The Top Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas for Men
Thanksgiving is almost upon us for another year. It’s a time of the year when you can connect with your family while stuffing your face with turkey and watching football. Thanksgiving can also be a stressful time, especially if you are hosting. Being in charge of preparing the food, organizing the seating arrangements so there are no arguments, and generally making sure everything runs smoothly can be a challenge. It can leave you so busy that you don’t have any time to sort your Thanksgiving outfit. Nobody wants to see you wearing dirty sweatpants and a white t-shirt covered in stuffing. You want to look good so you feel good and give off a confident vibe that Thanksgiving dinner is under control (even if it’s not).
To help you out we’ve come up with some awesome Thanksgiving outfit ideas for men. We want you to look your best so everyone understands the effort you have gone to when it comes to organizing the big day. Or if you’ve got no responsibilities and are visiting another family member’s home for Thanksgiving dinner, then these outfit ideas will make sure everyone can see you’ve at least made an effort, even if you look super casual in your fit.
The Top Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas for Men
First things first, what type of Thanksgiving dinner are you attending? This might seem obvious, but sometimes people like to put on proper dinner parties that require a dress code. It could also be a theme party, so you don’t want to rock up in jeans and a tee when it’s meant to be formal or fancy dress.
The location also plays a factor. If you are eating outside you have to take into account the weather conditions. You may need a decent outdoor jacket or a light fleece. Conversely, if it’s cold outside and everyone is huddled around the fire in the lounge room, you won’t need a heavy coat.
To help you on your quest of looking good this Thanksgiving, we have outlined some great outfit ideas below that are sure to be a hit.
T-Shirt and Jeans
Is there a better combo than this? Men have been wearing tees with jeans since fashion became a thing. This is the type of outfit that is acceptable anywhere and everywhere. When it comes to jeans, skinny is out and baggy is in. That’s right, long, baggy jeans that hang off your waist are back in fashion. It’s like the 90s have come around again. But you don’t have to reach into the depths of your closet and pull out an old pair of Tommy Hilfiger baggy jeans that you wore as a teenager. Relaxed or straight-fit jeans are also acceptable. And the color is of no concern either, so you can wear black, blue, or whatever other color takes your fancy.
When it comes to your choice of t-shirt, white is always the best. A crisp white shirt with black or blue denim jeans is always a winner. If you want to brighten things up, add a splash of color with a red or green tee. Even graphic t-shirts work well. Just make sure they don’t have any offensive images that might upset grandma.
Polo and Jeans
Give yourself a slightly preppy look by switching out a t-shirt for a polo. It has the same impact but adds a touch more class to your outfit. You really can’t go wrong with a polo and there are so many great brands out there. You can go for the classic Ralph Lauren polo made famous by Wall Street executives in the 80s or opt for something from the likes of Allsaint, Lyle & Scott, Fred Perry, Lacoste, or Cos.
Flannel Shirt and Chinos
Winter is coming so you might want an outfit that will keep you warm while still making you look hot. Nothing says “I’m ready for the cold but still have style” like a cozy flannel shirt with a pair of chinos. This is a very flexible outfit that works for Thanksgiving lunch at your parent’s and then a Thanksgiving party at your mate’s in the evening.
Flannel shirts come in a range of colors and styles and all are acceptable. Chinos are the same, but we recommend a nice beige or cream-colored pair to offset the color of the flannel shirt.
Shirt and Pants
If formal is the vibe, a crisp collared shirt and fitted pair of pants is what the doctor orders. Skip a white shirt, as you’ll look like you’re rocking up to a funeral. Go for something with stripes or checks to add some color to your fit. You can go long or short sleeve, depending on the weather, but long is the preferred option. As for the pants, a nice pair of black or blue slacks is in order. Jeans are also fine if it’s more of a laidback dinner but you still want to impress with a shirt.
This is the type of outfit combination that works well when meeting your partner’s parents. It shows that you have some dress sense and aren’t a complete dropkick.
