🦃 What to Wear at Thanksgiving Dinner: Outfit Ideas for Thanksgiving Hosts and Guests

By Lisa Oberst 03 November 2025

Family posing together.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays—not just for the food (though, let’s be real, I’ll never say no to a smoked turkey and a buttery tart), but because it’s one of the rare times my whole family comes together. With my sister in Brussels, my brother in Atlanta, my parents in D.C., and me in Miami, it’s not easy to coordinate everyone in the same room. But somehow, every November, we make it happen.

Our version of Thanksgiving mixes a bit of everything—American classics like pumpkin and pecan pie (my brother’s and dad’s favorites), and French dishes, like lapin aux pruneaux (rabbit with prunes) or cailles aux raisins (quails with grapes). We always dress up, pop champagne by the chimney, and even exchange gifts since we’re never all together for Christmas. It’s festive, a little chaotic, and one of the best parts of the year.

So whether you're hosting, traveling, or just showing up with a bottle of wine and a smile, Thanksgiving deserves an outfit that feels good. I’ve put together some outfit ideas that are perfect for moving from the kitchen to the dining table, or from dinner to dessert. 

Let’s get into it!

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas for the Host

When you're hosting, comfort is non-negotiable. You're juggling cooking, cleaning, setting the table, greeting guests and you still want to look and feel good doing it. 

1. Flowy Dress + Oxfords + Crossbody

A fall-toned midi or maxi dress (burgundy, deep green, or cream) is a go-to for me. It moves with you, looks polished, and is forgiving if you go back for seconds (or thirds😉).

Woman walking by water wearing flowy green maxi dress with Pistachio Womads.

You can layer your dress with a chunky knit cardigan to really lean into the cozy vibes—especially if you’re somewhere on the cooler side. Then add Womads peep-toe flats or oxfords for support and breathability. You’ll be on your feet a lot, so comfortable shoes matter.

I’ll also suggest our new burgundy peep-toes, they just scream fall. The deep, rich purple gives the same vibe as the dark lip trend for winter and I am absolutely obsessed with it. 

You can even add on a small crossbody bag to keep your hands free while still having easy access to your phone and any other essentials you need. And hint, you will soon be able to match the burgundy peep toes with a burgundy bag👀

2. Maxi Skirt + Breathable Top + Peep-Toe Flats

A flowy maxi skirt gives just the right amount of structure and the perfect amount of flexibility.  I love pairing my maxi skirts with a cropped top. I  find when I am hosting I get hot super quickly, between the oven and running around, the skirt helps keep everything light and not like it's attached to my body.  

Woman posing in New York with black maxi skirt, black crop top, black oxfords and gold crossbody bag.

I also love this look for when Thanksgiving heads outdoors—especially here in Miami, where we’re still enjoying those 75-degree evenings. You can slip on a pair of Womads peep-toes (in my opinion, the new Cow Print is perfect) and continue hosting in and outside. 

Cow print peep toe sandals.

3. Loose Jeans + Crop Top + Oxfords

Okay never under estimate the power of relaxed jeans paired with a fitted or cropped knit top.  They make the perfect combo. The look is casual but still feels put together. A big plus is by keeping it simple no matter where your plans end up, you'll be comfortable. 

Woman staring down at camera wearing Gold Oxfords, Gold Crossbody, jeans and black crop top.

Add our soft leather oxfords for that polished, comfortable finish.

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas for the Guest

When you’re a guest, you want something stylish but low-maintenance. The goal is to be comfy enough for endless food and floor lounging, while still looking festive for family photos (even the unplanned ones). 

Here are ideas for a comfortable and stylish Thanksgiving outfit as a guest. 

1. Keep is simple with your favorite sweater and jeans

Woman sitting on steps wearing cream sweater, jeans and white peep toes.

One of the best parts of fall is the cozy sweaters, colors and prints. Sometimes you just need to keep it simple especially if you are having a casual Thanksgiving or you just want a comfortable Thanksgiving outfit. Finding your favorite cozy sweater, and pair of denim or trousers that make you feel the most comfortable. You can dress this up with gold jewelry and a cute jacket.

two women sitting on step. Left wearing red sweater, caramel Oxfords and Jeans while the woman on right is wearing all black denim.

2. Add a scarf to accessorize while staying warm

When I think of fall, I think of layers and scarves. A scarf is such an easy way to accessorize—it looks great and adds real value to your outfit. You can easily take it on or off depending on the weather, and it brings extra dimension to your look.

Woman posing with pink tote bag, white jacket jeans, and black and cream scarf. 

3. Cardigan + Tank + Trousers

This outfit is cool-girl-casual. A cardigan or a button up adds an effortless look, while the fitted white tank underneath adds layers. The tank can be used to add in a pop of color too.  Tuck it into high-waisted trousers, and you’re good to go. You’ll be super comfy and set in case the weather flips.

Woman sitting on step wearing trousers, white button up unbuttoned and green tank, paired with caramel peep toes.

I usually finish this look with Womads oxfords or peep toes in Caramel, it's one of my favorite shades for the fall. 

4. Long Skirt + Sweater with a light jacket + Oxfords

Woman wearing white maxi skirt with white sweater and gold peep toes.

A look I love is how sweaters compliment skirts. 

Skirts are a go to for events like Thanksgiving because they allow you to move and breathe freely. They also immediately dress up your outfit without any discomfort and really without even thinking much about your outfit. 

Paring a long skirt with your favorite sweater will be super feminine, festive and comfy. You can also customize the colors to what you own or to what you feel comfortable in. 

5. Monochrome Black Look: Skirt + Tee + Pop of Color

I am a big fan of the monochromatic look. I call this one, the ultimate cool-girl outfit: black leather skirt + black top + black crossbody. I then throw in our burgundy peep toe sandals

Woman sitting in black skirt, black crossbody bag, and black top, paired with burgundy peep toes.

It’s sleek, chic, and works whether you’re heading to a friendsgiving or a formal family dinner. 


Final Tips for Thanksgiving Outfits 

  • Layers are your friend: Thanksgiving weather is famously unpredictable. A cardigan, scarf, or vest makes it easy to adjust depending on the weather. You never know it could be cold in the morning then summer in the afternoon. Layers help you dress for both. 

Woman posting in front of streets of Bologna wearing black oversized jacket, jeans and gold crossbody.
  • Footwear matters: You’ll likely be on your feet—cooking, chatting or helping clean up. If you live in Miami or somewhere warm like I do, you might be inside and outside for dinner. I’ve lived in Miami for 5 years and the peep toes have always been my go to because you can easily slip them on and off and wear them all day. 

up close shot of burgundy peep toe flats.

This year I will be in DC for thanksgiving which will be such an adjustment because I am so used to the Miami heat. I'll definitely be packing my Oxfords since they are super easy to slip on and off like the peep toes but the close toe option helps with the cooler climate.

  • Plan ahead: Try your outfit on the day before especially if you’re traveling or hosting. You’ll have tons to do. You definitely don’t want a last minute outfit issue.

Thanksgiving, But Make It You

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable dresses or foot blisters. The best outfit is one that makes you feel confident, comfy, and can go for as many rounds of pie as you’d like. 

Woman posing in front of a country wearing gold crossbody, black top and medium wash denim. 

If you're still looking for the perfect pair of shoes for your Thanksgiving outfit, shop our Womads leather flats and oxfords—both made with breathable, soft leather to keep you comfy all day long. And if you’re looking for the perfect bag to help you host or to bring along with you, check out our new leather crossbody bags. 

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