What to Wear for Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas
Thanksgiving is a time for family, good food, and gathering around the table. It is also an opportunity to dress well. For fashion-forward gentlemen, the ideal Thanksgiving outfit should reflect a sense of personal style for dinner plans but also be roomy enough for lots of eating. Whether your plans include a traditional family dinner, a restaurant reservation, or a more formal gathering, there are plenty of ways to put together a polished seasonal look. From a well-cut sport coat with dress pants to a classic sweater and chinos, the best Thanksgiving outfits for men rely on timeless pieces that can be worn well beyond the holiday. So, for those wondering what to wear for Thanksgiving, start with the setting and then build your outfit around quality, fit, and comfort.
Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas for Men
Casual Family Thanksgiving
A relaxed family gathering does not mean you need to throw all style out of the equation. For casual Thanksgiving attire, we recommend pairing a well-fitting pair of chinos or dark-wash denim with a button-down shirt and a knitted sweater.
If you want something that’s pure classic, the combination of navy chinos, a light-blue shirt, and a burgundy or camel sweater to offer the ultimate refined autumn look. Corduroy trousers can also add some seasonal character while providing the comfort needed for a long day around the house. Then, complete your final look with some leather loafers, chukka boots, or another well-made casual shoe.
Keeping casual Thanksgiving day outfits is well suited to gentlemen who prefer traditional menswear and want to keep things relaxed for their gatherings.
Smart-Casual / Dressy-Casual Thanksgiving
For many Thanksgiving gatherings, smart-casual is the ideal middle ground. It allows you to look put-together and sharp. Featuring a pair of tailored pants or chinos alongside a dress shirt and sport coat, you can easily create a dependable outfit. Alternatively, replace the sport coat with a fine merino wool or an upscale, cashmere sweater and your ensemble is slightly more relaxed.
When considering what to wear at Thanksgiving dinner, first you should consider selecting pieces that can easily be dressed up or down. A navy sport coat, for example, can be worn with gray pants for dinner or paired with chinos for a more casual gathering. Lastly, finish things off with brown leather loafers or lace-up shoes and complete your Thanksgiving dinner outfit beautifully.
Formal Thanksgiving Dinner
If your Thanksgiving plans include a fancy restaurant or formal family dinner, a suit is entirely appropriate. A well-tailored navy, charcoal, or brown suit provides a classic foundation, however, for a slightly less formal approach, one can wear a sport coat with tailored pants, a designer dress shirt, and some polished leather shoes. This combination has the advantage of making you look sophisticated but feeling less restrictive than when wearing a full suit.
The important consideration with formal Thanksgiving attire is fit. A well-fitting jacket and properly tailored pants will always make a strong impression for trendsetters.
Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving Parties
Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving parties tend to offer a little more flexibility. This is an opportunity to incorporate richer colors, seasonal textures, and distinctive accessories while maintaining a mature, well-dressed appearance. We recommend to our gents that they wear some tailored pants with a patterned dress shirt and sport coat, or combine dark denim with a sweater and suede sport coat. The classic vest or tasteful seasonal accessory can also add interest for those warm, friendsgiving parties. After all, with Thanksgiving party attire, the goal should always be relaxed sophistication rather than casual clothing for its own sake.
What to Wear If You're Hosting vs. If You're a Guest
Your role at Thanksgiving can help determine what to wear this Thanksgiving. If you are hosting, choose clothing that allows you to move comfortably while preparing food, welcoming guests, and spending time with family. A pair of comfortable pants, a button-down shirt, and a lightweight sweater provides the right balance.
That said, if you are a guest, take your cue from the host and the setting. When attending a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, a sport coat and pants are always a dependable option. For a casual family gathering, chinos, a dress shirt, and a sweater may be all you need.
Above all, avoid clothing that feels too restrictive. Thanksgiving is a long occasion, and comfort becomes increasingly important after dinner…and all of the feasting.
The Thanksgiving Color and Fabric Guide for Men
The right colors and fabrics can give your outfit a distinctly seasonal feel without relying on novelty Thanksgiving clothing.
Classic colors for men's Thanksgiving outfits include:
- Navy
- Charcoal
- Brown
- Camel
- Burgundy
- Olive
- Cream
- Forest green
These shades work particularly well with traditional fall fabrics such as wool, cashmere, corduroy, flannel, and suede. While a cashmere or merino wool sweater can add warmth and refinement to a casual outfit, a wool sport coat provides structure for a more formal gathering. Additionally, corduroy trousers are another excellent choice for the season, particularly when paired with a classic dress shirt and sport coat.
