21 Thanksgiving Outfits to Plan Out Before the Tryptophan Kicks In

(Image credit: Edward Berthelot)

published 5 November 2020

Thanksgiving may look a little different this year—but no matter where you are or what you're doing, a good outfit will always make you feel like your best self. For your Thanksgiving festivities this year, whether you're eating takeout turkey with cranberry sauce at home, enjoying the real thing with your family, or hosting a Friendsgiving potluck, you'll need an outfit that looks stylish, has a little give, and reflect the joyfulness of the holiday. Here, we've put together a range of Thanksgiving outfits to inspire you this year. Just plan out your outfit before the tryptophan—the amino acid in turkey that's responsible for your post-dinner nap—kicks in.

1/21

Pop of Color

Bring some color to the dinner table with a pair of bright trousers. Balance out the look with a neutral sweater and wool coat. This outfit is a sure way to show the family you don't belong at the kids' table.

2/21

Add Accessories

Swap out your usual pendent necklace for a silk scarf, a chic and fashion-forward way to accessorize any outfit.

3/21

For Warm Weather

If you're lucky enough to be somewhere warm for the holidays, try a linen shift dress paired with a sweater tied around your shoulders to give you the cozy fall feels.

4/21

Worth The Risk

When you're skilled enough not to spill red wine or cranberry sauce, opt for a winter-white dress with exaggerated shoulders. Pair your look with dainty accessories and a gold heel for a more formal look.

5/21

These Boots Are Made For Talking

Make your boots the focal point of every conversation with these Khaite zebra boots. Aunt Betty will be asking you where she can find them rather than what your relationship status is this year.

6/21

Don't Overthink It

Every woman should have at least one wrap dress hanging in her closet for this exact occasion. Throw on this always flattering go-to and pair it with a fun colored shoulder-bag and block heel and you're out the door.

7/21

Bright and Bold

Have some fun with your favorite fall colors! Step out of the box with this bright orange coverall-jumpsuit, and pair it with a metallic mule and a burgundy faux-leather coat to tie it all together.

8/21

Casually Coordinated

Imagine showing up to Thanksgiving dinner with your cousins looking this chic. Coordinate with a color palette and work grandma's driveway like it's your own personal runway.

9/21

Matchy Matchy

Show off your city girl style this holiday with this super-simple but cool skirt-boot combo.

10/21

The Pantsuit

A pantsuit is always a good idea. Lean into the fall colors with a oversized brown pantsuit while sporting bright red accessories like these sunnies, bag, and heels to compliment the fall foliage.

11/21

Stand Out

Swap out your usual satin skirt for a more edgy yet grown-up leather pencil skirt. This skirt is worth every penny and will last you years to come. Pair it was a printed oversized cardigan and turtleneck to keep you warm.

12/21

Fall Florals

Vintage-esque, edgy, and family-approved. Trade in your pastel floral mini dress for a dark and whimsical version, perfect for the colder months ahead. (This one's even on sale!)

13/21

Pattern on Pattern

Show off your legs but keep it holiday-appropriate with a mini skirt and everyone's favorite Gucci tights.

14/21

Sweater Weather

You can't go wrong with a sweater dress! They're the perfect combination of cozy and chic. Add a pair of jewel-toned booties and a cute belt bag to keep it young and trendy.

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Cut Outs

Add a little extra something to your go-to jeans and oversized sweater look. Grab yourself a more fitted sweater with cutouts to show some skin, and pair it with high-waisted straight-legged denim. This outfit calls for minimal effort with maximum results.

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Separate But Together

What's easier than a matching set? It's an instant outfit; all you have to do is accessorize. Find yourself a plaid set that can be worn together or as separates.

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Full Coverage

For added coverage, you can lengthen your top to past the hips. The more fabric for ruching over the evidence of a meal well enjoyed.

18/21

Give It A Heel

You were going to wear this anyway, right? Swap out the slippers for slingbacks (a fair trade in comfort, really).

19/21

Oversized Everything

And for maximum food-baby-obscuring, go big and loose. Wear a monochromatic pieces for a more streamlined effect, and sleeves pushed up to prevent things that aren't poultry from being dragged through the gravy.

20/21

Super Hero

If your plan is to ball out, try a cape, which seems to be showing up on our favorite street style stars more and more these days.

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Keeping It Casual

If your event is on the casual side, make your comfy, stretchy loungewear feel expensive by finding a coordinating set that's fitted to keep it from looking frumpy.

Taylor Ayers is a fashion editor at Marie Claire, covering the new editorial fashion trends, looks, and contemporary styles.