Thanksgiving break is always a surprisingly busy time. You're technically on a break from school (hello, vacay!) but you've got relatives you've never seen before invading your house, there are old crushes and situationships that are back in town trying to hit you up, and we can't forget the Friendsgivings and parties to attend on top of homework – all of which (well, besides the homework) require cute Thanksgiving outfit ideas.
That being said, everyone knows you can't fully dedicate yourself to traditional holiday gorging in belly-constricting skinny jeans. You need to get yourself a look that showcases your style glow-up while still being comfy enough to properly chow down on the best meal of the year. Thankfully, these comfy-cute Thanksgiving outfit ideas will give you plenty of room for seconds (and dessert). Shop our favorite styles from colorful, checkered scarves to perfect plaid skirts below.
Dinner Prep
Help your mom prep the veggies for her famous casserole in a preppy ensemble that’s giving some strong Rachel Green from Friends energy. Pair with fleece-lined tights to stay cozy even as the temps drop.
Bundled Up
You might only be walking from your car into your grandma’s house, but the scarf is just as much a part of the ‘fit as it is for warmth. These checked, colorful scarves are super trendy and as cozy as they look.
"You're Cute Jeans"
There's a reason that "just a cute top and jeans" is the perfect outfit formula. A dark floral print is a great way to look like you put in a bit of effort for the big family dinner, while still keeping things subdued with chill colors.
Argyle and Apple Pie
Preppy prints like argyle are a total classic Hot Girl Fall style. Switch things up by wearing the staple piece in a bright, trendy color like Barbiecore pink, and layer over a turtleneck to keep out the cold.
Baby Doll Dress
Babydoll-style dresses are one of the most comfortable silhouettes you could possibly reach for, thanks to, well, all that fabric! This one is made out of a lightweight cotton, so nothing feels heavy or tight. Just how Thanksgiving dinner outfits should be, amiright?
A Shacket Moment
A shacket (a.k.a. a shirt-jacket) helps you achieve that perfect balance between casual and cute. Wear your fave leggings and tank top combo, and then throw this shacket on top of your comfies to channel fall vibes at Thanksgiving dinner with minimal effort.
Fancy Leggings
You may have promised your mom that you won't wear leggings to Thanksgiving dinner with the extended family, but you didn't say you wouldn't wear their fancier leather counterpart! Amp up your fave wardrobe staple with this faux leather version. They're stretchy and comfortable while still looking dressy.
A Festive Print
Something about a fair isle print makes a look feel so *festive* for the upcoming holidays. Plus, you can easily get away with throwing on your comfiest jeans or leggings and just letting the sweater do all of the talking.
Brunette the Label The Fair Isle Not Your Boyfriend's Knit Sweater
Cozy Sweater Dress
The stretchy ribbed knit material of this dress is super cozy, and thanks to the slouchy silhouette, it has a bit more of that cool factor that we're always on the hunt for.
Touchable Fleece
Add this plush faux fur coat to any basic outfit to level-up your entire look. The material is as cozy as a blanket, so no matter how many plates you've had that day, uncomfortable is one thing you won't be (you might be full, tho).
Dressed-Up Sweatpants
Hit snooze too many times while catching up on sleep all day? Roll out of bed and head straight to your Thanksgiving dinner with these incredibly chic (yet stretchy!) flare pants that'll make you look and feel like That Girl™.
Sweater (Vest) Weather
The sweater vest is the IT piece this fall and 100% appropriate for your family's Thanksgiving dinner. Wear it with your favorite tennis or denim skirt. The preppy vibe will have you feeling like you're living out a Thanksgiving episode of Gossip Girl (minus the drama!)
Cool-Girl Midi Dress
Slay the holidays in a midi dress like this calf-length floral dress. If you're headed to a Friendsgiving where your ex will be in attendance, you're going to want to turn heads in a 'fit like this one. Pair with comfortable ankle boots with a small heel.
Game Day Best
Football gear at a family party is totally allowed on Thanksgiving. Grab your favorite dessert and yell at the television with the whole fam in this ugly (read: adorable) sweater.
Zero Pants Required
Forget the worry of waistbands with a pretty floral dress that gives you extra room. The eyelet texture is feminine and unique, plus the long sleeve is perfect for autumn layering.
Cozy Queen
You can never go wrong with a sweater that will keep you warm and cozy all day long. Plus, the white floral print really jumps out. Funky sweaters like this give major Harry Styles energy.
Lightweight Skirt
A flowy skirt is easy to wear (especially after your third plate) and cute enough for an outfit pic. Pair with a cropped sweater and booties to give it more of a fall-season feel, then wear it with a tank when spring rolls around.
Baggy is Better
"Skinny jeans" are practically a taboo word during the Thanksgiving season, because this holiday is all about saving room for your food baby. Wear a pair of cool cargos with a tee or a thin sweater for an easy Thanksgiving look.
A Pretty Wrap
Wrap dresses are a necessity in every closet – no matter what the season. The adjustable waist tie will be your best friend during your Thanksgiving feast and the satin-y finish looks ~fancy~ for all those family pics.
Sleeping Bag Sweater
Get you an outfit that comes prepped for your post-feast nap. This comfy sweater is like a sleeping bag with arms, but it's also fashion, because cold weather 'fits are all about staying super cozy.
Shhh... They're Leggings
Thanksgiving without leggings is like turkey without the gravy – you could do it, but it just wouldn't be as good. Opt for a fun striped version that looks like pants, but still provides ample stretch.
Statement Sweats
Tuck a cozy sweater into a pair of sweats on Thanksgiving Day to properly utilize that stretchy waistband. You don't have to reach for the oldest pair of sweatpants in your pajama drawer to take advantage of the comfort, either — these cute smiley sweats are fun and funky.
Simple Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is a great option for a Thanksgiving outfit. It's a trendy look that requires zero effort. Just zip it right up, pop on your favorite gold jewelry, and get to eating.
'90s Slip Dress
The slip-dress is an elegant go-to for every season. In the summer, wear it with platform sandals. For Thanksgiving, pair yours with a denim jacket or layer it over a turtleneck if it's a particularly chilly day.
Cardigan or Blanket? You Decide
You'll barely feel the difference when you have to get out of bed and change into this cozy AF sweater. This plush cardi doubles as a dress, too — just throw on some fleece-lined leggings and head downstairs.
Glamorous Sweats
If you want to wear sweatpants but realistically need to find something a little more dressed-up, go for a knit pant. They're soft and stretchy, but they'll also look totally sophisticated if you can find a co-ord set with a matching top.
Utility Suit
Two words: utility suit. This one-and-done number is a must for a lowkey Friendsgiving get-together. Add tights and heeled boots for the a fashion-girl look that fits the holiday.
Super Soft Slip
A simple, satin slip skirt is something you can throw on and look completely put together. Plus it can be paired with basically anything: T-shirts, cropped sweaters, oversized turtlenecks. Need we say more?
Plaid for Days
Channel your best Cher Horowitz from Clueless in this incredible yellow plaid print. Warm tones feel very Thanksgiving-appropriate, and there are plenty of ways to fashion-ify the skirt from styling it with a turtleneck and gold jewelry to wearing it with a leather blazer.
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
