7 Outfit Ideas for Every Thanksgiving Situation

Thanksgiving is about the three Fs: family, food, and football. At Complex, we’d like to add a fourth: fashion.

Depending on where you are in life, the day of giving Thanks might be a time to revisit old friends and family back home, or get introduced to a brand new set of folks by way of a romantic partner. Maybe you’re staying in instead of traveling anywhere, and hosting a Friendsgiving or potluck. Regardless, one thing’s for sure: you want to be comfortable and ready to celebrate.

Below are seven outfits for several different Thanksgiving situations we’ve predicted. In the least, we hope they can inspire some dope #ThanksgivingOOTD ideas for your upcoming holiday week.

Hosting Friendsgiving

Martine Rose Polo Neck Crew, $ 470
Zara Box Pleat Midi Skirt, $ 89.90
COS Convertible Chunky Droplet Earrings, $ 49
Shushu Tong Bow Toe Pointed Heels, $ 530
Urban Outfitters Ariana Bow Crew Socks, $ 15

If you're hosting Thanksgiving, then the pressure is on. Of course your main priority is an amazing spread for your guests to feast on, but it's important you have a decent look just in case your cooking falls flat. The keyword here is comfort. With all of the running around you’ll be doing in the toasty kitchen, you want to wear something that's easy and flattering at the same time. Start with an elevated crewneck sweatshirt and pair it with a speckled wool midi skirt. The tailored silhouette of the skirt keeps the look clean, while the pleats give you enough room to eat and drink throughout dinner. Finish off the look with some bold accessories: a pair of chunky silver earrings and brogue-inspired pointy pumps, along with a pair of socks to match the shoe’s bows. –Shinnie Park

The First Impression

Stüssy Denim Trucker Jacket, $ 185
Beams Plus Stripe Cardigan, $ 235
Skims Men's Classic T-Shirt, $ 44
Fossil Carraway Watch, $ 170
Stüssy New Classic Denim Jean, $ 160
Blackstock & Weber Mason Horsbit Loafer, $ 425
Byredo Vanille Antique, $ 375

It’s nerve-wracking enough to meet your significant other’s family for the first time. Not only do you need to make sure you say all the right things and be respectful at all times, you also need to look the part. No need to bust out a suit and tie (unless that’s your vibe), but you definitely want to look polished and put together. A colorful knit sweater, some classic indigo denim, and penny loafers in a non-traditional color will get the job done here. It’s the perfect balance between the casual streetwear vibe that you’re used to wearing on a day-to-day basis, and the dressier wardrobe that will let their folks know you’re serious about this relationship. Just remember, don’t stray too far from your personal style, because above all else, you want to be comfortable. You’ll be cracking jokes with your partner’s favorite cousin in no time. –Mike DeStefano

Rich Auntie

Entire Studios Vast Fur Coat Trout, $ 1,049
Jaded London Colossus Mud Wash Jean, $ 115
Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, $ 695
Handsome Stockholm Brown Essentials Long Gloves, $ 390
Veneda Carter Gold VC001 Ring, $ 250
Eytys Brown Zane Belt, $ 270
Maison Margiela Tabi Leather Ankle Boots, $ 1,420

Whether you are a rich aunt or just have a rich aunt mindset, Thanksgiving is the one holiday where you get to remind your relatives who the flyest family member is. Unlike other folks bringing food and dessert, you’re bringing style to the dinner table. But in order to earn the title of “Rich Auntie,” you have to look the part. That means you’ll need a gorgeous coat for your grand entrance, and an outfit that is simply perfect yet effortless. A true Rich Aunt would never just stop at the clothes either—the accessories matter just as much, if not more. Layer on the jewelry, spray the fragrance that lets everyone know your presence, and radiate Rich Auntie energy like a badge of honor. –Bree Walker

Outdress That Cousin

Dr?le de Monsieur Brown Wool Knit, $ 600
Seventh Denim 440 Bermuda Indigo Jeans, $ 280
Timex x Maison Margiela MM6, $366 on StockX
New Balance 1906L Silver Shadow Gray, $242 to $462 on GOAT
Uniqlo Wide Ribbed Socks, $ 4.90

We all have that cousin we’re oddly competitive with, and Thanksgiving is a prime opportunity to one-up their outfit game. Start with a wool sweater that's cozy enough for family photos but is also effortlessly stylish, exuding an ‘I just threw this on’ energy that says you know style without being too loud. A pair of rich indigo wash jeans with understated details like pintucked pleats is refined yet relaxed, making it clear you’re not trying that hard. To top off the ensemble with subtle flexes, the Timex x MM6 watch and New Balance’s viral 1906L sneaker loafer will make your cousin question how you got your hands on them. –Shinnie Park

Just Here for the Game

Dr?le de Monsieur Tweed Trench Coat, $ 679
Kith & '47 for the NFL: Giants Nelson Collared Pullover, $ 195
Palace RN Cargo Trouser, $ 188
Martine Rose Rolled Back Cap, $ 250
Ernest W. Baker Gold Classic Chain, $ 225
Timberland Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot, $ 198

Even if your favorite team isn’t one of the few participating in the NFL’s Thanksgiving Day slate, you definitely have a parlay or a fantasy matchup to tend to. You know you’re going to toss the game on the big screen in the living room, plop down on the couch, and crack open a cold one to watch at least a quarter or two before dinner is served. As tempting as it may be to throw on a jersey, instead, go for gear that’s a bit more suitable for the family gathering, like a knit rugby sweater from Kith’s recent New York Giants collab. Pair it with a pair of army green cargos, Timbs, and a gold rope chain, and you’re good. You can’t go wrong with the classics. –Mike DeStefano

Just Here for the Food

Bershka Leather Effect Boxy Fit Jacket, $ 89.90
Sweats Cozy Hoodie, $ 94
Sweats Cozy Straight Leg Sweats, $ 81
Fugazi Bullseye Weekender Bag, $ 178
Nike Clogposite, $ 140
98% Cotton Socks, $ 26.99 (for a pack of four pairs)

Every family has a cousin or uncle like this. Maybe it’s you. You aren’t putting much effort into the ensemble that you’ll be wearing to take down multiple plates full of turkey and stuffing. Dinnertime is your number one priority and your outfit will make that abundantly clear. Toss on a sweatsuit, slip on some mules, and call it a day. Don’t forget your biggest tote bag to bring home all the leftovers. Maybe you’ll go “grab something from the car” right before dinner too. Anything to make that meal as glorious as it can be. –Mike DeStefano

Still Single

Khy Faux Leather Trench, $ 198
Aritzia Scoopneck Waist Tank, $ 25
Willy Chavarria Borracho Tailored Shorts, $ 635
Stüssy Rene Sunglasses, $ 160
8 Other Reasons Drop Earrings, $ 47
Stolen Girlfriends Club Warm Welcome ‘Fuck Off’ Heart Necklace, $ 400
H&M Knee-High Leather Boots, $ 169

Another family gathering, another day of endless questions from the folks on why you’re still single. Distract them from intrusive ponderings of marriage and childbearing with an attention-grabbing outfit. There’s nothing like a pair of black sunglasses and a pendant that says “Fuck Off” to get your message across. “No grandma, I didn’t bring a partner this year either, but do you like this jacket? Do you wanna know where I got it?” –YJ Lee