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What to Wear for Thanksgiving? Your Complete Color & Style Guide
- Personal Stylist | Tonya J.
- Oct 8
- 7 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Hi Ladies, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and if you're standing in front of your closet wondering what to wear, you're not alone. Between prepping dishes, coordinating travel plans, and hosting duties, your outfit can easily become an afterthought.
But this year, it's my intention to help you change that. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, attending as a guest, or enjoying a cozy family gathering, this is your moment to look effortlessly elegant while feeling completely comfortable and stylish.
In this guide, you'll discover the best Thanksgiving outfit ideas based on your color season, practical styling tips, and etiquette advice to help you show up with confidence and grace.
Tonya's Thanksgiving Inspired Outfits
Why Color Matters for Your Thanksgiving Outfit
The psychology of color is the psychology of influence. The colors you wear affect how you feel and how others experience you. Thanksgiving sits in that beautiful space between autumn's warmth and winter's icy sparkle, your outfit should reflect that cozy, intentional elegance.
When you dress in colors that harmonize with your natural coloring, you look radiant without trying. Today, let's discover your ideal Thanksgiving palette.
Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas by Color Season
For the Autumn Color Season
You are the embodiment of fall. Warm, rich, earthy tones make you glow like golden hour.
Your best Thanksgiving colors:
Chocolate brown and burnt pumpkin
Deep burgundy and roasted plum
Olive green and mossy sage
Golden mustard and rustic taupe
Creamy pumpkin and penny copper
Thanksgiving Outfit Idea: Try a burgundy sweater dress layered with a soft camel cashmere duster. Add gold jewelry, a small crossbody bag, and heeled suede boots. Finish with bronze eyeshadow and a deep berry lip.
Style Tip:Â This look is perfect for the Romantic Classic woman who loves warmth, softness, and timeless femininity.
For the Winter Color Season
You thrive in contrast and drama. Cool tones, crisp lines, and polished accessories make you shine.
Your best Thanksgiving colors:
Classic black and crisp ivory
Festive cranberry and deep pine green
Smoky gray and eggplant
Navy blue and ocean teal
Oxblood and jet black
Thanksgiving Outfit Idea: Pair a navy cable knit sweater over a crisp white silk blouse with dark denim and classic ballet flats. Add deep burgundy nail polish and lipstick to tie the look together.
Style Tip:Â Perfect for the Classic Elegant or Minimalist Dramatic woman who loves understated sophistication.
For the Spring Color Season
You shine in light, clear, warm tones that bring optimism and freshness—even in autumn.
Your best Thanksgiving colors:
Warm reds and coral
Golden almond and honey beige
Leafy green and warm olive
Smoky apricot and peach
Tangerine and sunflower gold
Thanksgiving Outfit Idea: Wear a warm red silk blouse tucked into a honey beige suede skirt, paired with tan boots and delicate gold jewelry.
Style Tip:Â This ensemble suits the Soft Natural Romantic who embraces approachability and effortless charm.
For the Summer Color Season
Your Thanksgiving palette whispers sophistication—muted, graceful, and serene, like candlelight and soft music.
Your best Thanksgiving colors:
Rosy berry and pomegranate
Mushroom taupe and mink
Muted plum and cool sage
Smoky lavender and dusty rose
Rosy brown and soft mauve
Thanksgiving Outfit Idea: Style a smoky lavender satin skirt with a tucked-in cool taupe cashmere sweater. Layer with a rosy brown wool coat and carry a pearl clutch.
Style Tip:Â This look speaks to the Elegant Romantic who loves refinement with a gentle edge.
What to Wear to Thanksgiving Dinner: Practical Tips
Temperature Considerations
Thanksgiving often means hot kitchens and cool entryways. Layer strategically with cardigans, dusters, or blazers you can easily remove. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, linen blends, or lightweight knits. These fabrics are fashionable and provide some strategic space for the 'turkey pooch' we often encounter after an enjoyable and satisfying Thanksgiving meal.
Comfort is Key
You'll likely be sitting for a couple of hours, so skip anything too tight or restrictive. Elastic waistbands, flowy silhouettes, and stretchy fabrics are your friends. If you're wearing jeans, try out a boyfriend style or loose barrel jeans, which are trending this season, for greater comfort. Reserve the structured pants for a different occasion.
What Not to Wear on Thanksgiving
Cautionary warning: If opting for a winter/autumn white (remember that food mishaps happen!)
Overly formal cocktail attire (unless specified - comfort and appropriate dress code)
Uncomfortable shoes you can't stand in for meal prep or while having conversation with other guest attending the dinner.
Delicate dry-clean-only pieces (think about wine, gravy and cranberry stains)
Heavy perfume (it competes with the food and other guest maybe allergic)
Thanksgiving Etiquette and Style Tips
If You're Hosting Thanksgiving
Dress comfortably but elegantly. You set the tone for the gathering, so think of yourself as the style anchor of the room. A polished knit set, elevated loungewear, or a casual dress works beautifully. Greet your guests warmly—your energy matters more than your outfit.
