Fashion

Holiday Dressing: 9 Types of Outfits You Should Wear to Thanksgiving

As we mentioned, there's a lot of pomp and circumstance around what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner, and quite frankly, it doesn't need to be that complicated. We all know how the evening ends — in a tryptophan-induced food coma, of course. So let's be clear about fashion expectations here: this isn't about donning themed sweaters or ultra-formal dresses to a turkey-fueled day of gratitude, it's about successfully toeing the line between being uncomfortably overdressed, perfectly polished, and comfortably underdressed.

That's where these street-style fixtures come in. Let their perpetual "every day is a fashion show" attitude (and coordinating wardrobe) inspire your own Thanksgiving dress code. There's something for the '90s grunge-obsessed girl and the no-frills LBD wearer. There's something for the prepster and the girl who can't live without denim. And yes, there's even something appropriately chic for the girl who's going home to meet the parents.

Image: jxxsy/Instagram

by Marisa Tom

Belt Optional

Start the evening off with a casual look dressed up with a textured waist belt and pointy-toe pumps. Once the food coma sets in (and it will), kick up your heels, remove the belt altogether, and let the oversize turtleneck do its cozy shapeless thing.

Image: Yasmin Sewell/Zara

Dress Attire

If you treat the Thanksgiving dress code like that of a festive dinner party, then this embellished cocktail dress is par for the course. With a long sweater and black ankle booties, a printed knee-length shift is more than appropriate for the feast ahead.

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Cooler Shades of Fall

The goal here isn't to strike a librarian-chic vibe necessarily, so much as it is to play with proportions and cool autumnal hues. Like Lucky magazine editor-in-chief Eva Chen, try pairing a fuller knee-length skirt with a crew-neck sweater in complementary shades of navy and forest green. Bonus points for patent oxfords.

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Grunge Girl

For the grunge-loving girl, here's a dressed-up loophole for you. Look for below-the-knee skirts in preppier cable-knit textures to style with your go-to plaids. To make Mom happy, add minimalist stud earrings for a dash of polish.

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In the Details

Bold details can transform even the most basic pieces. Polka-dotted tights and a bright blue hue instantly boosted this outfit, and the best part? If you're traveling during the holiday weekend, these are things that fit easily into a carry-on bag.

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Classic Look

The classic approach is classic for a reason. Wide-leg trousers and a clean, crisp sweater is really all you need to make a great Thanksgiving dinner impression. If the evening calls for formality, add a long necklace, pumps, and a slicked-back bun to the mix.

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Key Accessories

While it's probably in your best interest to wear a slightly roomier LBD to dinner — that is, if you're planning on stockpiling the Thanksgiving bounty — the most important takeaway from this look is the add-ons. A beautiful eye-catching statement necklace, faux-fur jacket, and knee-high boots provide a much more formal edge to an otherwise simple sheath.

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Meet the Parents

Finally meeting the parents? Although a sophisticated outfit with no frills or punches is certainly the way to go, you don't have to leave color out of the equation either. Pair a plaid coat and color-blocked sheath with kitten heels, and if you're in a colder climate, don't forget to wear opaque tights.

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Ladylike Style

Ignore the socks-and-sandals (unless you particularly like that combination) and turn your attention to this ladylike mock-neck top and skirt set. It's playful without seeming childish. To finish, add a tweedy coat to give the look its wintry edge.

Image: jxxsy/Instagram

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