Thanksgiving dressing is a specific kind of problem. You need something that looks put together for the photos, survives a long meal, and still feels fine when you go back for pie. Here are five outfits that do all three, plus a few rules that make the choice easier.
The Rule for Thanksgiving Outfits: Comfort at the Waist
Nobody has ever regretted a forgiving waistband on the fourth Thursday of November. Look for stretch, drape, or an easy A-line cut instead of anything fitted through the middle. You can still look sharp. You just don't want to unbutton anything by 3 p.m.
1. The Knit Sweater and Wide-Leg Pants
A mid-weight knit sweater with wide-leg trousers is the safest outfit on this list. It's warm, it photographs well, and it works whether dinner is at your mother-in-law's or a restaurant. Stick to fall shades: brown, cream, rust, olive.
2. The Long-Sleeve Midi Dress
A long-sleeve midi with an A-line or relaxed waist is dressy enough for a nicer table and comfortable enough for a full plate. Add tights or boots and a cardigan, and you're covered for a chilly house or a cold walk from the car. Browse dresses for midi lengths.
3. The Matching Set
A knit or striped two-piece set looks planned without any effort, and the pieces split up for later. Wear the set for dinner, then wear the top with jeans the next week.
4. The Cardigan Coat Over Basics
If you're going to be up and down all day, cooking, hosting, or hauling dishes, a relaxed cardigan coat over a simple top and jeans gives you a finished look you can peel off when the kitchen gets hot. Look through jackets and coats for plaid and neutral options.
5. The Sweater Vest Over a Button-Down
This one reads polished without trying. A knit vest over a collared shirt with straight pants or a midi skirt works for a family dinner and looks good in the group photo.
Colors That Work for Thanksgiving
You can't go wrong with the season's own palette: burnt orange, deep green, camel, chocolate brown, burgundy, and cream. If you want to stand out a little, pick one strong color and keep everything else neutral.
What to Skip
Anything stiff, anything you have to hold your stomach in for, and anything that needs constant adjusting. Also skip the very light colors if you're the one cooking or holding a toddler with gravy.
Shoes and Layers
Ankle boots or flats you can stand in for hours. Bring a layer even if the forecast looks warm, because houses run both ways at Thanksgiving, and you'll either be roasting by the oven or sitting next to the drafty window.
See the whole Fall Edit for pieces that work for the holiday and the weeks around it.
