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I come from a long line of fabulously stylish women. Every holiday gathering is like a fashion show. Sequins. Fur. Leather. Anything and everything that makes a statement. My cousins always look like they stepped right out of a glossy feature in Vogue titled something like, “Gobble Up the Glam: Thanksgiving Fashion Inspo!” I love this about our family holidays. Dressing up creates a sense of occasion, and our shared love of fashion bonds us.
The next day, I go to a second, more intimate meal with the other side of my family. Here, the focus is on the food. Everything is made from scratch over several days of prepping. It’s the Meal of the Year. The dress code is function over form. It’s wise to wear something with stretch because you must make room for the pie! After the dishes are done, everyone settles in for a little snooze in front of the tv. This cozy tradition feels like the official kick-off of the holiday season—I wouldn’t miss it.
I’m lucky to get the best of both worlds for the Thanksgiving holiday, but it does require a little extra effort to figure out what to wear. I’ll be traveling from the warm temps of the Las Vegas desert back home to wintery Minnesota, so I have climate to consider too. I’m still mulling over some style formulas, but luckily Armoire has a lot to offer.
I decided to share my short list of options for anyone in the same (gravy) boat. So here’s your Thanksgiving Fashion Inspo. Join me in gobbling up the glam!
Travel Day
I’ll be going straight from the airport to a casual lunch with friends who are also in town for the holiday. Not quite a “friendsgiving,” but a tradition nonetheless. I want to arrive in style and be ready to dive into the festivities upon touchdown, but I also want to be comfortable enough to get a little shut-eye on my early morning flight.
Whether, like me, you’re navigating the airport on the busiest travel weekend of the year or enduring a long car ride to make it home, comfort is key. Here’s what I’m contemplating for travel day style to accomplish both form and function:
- Option A: Wide-leg jeans paired with a fitted sweater for a relaxed yet polished look. Specifically, I’m thinking cashmere. It’s incredibly soft and luxurious, making it very comfortable. It’s often described as a “second skin” due to its softness against the body. Despite being lightweight, cashmere provides excellent insulation, keeping you warm in colder weather without the bulk of heavier fabrics. On that note, cashmere has natural breathability, allowing it to regulate body temperature. Even better, wearing cashmere feels indulgent and luxurious, adding a touch of sophistication. A quick search of cashmere on Armoire yielded 723 results!
A belted or wrap coat to emphasize my waist will create a flattering silhouette for this look. I’ve got my eye on a trench coat —they’re timeless, versatile, and classy.
- Option B: Leather joggers with a cozy, oversized sweater, topped off with a trendy plaid shacket. The shacket would provide needed warmth when I step off the plane, but it won’t be as bulky as a coat to lug around the airport. Some cute sneakers are in order for this look.
I just wore the Paige leather joggers from Armoire and I get why they’ve been so popular. Leather adds an edgy and stylish look to joggers, which are the ultimate comfort garment for their relaxed fit and elasticized waistbands. Leather joggers offer this comfort while providing a unique and elevated style. They stand out. They make a statement. They are the focal point of an outfit.
Haven’t tried them yet? It’s time. Leather joggers flatter nearly any body shape, accentuating curves while maintaining a relaxed vibe.
Thanksgiving Fashion Inspo: Formal
The big day is actually a nighttime affair in my family, which lends itself to more formal looks. I’m not talking gowns or black-tie—just more elevated looks with high-end materials and embellishments. Here’s what I’m thinking:
- Option A: My colleague Sylvie has me craving a slip dress after her recent article about styling them for fall. Slip dresses exude an effortless elegance and sophistication. Their sleek silhouette and minimalist design create a chic and polished look without much effort. “Effortless” is always the look I’m going for, actually.
I’ve got a slip dress coming in my Thanksgiving Armoire case in a warm neutral color. I’ll go for a monochromatic look with a chunky sweater in a similar hue. Statement earrings are a must—big and sparkly. I have heels in mind, but if it’s a snowy day, my combat boots are on call.
To top it off, a luxurious and cozy faux fur or teddy coat will provide an interesting contrast to the silky fabric of the slip dress. Trendy, comfy, and stylish—these coats check all the boxes.
I recommend putting a slip dress on your short list this holiday season. The cut flatters various body types because they’re both relaxed and sleek. That means it will accentuate curves while providing a comfortable and forgiving silhouette.
- Option B: A classic little black dress paired with a statement coat. Or, adversely, a statement dress with a basic coat. The combinations are endless. I’m game for anything I can pair with my favorite tall boots and tights, so I’m on the hunt for a shorter style.
My criteria for a short dress is first and foremost a flattering silhouette. And it’s Thanksgiving after all, so bodycon styles are off the table. I’m going for roomy, like an A-line, sheath, or fit-and-flare style. Yes, I’ll have seconds on sweet potato casserole—thank you very much.
Choosing just one coat is going to be a problem. It’s the only weekend of the year I get to wear a coat, and I want to wear them all. Armoire is brimming with oversized, relaxed coats—an effortless style that is on-trend this season. You know how I love effortless.
Thanksgiving Fashion Inspo: Casual
Although the meal is the star attraction, I still like to stay true to my sense of style. For those who prioritize comfort without compromising fashion, I’ve got a couple solid options for you to consider. Here’s your Thanksgiving fashion inspo for casual celebrations:
- Option A: This is the perfect occasion for a jumpsuit. This one-piece wonder is not only fashionable but also offers ease of movement, making it an excellent choice for a laid-back and comfortable Thanksgiving gathering. I have quite a lot to say about jumpsuits here.
I’ll pair my Thanksgiving jumpsuit with a leather or faux leather coat for an edgy touch. Leather is so big this season and I’m here for it. Leather coats are super versatile too—from classic biker jackets to tailored blazers, they’ll hit the right tone for almost any outfit.
- Option B: A sweater dress with boots is one of my all-time favorite looks. I declared summer to be over in early September just so I could start wearing sweater dresses. I like them big, boxy and above the knee. All of my favorite boots pair well with the sweater dress—riding boots, combat boots, ankle booties, etc.
With the help of Armoire, I’ve parlayed my love of sweater dresses into an affinity for sweatshirt dresses. I jump every time I see one in my curated closet and I even added a jersey knit dress that I couldn’t part with into my forever closet. It’s very possible that one will make the trip home with me for the holiday.
For a similar look and feel without flashing so much leg, one could pair leggings with a tunic or long sweater. All of the boots still work, as do sneakers and flats.
Why I’m Renting My Thanksgiving Wardrobe
If you’re an Armoire member, I don’t need to sell you on the benefits of renting clothes year-round. There are a handful of reasons, however, that make Thanksgiving the ideal time to rent.
- Living in a warmer climate in the fall and winter, I don’t need to own a coat. But I do need to get my hands on one when I travel home for the holidays. Renting eliminates closet clutter for the other 361 days of the year that I don’t need a coat.
- Armoire will send my case straight to my destination so I can travel light. With the cost of airline baggage fees, this is a big savings. Skipping a checked bag also eliminates the possibility of having my luggage lost and leaving me with nothing to wear. That’s happened to me more than once.
- I’ll never wear my formal Thanksgiving look again, even for an event with a different crowd. Pics will be posted on social media, after all. As you know, designer or high-end outfits for a single occasion are expensive. Renting offers me the chance to wear luxurious items at a fraction of the cost.
Whether your Thanksgiving plans lean towards casual gatherings, formal dinners, or trendy affairs, I know you can find your perfect holiday ensemble at Armoire. In just a few days, it will all be over and it will be time to plan our Christmas wardrobes. Stay tuned!