If You're a Guest
Show respect for your host by dressing thoughtfully. Bring a small token of appreciation like a candle, bottle of wine, or homemade dessert. Avoid overdressing or underdressing—aim for polished casual. For instance, I am an avid admirer of Sand + Fog candles, and this Pumpkin Spice fragrance from their Autumn collection, purchased at Home Sense Canada, will take pride of place on my Thanksgiving table this year.
I mentioned this lovely candle in the video that accompanies this article.
Conversation Etiquette
Keep topics warm and inclusive. Thanksgiving is about gratitude, connection, and joy—not debates or heavy discussions. Compliment the food, share what you're grateful for, and be present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to Thanksgiving dinner as a guest? Aim for polished casual. Think sweater dresses, nice jeans with a blouse, midi skirts with cozy knits, or tailored trousers with a soft blazer. Match the formality to your host's style.
What colors are best for Thanksgiving? Warm, earthy tones work beautifully: burgundy, rust, olive green, camel, chocolate brown, deep plum, and golden mustard. Choose shades that complement your natural coloring. If you are still unsure what colors best suit your natural coloring check out my virtual color consultations - here
Can I wear black to Thanksgiving? Absolutely! Black works especially well for Winter color seasons. Soften it with warm-toned accessories, or pair it with burgundy, forest green, or camel for a festive touch. Opt for a softer and more neutral makeup palette. Intense, bold colors will appear too dramatic compared to your Thanksgiving tablescape.
Cozy Thanksgiving Style
What should a Thanksgiving host wear? Choose something comfortable yet polished that allows you to move freely. Elevated loungewear, knit sets, or casual dresses with flats or supportive shoes are ideal. Unsure which style suits you best? Check out my signature style personality series - here. While primarily aimed at professional women, these style personalities and archetypes are universal.
How do I transition my Thanksgiving outfit to Christmas parties? Swap flats for heels, add statement jewelry, switch to a bolder lip color, and swap your crossbody for a clutch. Many Thanksgiving pieces work beautifully for December gatherings with minor styling tweaks. Discover the RWS Decadent Holiday Color and Style Series below!
Building Your Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
Your Thanksgiving outfit doesn't have to be one-and-done. Many of these pieces can carry you through New Year's Eve:
There are currently 14 videos available for you to binge-watch!
Burgundy sweater dress:Â Add tights and booties for a holiday party
Camel blazer:Â Layer over everything from jeans to cocktail dresses
Suede boots:Â Your fall-to-winter staple for countless occasions
Gold jewelry:Â Works year-round and elevates any outfit
Neutral knits:Â Mix and match through the entire season
Your Thanksgiving Style Checklist
Use this quick checklist to ensure you're prepared:
 Outfit chosen and tried on (check the fit!)
 Comfortable shoes selected (actually move around in them)
 Layers planned for temperature changes (Evenings in Canada can be quite chilly.)
 Accessories selected (jewelry, bag, scarf)
 Makeup and hair planned (not too bold and overly dramatic)
 Backup outfit ready (just in case)
 Host gift purchased if attending as a guest
A Final Thought on Thanksgiving Style
This Thanksgiving, slow down. Get dressed not for the camera or the compliments, but for yourself. Check out my Autumn Skin Care Ritual I shared during my St. Catherines Cozy Autumn Getaway.
(Watch the full video after your Thanksgiving dinner)
Embracing your distinct coloring and personal style transforms you into the Renaissance Woman of Style—grounded, confident, and radiant. The colors you choose to wear can significantly impact your mood and the way others perceive you during the Thanksgiving and holiday season. So as you set the table or step out the door this Thanksgiving, do it in color and style that make you feel like home.
What's your outfit choice for this Thanksgiving? Let us know your plans in the comments! If you're uncertain about your color season, check out the extended playlist of the RWS Color Branding Series, or indulge in a special holiday color or complete style and color treatment just in time for the festive season!
Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving~
If you're still uncertain about which style personality aligns best with your lifestyle, career goals, and personal branding message, I encourage you to consider the (RWS Color & Style Rebrand Intensive.)Â In this online package, we will collaborate closely in a virtual setting to redefine your personal brand.
(Watch the Entire RWS Style Personality Series)
Do you consider yourself to be a Renaissance woman of style navigating pivotal transitions in your career, business or personal life? If so, I invite you to apply for an exclusive, complimentary 30-minute Lifestyle Clarity session with Tonya.
In this session, you’ll explore your evolving style and brand, receive personalized insights on your next steps, and discover how you can continue to elevate your journey as one of Tonya’s exclusive clients through her signature, elite RWS programs.