Thanksgiving Looks: What to Wear to Dinner, From a Cashmere Cardigan to a Candle

Spread the love

These Thanksgiving looks are built for a long table, a warm house and a drive or flight on either side. You can shop my Thanksgiving looks collection to see every piece in one place.

The idea is simple: soft knits you can sit in for hours, one good wrap, flat shoes for a house with a no-shoes rule, and a small gift for the host. The mix runs from a Loewe scarf at the top to Everlane pants and Stems socks at the lower end, so you can pick one splurge and fill in the rest.

Thanksgiving looks to wear to dinner, from a cardigan to a candle

Thanksgiving dressing is about comfort that still looks like you tried. I think about a fireplace, a long meal and a plate of something roasted, then dress for that. Here are the photos that set the mood.

Fireplace lounge with deep sofas, a cozy backdrop for Thanksgiving looks — Photo credit: Shopping and Info

A fireplace room is where most Thanksgiving evenings end up, so layers matter more than a single outfit. A cashmere cardigan like the Boden burgundy cardigan or the Madewell argyle cardigan handles the swing between a hot kitchen and a cool hallway.

Roasted cabbage with sauce on a white plate, an autumn dinner for Thanksgiving looks — Photo credit: Shopping and Info

Dinner plates in November are rich and warm in color, so I keep clothes in the same palette: burgundy, chocolate, grey and cream. That is why the picks below lean on those shades.

Knits and trousers for the table

Start here. One sweater, one cardigan and one pant you can sit in comfortably.

Boden Elsie Cashmere Crew Cardigan - Thanksgiving looks — **Boden Elsie Cashmere Crew Cardigan**
Deep burgundy is the Thanksgiving color, and a cardigan comes off when the oven and the table heat up the room.
**Shop the burgundy cashmere cardigan**
Photo credit: Boden

Madewell Sophia Argyle Cardigan - Thanksgiving looks — **Madewell Sophia Argyle Cardigan**
Grey with merlot argyle looks pulled together over a white shirt and still feels like family dinner.
**Shop the grey argyle wool cardigan**
Photo credit: Madewell

Jenni Kayne Teddy Crewneck Sweater - Thanksgiving looks — **Jenni Kayne Teddy Crewneck Sweater**
A soft, brown-striped sweater that is warm enough for a drafty dining room and good for the second plate.
**Shop the chocolate striped alpaca crewneck**
Photo credit: Jenni Kayne

Everlane Barrel Leg Organic Cotton Sateen Pants - Thanksgiving looks — **Everlane Barrel Leg Organic Cotton Sateen Pants**
The lower-priced anchor of the look: a relaxed black pant with room to sit through a long meal.
**Shop the black barrel-leg sateen pants**
Photo credit: Everlane

Scarves and wraps to layer on

One wrap changes the whole look. Pick the Loewe scarf as the splurge, or one of the three softer, easier choices.

Loewe Anagram Wool and Cashmere Scarf - Thanksgiving looks — **Loewe Anagram Wool and Cashmere Scarf**
The high pick. One scarf in soft pink and beige lifts a plain sweater and pants and doubles as a gift to yourself.
**Shop the pink and beige Loewe anagram scarf**
Photo credit: Loewe

LE BOP Brushed Cashmere Bandana Scarf - Thanksgiving looks — **LE BOP Brushed Cashmere Bandana Scarf**
Small enough to tuck into a coat, soft enough to wear indoors if the host keeps the house cool.
**Shop the grey cashmere bandana scarf**
Photo credit: LE BOP

rag and bone Kristie Wool Triangle Shawl - Thanksgiving looks — **rag and bone Kristie Wool Triangle Shawl**
Two sand tones in one piece, so it works over a dress or a simple knit.
**Shop the reversible wool triangle shawl**
Photo credit: rag & bone

White and Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap Scarf - Thanksgiving looks — **White and Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap Scarf**
The one to pack if Thanksgiving means a flight or a long drive first, and it works as a blanket on the way.
**Shop the soft white cashmere travel wrap**
Photo credit: White + Warren

Shoes and a gift for the host

Flat shoes that are easy to take off, and something to hand over at the door.

Tory Burch Ballet Loafers - Thanksgiving looks — **Tory Burch Ballet Loafers**
Flat, polished and easy to slip off at the door, which many hosts will ask for.
**Shop the black leather ballet loafers**
Photo credit: Tory Burch

Loeffler Randall Leonie Crystal Mesh Ballet Flats - Thanksgiving looks — **Loeffler Randall Leonie Crystal Mesh Ballet Flats**
For the dinner that turns into dessert and dancing in the kitchen, a little sparkle at the foot.
**Shop the crystal mesh ballet flats**
Photo credit: Loeffler Randall

Maison Louis Marie No 04 Bois de Balincourt Candle - Thanksgiving looks — **Maison Louis Marie No 04 Bois de Balincourt Candle**
A hostess gift that smells like woodsmoke and cedar and does not compete with the food.
**Shop the Bois de Balincourt scented candle**
Photo credit: Maison Louis Marie

For the walk after dinner

A small bag, a hat and warm socks for the shoes-off part of the evening.

Clare V Petit Moyen Messenger Bag - Thanksgiving looks — **Clare V Petit Moyen Messenger Bag**
A small woven bag that carries a phone, keys and a lipstick for the walk after dinner.
**Shop the woven tan messenger bag**
Photo credit: Clare V

Hat Attack Key Beanie - Thanksgiving looks — **Hat Attack Key Beanie**
For the after-dinner walk when the temperature drops, and easy to stuff in a pocket.
**Shop the heather grey ribbed beanie**
Photo credit: Hat Attack

Stems Cashmere Blend Socks 3 Pack - Thanksgiving looks — **Stems Cashmere Blend Socks 3 Pack**
The lower-priced treat: warm socks for the shoes-off house, or a small gift for the host.
**Shop the cashmere blend socks three pack**
Photo credit: Stems

Thanksgiving looks: your questions

What should I wear to Thanksgiving dinner?

Wear a soft knit and flat shoes. A chocolate striped crewneck with black barrel-leg pants is a relaxed place to start, and a scarf makes it look finished.

How do I mix high and lower-priced pieces?

Choose one standout, such as the Loewe anagram scarf, then build around it with mid-range knits from Boden and Madewell and simple basics from Everlane and Stems.

What should I bring the host?

A candle is easy and safe. The Bois de Balincourt candle has a woodsy scent that works in any room, and a three pack of cashmere blend socks is a small extra for a close friend.