What To Wear For Thanksgiving For Men

Are you ready to take your Thanksgiving look to the next level? This menswear guide will help guarantee you’re the best dressed at the dining table!

Whether you’re having dinner with friends or family. Here’s what to wear for Thanksgiving, including the best traditional and modern looks and how to choose the right colors. 

Traditional Menswear Looks For Thanksgiving

Are you wondering what to wear for Thanksgiving as a man? Kiss your ugly turkey sweater goodbye with these traditional menswear Thanksgiving looks. 

While you may associate Thanksgiving outfits with autumnal colors and visually unappealing cardigans, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some traditional yet chic menswear styles: 

Classic Sweater and Chinos

For a timeless look, pair a well-fitted quarter-zip or a v-neck sweater in a neutral color. Or, for a more season-specific vibe, choose fall colors like deep red, brown, or mustard.

Pair your sweater with a pair of well-tailored chinos. 

Complete the look with a pair of boots or dress sneakers.

Button-down Shirt With Corduroy Pants

Opt for a button-down shirt in a solid color or low-key pattern with comfortable corduroy pants. This combination gives a cozy yet polished vibe. 

Add leather dress shoes or stylish desert boots to elevate your look even more.

Sports Coat and Jeans 

Pair a casual sports coat with dark jeans for a semi-formal Thanksgiving look. This strikes the right balance between dressy and relaxed, perfect for a dinner with friends. 

Choose a warm-toned, earthy blazer, and finish the outfit with suede shoes.

Tweed Jacket and Dress Pants

Consider wearing a tweed jacket with dress pants for a more formal Thanksgiving gathering. Tweed is a traditional fall fabric that gives an elegant vibe.

Opt for a tie or a pocket square to complete your polished look.

Monochromatic Fall Ensemble

Are you wondering what to wear for Thanksgiving? Create a cohesive look by choosing various pieces in the same color family.

Monochromatic outfits can be sophisticated and impactful.

Waxed Jacket and Corduroy Trousers

Opt for a waxed jacket for chilly and rainy weather— a versatile and comfortable option — and pair it with corduroy trousers in warm tones.

Waxed jackets offer a relaxed yet stylish appearance. Complete the look with rugged boots or casual shoes.

What To Wear for Thanksgiving To Stay Modern

When choosing what to wear for Thanksgiving, you may want to leave tradition behind and opt for a modern take. 

The following Thanksgiving looks embrace contemporary styles combined with seasonal elements.

Here are some dinner party outfit ideas for a more modern Thanksgiving:

Casual Layers

Choose a slim-fitting flannel or chambray shirt and combine it with a puffer vest. Adding a scarf and overcoat will add even more warmth.

Pair these with dark jeans or slim chinos and clean white sneakers for a more modern vibe.

Turtleneck Sophistication

Opt for a sleek turtleneck sweater in a neutral color like charcoal or navy.

Pair it with tailored trousers and dress shoes for a refined and modern Thanksgiving outfit. 

Knit Polo and Tapered Pants

Wear a knit polo shirt for a comfortable yet elevated look. Combine it with slim, tapered trousers and suede desert boots. This outfit strikes a balance between smart and relaxed, perfect for tucking into a Turkey dinner. 

Minimalist Monochrome

Opt for a monochromatic outfit with shades of grey, navy, or olive green.

Pair a crewneck sweater with tailored jogger pants and sleek sneakers for an understated yet stylish appearance.

Leather Jacket and Chinos

Add an edgy touch with a leather jacket worn over a fitted henley shirt or dark tee. Pair it with well-fitted jeans and leather boots for a modern twist on classic casual wear.

What To Wear To Thanksgiving Dinner When It’s Warm

If you’re somewhere warm for Thanksgiving, then lucky you! Choosing an outfit that reflects the season but keeps you cool can be tricky. Here’s what you could wear for Thanksgiving in the sun:

Linen Button-Down and Chinos

Opt for a lightweight, breathable linen button-down shirt in fall colors. Pair it with tailored chinos or lightweight cotton trousers to stay cool. Roll up the sleeves for a relaxed look, and complete the outfit with lightweight canvas sneakers.

