Comfortable enough for seconds, warm enough for the drive, and cute enough for the family photo.
Every year it's the same question. You've got the pie assigned, the time figured out, and the drive planned. Then the night before, you're standing in front of your closet wondering what you're actually going to wear.
Thanksgiving is a tricky day to dress for. It's a holiday, so you want to look like you tried. But it's also a day of sitting at the table for two hours, bending over the oven, helping with dishes, and maybe chasing a niece or nephew around the living room. And here in the Dakotas, it could be 40 degrees or it could be a blizzard.
The good news is you don't need a brand-new wardrobe to get it right. You just need a few pieces that are comfortable, warm, and a little bit special. Here's how we think about it.
Start With Comfort (Seriously)
This is the most important rule of Thanksgiving dressing, and it's the one people skip. You're going to eat. A lot, probably. That stiff pair of jeans that looks great standing up isn't going to feel great after the second plate.
Look for anything with a little stretch, a soft knit, or a relaxed fit. That doesn't mean you have to wear sweats to dinner. A sweater like our Slow Morning Waffle Sweater in mocha feels like loungewear but looks pulled together, especially with your favorite stretchy jeans or wide-leg pants.
If you want a little more texture, the Cozy Circuit Stripe Sweater is a fuzzy chocolate knit with a dotted stripe. Tuck just the front to show off your waistline and you're done.
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Think About Where You're Going
Not every Thanksgiving looks the same. A big family dinner at the farm is different from a sit-down meal at Grandma's, and both are different from Friendsgiving with the girls. Before you pick an outfit, think about the room you're walking into.
If your family goes a little more traditional, maybe church in the morning or a dinner where everyone dresses up a bit, this is where a nice blouse shines. A satin top like the Evening Edit Ruffle Blouse feels dressy without looking like you're headed to a wedding. Tuck it into a midi skirt or dark jeans and finish with tall boots.
Want something a little softer? The Evening Glow Pleated LS Top has pleats and a relaxed fit, and the Quiet Grace Cape Sleeve Top has a high neck and cape sleeves that look polished under a cardigan.
Midi skirts are honestly one of the best things you can wear on Thanksgiving. They're comfortable sitting down, easy to move in, and they photograph really well. Tall boots keep you warm on the walk from the car and make the whole look feel finished.
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When in Doubt, Wear a Dress
A dress is the easiest Thanksgiving outfit there is. One piece, no matching, no overthinking. It's especially handy if you're hosting and have about 15 minutes to get ready after the turkey goes in.
If you want something on theme, the Grateful Days Reversible Dress is a cozy fleece mock neck that's reversible, so you basically get two outfits in one. For something a little more classic, the Pintuck Corduroy Shirt Dress is a burgundy corduroy shirt dress with long sleeves and a pintuck waist.
Want a midi? The Petal Reverie LS Midi Dress is a long-sleeve floral with a shirred waist, and the Autumn Waltz Plaid Midi Dress has a smocked waist and puff sleeves, which means there's always room for pie.
Add a cardigan like the Fireside Waffle Knit Cardigan for when the dining room gets drafty, throw on tall boots or booties, and you're ready to answer the door.
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Friendsgiving Is Where You Can Have Fun
Friendsgiving is a different kind of night. It's usually later, a little louder, and nobody's grandma is there to comment on your outfit. This is your chance to try something with a little more personality.
Shimmer, sheer fabric, and fun graphics all work here. A top like the Candlelight Shimmer LS Top catches the light without being too much. Wear a simple cami underneath and pair it with your favorite jeans.
If your group is more cozy than dressy, go for something with personality. The Untamed Trail Denim Jacket has a zebra print that's a guaranteed conversation starter, and the Uptown Ribbed Mock Sweater is an oversized ribbed mock neck in blue that stands out from all the brown.
This is also the outfit that works for the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, when everyone's back in town and you end up out with people you haven't seen since high school.
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Layers Are Your Best Friend
Here's the thing about Thanksgiving in North Dakota. It's freezing outside, and it's 80 degrees in the kitchen. The oven has been on all day, the house is full of people, and by the time dinner is served you're ready to take something off.
That's why every Thanksgiving outfit should have a layer. A cardigan, a shacket, or a jacket gives you options. The Heirloom Toile Quilted Jacket is a quilted floral toile that's warm without being bulky, and it's easy to throw on over a sweater.
For something with a little more edge, the Trailhead Contrast Bomber is a cropped olive bomber with a contrast collar. And if you want a statement piece, the Frontier Rodeo Bomber Jacket is an embroidered western bomber that does all the work for you.
Under the layers, stick to pieces that look good on their own. You want an outfit that works with the jacket on for the photo outside and with it off at the table.
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The Colors That Always Work
If you're not sure what colors to wear, go warm. Browns, mochas, creams, rust, and deep greens are always right for Thanksgiving. They match the season, they look good on almost everyone, and they photograph beautifully in that warm indoor light.
You'll notice most of what we've mentioned here is in that brown-and-cream family. That's on purpose. When your pieces all live in the same color palette, you can mix and match without thinking too hard about it. A sweater like the Market Day Gingham Sweater in brown gingham or the Double Take Pinstripe LS Top, a brown pinstripe with a layered look, goes with just about anything in your closet.
If you want to add color, do it with one piece. The Briar Lane Floral Sweatshirt is a dusty rose corduroy sweatshirt with a soft floral that adds color without fighting with everything else.
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A Few Tips to Make the Day Easier
Try it on the night before. Sit down in it. Bend over in it. If anything pinches or rides up, change it now, not at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Plan for the photo. If your family takes a group picture, pick one piece with a little detail, like lace, ruffles, or shimmer. It makes a big difference on camera.
Keep jewelry simple. Gold hoops or a small necklace are plenty. You'll be cooking, hugging, and holding babies.
Pack a backup layer. Throw an extra sweater or cardigan in the car in case the house runs cold or you spill gravy.
Wrapping It Up
The best Thanksgiving outfit is the one you forget you're wearing. Comfortable enough to enjoy the day, warm enough for the drive, and cute enough that you're happy with the pictures.
If you're still not sure what to wear, stop in and see us. We love helping put outfits together, and we'll pull a few options for whatever kind of Thanksgiving you've got planned.
And if you're already thinking about Christmas, our holiday sweaters just came in. Most of them came in small runs, so don't wait too long if you've got a party or white elephant on the calendar.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us. We're so thankful for you.
Jessica & The JQ Team