For a men’s Thanksgiving outfit that will remain useful after the holiday, we recommend that you prioritize timeless colors and high-quality fabrics rather than pieces that are overly seasonal.
The Best Footwear to Wear During Thanksgiving
Your shoes should complement the formality of your outfit while remaining comfortable enough if you plan to wear them for several hours of standing, sitting, and socializing. For casual gatherings, leather loafers, chukka boots, and quality leather sneakers can work well. For a dressier Thanksgiving dinner outfit, consider classic loafers, brogues, or polished leather lace-up shoes.
Weather should also be taken into account. If you expect rain or snow, choose footwear that can handle the conditions without compromising the overall appearance of your outfit. As always, a well-maintained pair of leather shoes can elevate even a relatively simple combination of pants and a sweater.
Thanksgiving Style Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake when deciding what to wear for Thanksgiving is ignoring the setting. Thanksgiving attire should reflect the occasion and time of year—depending on if you’re a Canadian or an American celebrating.
Keep these points in mind:
- Avoid clothing that is too tight or uncomfortable for a long dinner.
- Make sure pants and jacket sleeves are properly tailored.
- Do not overlook the condition of your shoes.
- Avoid combining too many bold colors or patterns.
- Consider the weather before choosing outerwear and footwear.
- Do not feel obligated to wear novelty Thanksgiving-themed clothing.
When in doubt, a classic sport coat, dress shirt, and tailored pants are difficult to get wrong. In short, good menswear does not need to call attention to itself. The best outfits simply fit well, complement the wearer, and suit the occasion.
Thanksgiving Attire for Men FAQs
What should a man wear to Thanksgiving dinner?
For most Thanksgiving dinners, a dress shirt with chinos or tailored pants and a sweater or sport coat is an excellent choice. If the occasion is formal, consider a well-tailored suit. The best Thanksgiving dinner outfit should reflect the setting while remaining comfortable.
Is it okay to wear jeans to Thanksgiving dinner?
Yes, particularly for a casual family gathering. Choose a dark, clean pair of well-fitting jeans and combine them with a quality sweater, button-down shirt, or sport coat. This creates a polished interpretation of casual dress for Thanksgiving.
What's the best color to wear for Thanksgiving?
Navy, brown, camel, burgundy, olive, charcoal, and cream are excellent choices. These colors complement the season and pair easily with traditional men's wardrobe staples.
What should I wear if I'm hosting Thanksgiving dinner?
If you are hosting, choose comfortable yet polished clothing. Chinos or tailored pants with a button-down shirt and sweater are practical choices. If you prefer a more traditional appearance, add a casual sport coat.
Can you wear a suit to Thanksgiving?
Yes, a suit is appropriate for a formal Thanksgiving dinner, an upscale restaurant, or a gathering where the hosts have requested more formal attire. For a less formal occasion, separate a sport coat from tailored pants for a more relaxed appearance.
What's a good casual Thanksgiving outfit for men?
A classic casual Thanksgiving outfit could include dark denim or chinos, a button-down shirt, a merino wool sweater, and leather loafers or casual boots. It provides comfort without looking too relaxed.
What should I wear to Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is generally more relaxed, making it a good opportunity to combine tailored casual pieces. Try dark pants or denim with a sweater, sport coat, or patterned shirt. However, your Thanksgiving party attire can have a little more personality.
How should I dress for Thanksgiving if the weather is unpredictable?
Layering is the most practical approach. Start with a dress shirt or polo, add a sweater or sport coat, and keep a suitable coat available for traveling. Choosing quality layers allows you to adjust your outfit as temperatures change.
What is the Thanksgiving dress code?
There is no universal Thanksgiving dress code. It depends on the gathering, venue, and preferences of the host. A family dinner may call for casual or smart-casual clothing, while an upscale restaurant or formal dinner may require a suit or dressier sport coat and pants.
When deciding what to wear this Thanksgiving, consider the occasion first and your personal style second. A gentleman's wardrobe should give him plenty of options.
At Upscale Menswear, the focus is on helping men build a wardrobe around quality, fit, and timeless style. With the right pieces in your closet, finding the right Thanksgiving attire and dressing well for any occasion, becomes considerably easier.