Blazer and Jeans
Nothing says classy but still slightly casual than wearing jeans with a blazer. A blazer over a shirt or tee adds another layer to your outfit. It’s classy without being over the top, with the jeans bringing a casual feel. Grab yourself a double-breasted blazer, but make sure it’s tailored. There is nothing worse than someone wearing a blazer that’s too big or too small. It’s very noticeable and not flattering in any.
You can also switch your blazer for a sweater. This gives your outfit a more relaxed vibe. You can wear a cozy sweater that fits well or an oversized sweater, which is all the rage these days.
Suit
Now, this outfit is only necessary if you are attending some kind of gala Thanksgiving event or dinner is a formal occasion. Any other occasion and you’ll look out of place and start to get self-conscious. If a suit is the outfit of choice, make sure it’s tailored and fits well. Black is the classic default, but navy blue, grey, or even red are great options for those who want to mix things up.
A white shirt is easy and goes with all suit colors, but feel free to mix things up if you have a colored or striped shirt that matches your suit. A tie isn’t always necessary, but if you are wearing one, make sure it’s solid and a good size. Skinny ties are out.
What About Shoes?
The shoes maketh the man, or so the saying goes. You have plenty of options when it comes to footwear, but choosing the right type of shoe to match your outfit is important. Lace-up the wrong type of shoe and you could put your entire outfit at risk. To help you out, here’s a short list of shoe types and the outfits they work best with. As you will see, shoes are quite versatile and can be worn with many different outfit combinations.
Sneakers – A nice pair of white kicks is all you need when rocking a t-shirt and jeans. Sneakers also go well with a polo/shirt and jeans combo. To be honest, you can wear sneakers with every outfit mentioned (yes, even a suit), but they are much better suited to casual occasions.
Boots – Chelsea boots, Chukka boots, or combat boots are all great options when wearing anything with jeans or pants. They create a more formal look without going over the top. A dress or Wingtip boot goes well with a suit.
Lace-ups – This can range from an Oxford to a Derby shoe. If Thanksgiving dinner involves meeting your partner’s parents or is an occasion where you’ll be drinking adult drinks (wine or cocktails), grab a pair of lace-ups. There are many different styles so choose one that appeals to you. If you’re wearing a suit, this is your go-to option.
Slip-ons – No, not slides. We mean something more fashionable like a loafer or moccasin. Ideal for the blazer and jeans look but also goes well with any outfit that requires a collar.
What Not To Wear
Yes, there are certain items of clothing that just shouldn’t be worn when it comes to Thanksgiving. While many of them are obvious, like a jumpsuit or Halloween costume, there are some that might seem fine but really aren’t. These are the clothes and accessories to stay away from this Thanksgiving day.
Headwear of any sort – It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, stay away from headwear. Cowboy hats, headbands, bandannas, and the like are all better left at home. While caps and beanies are appropriate for certain occasions, if you’re sitting down for a meal it’s best to leave your head free and let your hair flow.
Shorts – It’s more than likely going to be chilly when Thanksgiving occurs (it is Fall), but even if the sun is out, keep your legs to yourself. Shorts are meant to be worn when it’s hot, and they certainly don’t make a good impression at a dinner party.
Tight clothing – Eating and drinking all day is sure to cause you to bloat, so wearing anything constrictive is not ideal. You don’t want to be the one undoing the top button on your jeans.
Sweatpants – Unless you plan on spending the day at home on the couch, sweatpants are a big no. They are the ultimate piece of casual clothing. It’s never a good look when everyone else is well-dressed and you rock up in sweats.
Slides – No. Slides are only appropriate when dossing around at home or going to the beach. That’s it. Nobody wants to see your crusty toenails.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is a time of celebration. It doesn’t get any better than eating and drinking with your family and close friends. When it comes to fashion, you want to wear something that makes you feel good and reflects the occasion. Hopefully, you can take inspiration from our ideas and construct the ultimate Thanksgiving outfit that will wow everyone.
