfit combines cozy elements with practicality to create the perfect look for your Thanksgiving in the country.

5. Formal Festivities

If your Thanksgiving festivities are on the formal side, here is a sophisticated look that’s ideal for turkey day. A plaid blazer and skirt is an easy combination to put together. Pair it with kitten heels and accessorize with modest jewelry. A tailored coat and a shoulder bag complete this elegant ensemble, perfect for a formal Thanksgiving gathering. You could also dress it down with ballet flats and a crewneck sweater.

For a slightly dressier ensemble, try a sophisticated midi dress in rich fall colors such as deep burgundy, navy blue or emerald green. Style it with your favorite knee-high boots or heels and a matching clutch bag. Accessorize with simple jewelry for an elegant touch.

Related Post: The Fall 2023 Trend Report

6. Cozy at Home

For those who are celebrating Thanksgiving in the comfort of their own home, a cozy and relaxed look is the way to go. Slip into your comfiest loungewear or joggers and pair them with soft slippers. Wrap yourself in a plush blanket scarf for added warmth. You’ll look stylish while lounging at home. If you’ll be watching fall movies all-day or browsing online for Black Friday deals, a pair of blue light glasses are essential to protect your eyes. I love this pair from Fifth & Ninth that are only $35!

Read More: How To Look Elegant At Home

If you’re not sure how to dress for Thanksgiving, I hope these fall outfits will inspire you. Whether you're headed for a traditional family gathering, a Friendsgiving feast, or a cozy day at home, these Thanksgiving outfit ideas for 2023 will help you look stylish for any type of gathering.

What are you wearing for Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below.