Thanksgiving Outfit Style Guide - Darn Good Yarn

Thanksgiving Outfit Style Guide

Written by Michaela MacBlake Matthews

Thanksgiving is a dynamic holiday to dress for, with tons of family gathering around and chilly weather begging for layers! You may be bringing your special someone home to meet the aunts and uncles… or even meeting theirs! Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. This Thanksgiving, you can be certain that you’re rocking cute and wholesome fall fashion in perfect balance.

What To Wear When You’re Meeting The Parents For Thanksgiving

When you’re meeting the parents, or extended family for the first time, you want to look good. Keep in mind though, that being comfortable and dressing for function is more important than making a statement! The ideal top for meeting the parents might be that darling bell-sleeve blouse that makes you feel confident, smart, and feminine all at the same time… until it drags through the cranberry sauce.

When you’re picking out your Thanksgiving outfit, keep a few things in mind:

  • You might be playing with children, so make sure your waistband and neckline are bend-friendly.
  • You’re almost guaranteed to be reaching over plates of food at some point, so keep your sleeves sensible!
  • Wear something you can eat in. And really eat- skip the wide fashion belts, be ready to take your scarf off if you’re wearing one, and if you know you’re going to be a little nervous, avoid white! Patterns are a more spill-friendly option, worst case scenario.

Okay, so being prepared is awesome. At the end of the day though, remember that hiccups and hangups are what rom-coms are made of. If you think you might be making an impression on your future in-laws, you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be family. Here are our favorite picks for making memories this Thanksgiving:

Sedona Patchwork Dress + Skirt

A fun and flirty thanksgiving outfit with the Sedona Patchwork Dress

This dress can easily be paired with a tank top or a cardigan for a little extra coverage, easy layering, and plenty of flow to be feeling feminine- without worrying about your hemline. If you’re looking for a balance between youthfulness and modesty, the Sedona Patchwork Dress is the perfect choice!

Zaria Wrap Dress

Two women sitting in the Zaria Wrap Dress with adjustable sleeves.

For an earthy, bohemian look this Thanksgiving, the Zaria Wrap Dress is a no-brainer. Why? Because it has all of the be-yourself power of loose, side-slit sleeves… and the adjustability that a gravy lover needs! That’s right, you can have your pumpkin pie and eat it too in this dress.

Aanya Adjustable Short Kaftan

Body positive thanksgiving style in a Kaftan top.

This top is the best option for a stellar Thanksgiving outfit if you tend to be a little body-conscious, especially around the holidays. The drawstring detail provides a flattering form, while the long wing-shaped sleeves allow for a little ambiguity- because today, we’re not thinking about our figures.

Sari Wrap Skirt

Edgy sweet style for thanksgiving in the Sari Wrap Skirt

If you tend to have an edgy style, you might be caught between a rock and a hard place for the holidays. Do we be ourselves, or dress it up? With the Sari Wrap Skirt, the answer is yes. Who said you can’t pull off the girl-next-door vibes in your favorite band shirt or muscle tee? Go get ‘em!

Heather Bolero Vest

Classy, classic, and creative style for thanksgiving in a rainbow vest.

This vest is the perfect companion to a simple black long sleeve tee and a pair of jeans- or even better yet, brown corduroys. It’s soft and sharp at the same time, and artsy without being overdone. If you’re looking for classy and whimsical, this is it!

Amara Long Recycled Sari Duster

A long duster with a cute and relaxed style outfit for thanksgiving.

Last but definitely not least, this duster is the ultimate up-style for leggings, while still layering nicely under those outdoor coats and scarves! Let’s face it, planning layers so that you don’t end up feeling like a walking roll of paper towels can be a puzzle. With the Amara Duster, you can be comfortable, cute, and warm. That is the trifecta of Thanksgiving style!

Meet the Author

Close up of the author, Michaela Matthews wearing red lipstick and a poofy red scarf with white flower arrangement in background.

"Mac" is on the Lifestyle Team here at Darn Good Yarn, and loves taking a ‘teach a man to fish’ approach to creative therapy. She is certified in neuro-linguistic programming, and is also the surreal artist and author behind Surrealismac.