Seasonal5 minute read

Thanksgiving outfits: what to wear to the table

A Thanksgiving outfit sits one step above everyday: soft enough for a long meal, polished enough for the photograph. For her, for him and for the host.

By MasidasNov 12, 2026

You must reflect carefully beforehand with whom you are to eat and drink, rather than what you are to eat and drink. Epicurus, quoted by Seneca, letter 19

The right Thanksgiving outfit sits one step above everyday. It should be soft enough for a long meal and polished enough for the family photograph.

Deep color does most of the work: wine, forest green, navy, chocolate. Below are outfits for her, for him and for the host, built from Masidas pieces, and then the table itself.

Why we dress for this dinner

In 2026, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26. The date has a history. Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it for the last Thursday of November in 1863. Congress fixed it to the fourth Thursday, and Franklin Roosevelt signed that into law in December 1941.

The point of the day is older than both. Epicurus said to choose the company before the menu. Seneca, who quotes him, adds that a dinner without a friend is the life of a lion or a wolf.

So dressing for Thanksgiving is a courtesy, not a show. Our house motto is Sponte redeunt: they return of their own accord. This is the day people do.

Dress for the people at the table, not for the room.

A Thanksgiving outfit for her: the dress

A long, loose dress is the kindest thing to wear to a long meal. Our long sleeve maxi shirt dress falls to the ankle, with a button front and pockets. Its page says to wear it loose or belted. In wine red it needs nothing else.

If the house runs cool, put a blazer or a long cardigan over it. Push the sleeves up when it is time to help in the kitchen.

A woman in the long sleeve maxi shirt dress in wine red, facing the camera, one hand in the pocket, with black loafers — The maxi shirt dress in wine red.

Close up of the pointed collar, the button front and the turned back cuff of the long sleeve maxi shirt dress in wine red — A soft collar and a cuff that rolls.

Long sleeve maxi shirt dress, Wine red, full look, walking, with the black blazer — The same dress under a blazer.

A Thanksgiving outfit for her: the knit

The other answer is a good knit over an easy bottom half. Our longline lantern sleeve cardigan falls to mid calf. It closes over a tee and wide trousers, or stays open over a dress.

For something neater, the mock neck button cardigan passes for a sweater when closed. It sits well over a satin midi skirt, which is cut on the bias and falls to mid calf. And for one piece that does it all, the ribbed V neck sweater dress is a fine rib knit with a standing collar.

A woman in the longline lantern sleeve cardigan in light gray, buttoned and turned a little, with full sleeves gathered at the cuff — The long cardigan, buttoned.

A woman walking in the mock neck button cardigan in black, buttoned to the neck, with a pale satin skirt and black loafers — A chunky knit over a satin skirt.

Ribbed V neck sweater dress, Black, full look, with pointed loafers and a top handle bag — The sweater dress, belted, with boots.

A Thanksgiving outfit for him

Skip the tie and keep the collar. A knit polo does both. Our ribbed knit long sleeve polo has a buttoned placket and a soft collar. Its page says to wear it alone or under a blazer. Burgundy is the color of the season.

If you would rather wear a sweater, choose one with a collar of its own. The shawl collar cable sweater has a wide shawl collar. The cable knit half zip sweater can go on its own or over a collared shirt. Wear either with trousers that hold a crease, such as the pleated tapered trousers.

Ribbed knit long sleeve polo, Burgundy, front view, one hand in the pocket — The knit polo in burgundy.

Shawl collar cable sweater, Gray, second view, arms folded — The shawl collar cable sweater.

A man in the cable knit half zip sweater in gray, zipped to the collar, one hand in the pocket of dark trousers — The cable knit half zip.

Ribbed knit long sleeve polo, Burgundy, close up of the collar and the engraved buttons — The collar that stands in for a tie.

Shawl collar cable sweater, Gray, full look, with pleated trousers and derby shoes — Cables above, a crease below.

A Thanksgiving outfit for the host

The host moves between the oven and the table all day. That calls for sleeves that push up, a layer that comes off, and nothing that trails.

For him, the long sleeve cotton polo is cotton with a little stretch, and it looks right with chinos or under a jacket. The corduroy overshirt goes over it as a light jacket and comes off at the stove. For her, the maxi shirt dress above has the same virtue: sleeves that roll, and pockets.

A man in the long sleeve cotton polo in navy, turned a little, one hand in the pocket of cream pleated trousers — The cotton polo in navy.

Overshirt, Army green, full look, walking, worn open over a fine knit with pleated trousers and brogue Chelsea boots — The overshirt, worn open as a jacket.

And the table

A table is dressed too. Our home department keeps a few plain, good things for it. The walnut and beech boards serve bread, cheese and fruit. The acacia wood bowls take nuts and olives in the small sizes, and salad in the large.

The wooden salt and pepper mills stand tall beside them. After the pie, the cast iron tea kettle keeps a pot of tea warm at the table. Our guide on how to use a cast iron teapot explains how to brew in it.

Questions about Thanksgiving outfits

What colors do you wear for Thanksgiving?

The colors of late autumn: wine, chocolate, forest green, navy and cream. One deep color with one neutral is enough.

Is Thanksgiving casual or dressy?

Most tables are smart casual, which means one step above everyday. If you are a guest and unsure, ask the host.

What do you wear to Friendsgiving?

The same idea, a little more relaxed. A good knit with trousers or a skirt is right for it.

Can you wear jeans to Thanksgiving dinner?

At most tables, yes. Choose a dark, plain pair and put a knit polo or a fine sweater above it.

Masidas sells knitwear, coats and dresses for women and men, and a home and kitchen department. See women’s dresses, women’s knitwear and men’s knitwear, then the table in home and kitchen. For the parties that follow, read what to wear to a holiday party.

Epicurus said to choose the company before the menu. Dress for them, and then pass the potatoes.