30 Thanksgiving Outfits That Aren’t Just Your Favorite Sweatpants

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For most, Thanksgiving represents the kickoff to the holiday season. It’s the time of year that feels like everything’s starting to wind down, and you’re—likely—about to spend more time with family. But, this long awaited reunion can often come with a bit of anxiety about what to pull out of your closet for the occasion.

Sure, Thanksgiving has long been associated with stuffing our bellies full of just about anything—mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, turkey, stuffing, and, of course, Grandma’s famous desserts. But, depending on where you find yourself on this holiday, you might be deciding between your favorite pair of sweatpants or pulling the tags off of a new party dress. For others, Thanksgiving morning might mean the annual tradition of lacing up your sneakers and toeing the starting line of the local Turkey Trot.

No matter which type of person you are, the key to choosing the perfect Thanksgiving outfit is finding one that allows you to feel relaxed, confident, and ready to embrace the festivities (while also indulging in delicious food and creating lasting memories with loved ones, obviously).

So whether you’re a stretchy pants person or about to snap festive family photos, we have Thanksgiving Day outfits for you that will inspire you to spice up your wardrobe for the holiday. But, let’s be honest—there’s sweatpants on this list, too.

Tip: Because we love saving money and staying on budget, we’ve used many of the same items for a variety of outfits so that you can extend the options with any item you might add to your closet!

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas For When You’re The Hostess

There’s two kinds of people in the world: those who love to host Thanksgiving and those who simply love to show up and eat. If you’re a hostess this year, we love a casual, yet upscale look (think: sweater dresses). However, this is also Thanksgiving, so we’re focusing on comfort with low heels and comfortable flats because no one likes sore feet.

Hostess Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Classic Sweater Dress and Heels
Hostess Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Neutral Outfit With Trousers
Hostess Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Ready For Christmas
Hostess Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Sweater Vest and Satin Skirt
Hostess Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Tie Dress and Heels

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas For When You’re The One Cooking

If you’re not hosting, and you’re not eating, then chances are, you’re the one cooking! Whether you love to cook or you lost the rock-paper-scissors battle with your sibling, keeping your outfit casual, yet comfortable and easy to move around in is the ideal outfit for Thanksgiving. Plus, the chef always gets to rock the very best apron! For those that love to cook for the holiday, this is the time to show it off.

Loves To Cook Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Girly Lemon Apron and Jeans
Loves To Cook Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Matching Outfit To Apron
Loves To Cook Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Ruffled Apron and Turtleneck
Loves To Cook Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Lemon Apron and Blue Shirt

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas For When You’re The Casual One

Casual outfits on Thanksgiving can be anywhere from just below fancy to just above sweatpants. Which one are you? Casual outfits are always a versatile option no matter where you’re headed, so feel free to recycle these outfit ideas to wear to brunch with friends, on dates, or even to the farmer’s market.

Casual Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Athleisure Outfit
Casual Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Blouse With Jeans And Ballet Flats
Casual Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Oversized Zip Sweater and Jeans

Shop: Sweater | Bag | Jeans | Sneakers

Casual Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Tee Shirt And Jeans With Slippers

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas For When You’re Taking Family Photos

If you have long distance relatives (or if you’re a fan of the annual Christmas card), Thanksgiving might just be the time of year that you are shooting those photos. After all, the leaves are changing and the weather is just right to step outside and snap a few shots. Just because you’re dressing up more than normal, it doesn’t mean that you have to be uncomfortable!

Ready For Family Photos Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Cardigan and Maxi Dress
Ready For Family Photos Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Long Maxi Dress and Heels
Ready For Family Photos Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Turtleneck Sweater and Jeans
Ready For Family Photos Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Cardigan and Scarf

Shop: Cardigan | Scarf | Jeans | Boots

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas For When You Just Want To Watch The Game

Okay, okay. We can’t let Taylor have all the fun! There are some of us who are big sports fans and can’t wait to finish our food and sit down for an afternoon of football. Whether you’re a new Kansas City Chiefs fan (hello Kelce!) or you love the age-old rivalry of the Dallas Cowboys, sports fans know it’s all about comfort.

Sports Fan Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Dallas Cowboy Sweatshirt
Sports Fan Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Travis Kelce Jersey and Jeans

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas For When Being Comfortable Matters Most

A list of Thanksgiving Day outfits would not be complete without everyone’s favorite attire—sweatpants. Or, in some cases this might be your favorite pair of leggings. Whichever it may be, Thanksgiving might be the quintessential time of year to pull out your stretchy pants, grab another plate of sweet potato casserole, and spend the afternoon—or evening—eating with loved ones. (And, enjoying the fact that you’re the most comfortable person in the room.)

Cozy Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Fuzzy Sweater and Jeggings
Cozy Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Jumpsuit and Sneakers
Cozy Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Oversized Shirt with Leggings
Cozy Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Sweatsuit Set
Cozy Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Sherpa Jacket and Sweater Pants

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas For When It’s Time To Party

Just like there are people who want to spend the entire day in loungewear, there are people who use Thanksgiving as a time to par-tay! If you’re the one bringing the wine, you might be the one who is livening up the party, too! So, embrace it, party animal—bring out the sequins and high heels—let’s toast!

Party Animal Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Sequined Blouse and Faux Leather Pants
Party Animal Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Velvet Blazer and Silk Cami
Party Animal Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Velvet Dress and Heels

Shop: Coat | Dress | Pumps | Earrings

Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas For When You’re Running The Turkey Trot

Competitive family? Someone who likes to workout in the morning to break a sweat to start the day? The Turkey Trot has been a yearly tradition across the country for years, whether you’re back home in your small hometown or you’re in New York City. We love a casual, no-pressure way to get out and get some fresh air with our friends and family, but if you want to take it up a notch, put those headphones in and hit the pavement.

Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Jacket with Crop Tank and Sneakers
Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Matching Workout Set
Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Windbreaker and Tank and Leggings
Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas - Long Sleeve Tee and Leggings
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