The Anatomy Of An Ideal Thanksgiving Outfit
My five tips for dining in style.
First off, a hearty congratulations to you for making it to the final lap of the year. 2024 was full of both lofty silver linings and deep dark abysses. For the sake of our sanity (and staying on theme with being grateful), let’s stick to the positives in today’s newsletter. Some of us got engaged, others attended their first Jimmy Choo sample sale, and still others resigned from their job of nine years (spoiler: it was me; go back and read those posts if you haven’t yet!).
I can’t believe it’s Thanksgiving already. Then again, I’ve already been down for the count with a winter cold (a telltale sign the holidays are here!), and I count 21 green bean casserole cups packed in my fridge (I only make them once a year — always with a heaping side portion of “will-they-or-will-they-not collapse” when popped out of their muffin tins), so it must be Turkey Day. (Why not practice this dish one of the other 364 days of the year to perfect the recipe and avoid this drama, you ask? Well, where’s the fun in that!)
Once the dish is baked, next comes the ‘fit. So, let’s discuss: What makes for an ideal Thanksgiving outfit?
*Please Note: I may earn a commission on some products purchased through links in this article.
Before we dive in, yes, I acknowledge that getting all dressed up to sit in your own living room (or in my case, my sister’s) with family and/or friends you see semi-regularly can seem unnecessary. But where large groups gather, there are photos to take and impressions to make, and I’m not one to waste a perfectly good outfit opportunity.
To ensure I’m making the most of the moment, I generally keep the below in mind:
1. Keep Constricting Clothes In The Closet
This is rule No. 1 in my Thanksgiving outfit playbook. My priority is to sample as many delicious delicacies as possible, and that means my favorite high-waisted jeans with zero stretch can stay right in the drawer. (Ditto to any tight belts or stiff fitted bodices.) Today is not the day. I went with a flowy midi — turned maxi on me, alas — dress that allows plenty of room for second helpings.
2. Understand That Bell Sleeves Are A Hazard
I had another printed midi dress in mind for today’s feast, but it was outfitted with groovy bell sleeves in contrasting prints that would almost definitely get in the way of tray-passing and table reaching. I’m no stranger to suffering for the sake of fashion (within reason), but trailing mashed potatoes across my sister’s gorgeous tablescape was not in the cards for me today.
3. If You Run Hot, Make Temperature-Control Details A Must
I love a chunky sweater or chic turtleneck, but they’re almost always too warm for me during indoor hangs, particularly if the heat is cranking. Add in 23 guests, a couple drinks, and a table full of steaming dishes, and I’m glistening. An open-back look is a huge help for me, and if I’m wrong about the temperature, I know I can always add on a layer. But you can’t always take one away! ;)
4. Visiting A Shoes-Off Household? Get Your Socks Showtime-Ready
My sister and her husband Seb reside in a decidedly shoes-off household. (Most NYC homes are, thanks to the absolute filthiness of city streets and the we-walk-everywhere nature of getting places... If you’ve ever tread a snow-covered sidewalk in the city, you’ll appreciate just how much dog pee is actually covering this winter wonderland 100 percent of the time.) Anyway, a festive sock that won’t look dingy after an hour of skirting about is essential. Mine are blue and sparkly today, but see a few more ideas below! (Or you can take my mom’s route and get yourself a pair of sparkly slippers, which I’m honestly kicking myself for not thinking about.)
5. Remember That Everyone Loves A Fall Shoutout
Whether you opt for jewel tones, leaf prints, or a cute chunky sweater, a little nod to the cozy season is always a good idea (and pointing out how festive you look is a great ice-breaker for fellow feasters). Tell the room, “Hey, I know what season it is!” with a look that plays up the fall vibes. I went the romantic bohemian route with my floral-dotted velvet dress, but there are endless variations on this theme that you can make your own.
And there you have it! The anatomy of the perfect Thanksgiving outfit, according to me.
Happy Feasting!
xx Elly
*Please Note: I may earn a commission on some products purchased through links in this article.