Short-Sleeve Henley and Shorts

Choose a stylish short-sleeve henley shirt and pair it with well-fitting shorts. Look for materials like lightweight cotton or linen. Finish the ensemble with comfortable sandals or boat shoes.

Polo Shirt and Lightweight Trousers

A classic polo shirt in a muted tone can be paired with casual, lightweight trousers for a versatile look.

Tuck the polo to stay polished, and complete the outfit with slip-on loafers or espadrilles.

Patterned Short-Sleeve Shirt and Khaki Shorts

Opt for a short-sleeve shirt with a playful pattern — think palm leaves, florals, or subtle prints. Combine it with khaki shorts and comfortable sneakers or leather sandals. 

Chambray Shirt and Linen Pants

A chambray shirt can offer a casual, denim-like texture without the weight. Pair it with breathable linen pants or lightweight chinos. Consider adding slip-on shoes or espadrilles to complete the look.

Short-sleeve Linen Shirt and Cropped Trousers

Opt for a short-sleeve linen shirt in a cool hue. Pair it with cropped trousers that hit just at or above the ankle. This will elongate your leg length, creating a stylish silhouette while keeping you comfortable.

Finish with canvas sneakers or double-monks for a sophisticated yet cool Thanksgiving look. 

T-shirt and Dress Pants 

Plain, well-fitting tees in conservative colors can be dress up. Simply pair it with a pair of dress pants and tuck it in.

This is a great alternative to the ubiquitous tee shirt and jeans “uniform” that doesn’t look too stuffy. 

What Color To Wear on Thanksgiving

Your color palette on Thanksgiving day can help capture the festive spirit of the holiday. Are you wondering what to wear for Thanksgiving as a man who doesn’t traditionally wear bright colors? 

I’ve got your back! 

Here are some color options that work well for Thanksgiving:

Earthy Tones

Colors inspired by nature’s autumn palette are perfect for Thanksgiving. Think warm, earthy tones like deep reds, rich oranges, rustic browns, and olive greens. These colors evoke the changing leaves and harvest season.

Mustard Yellow

Mustard yellow exudes the warmth and comfort of fall. It pairs well with a range of neutrals and adds a pop of vibrancy to your outfit.

Deep Burgundy

Deep burgundy or maroon shades are elegant and perfect for the season. They can be incorporated into sweaters, shirts, or accessories for a sophisticated touch.

Rustic Orange

Rustic or burnt orange hues are reminiscent of pumpkins and fall leaves. These shades can add a lively and festive element to your Thanksgiving attire.

What To Wear for Friendsgiving as a Man

Dressing for Friendsgiving as a man involves finding a balance between comfort, style, and the casualness of your event. It might be a good idea to chat with the host about the dress code to avoid dressing up or down too much. 

Here’s what to wear for Thanksgiving if you’re spending the day with friends:

Casual Button-Down Shirt and Jeans

Opt for a well-fitted button-down shirt in a relaxed fabric like chambray or flannel. Pair it with your favorite jeans and casual sneakers for a more relaxed vibe. 

Plaid Shirt and Vest

Opt for a plaid shirt and layer it with a lightweight quilted vest. This adds warmth without being too formal. Wear dark jeans or chinos and comfortable shoes.

Casual Blazer and T-shirt

Choose a casual blazer or an unstructured winter parka for a more elevated look. Pair it with a plain T-shirt and well-fitting jeans or chinos. Loafers or sneakers will work with this outfit. 

Knit Polo and Jogger Pants

Select a knit polo sweater for a comfortable and polished appearance. Combine with relaxed-fit jogger pants and clean sneakers for a more relaxed Friendsgiving vibe. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Thanksgiving Attire

Here are our answers to some common questions we receive about what to wear for Thanksgiving as a man.

Can I wear a suit on Thanksgiving? 

While a full suit might be a bit formal for most Thanksgiving celebrations, you can definitely opt for a more relaxed suit style. Choose a soft, unstructured blazer with chinos or dress pants. Skip the tie for a comfortable yet polished appearance.

Are fall colors a must for Thanksgiving attire? 

Fall colors like deep reds, oranges, browns, and earthy tones are a great choice as they match the ambiance of Thanksgiving. However, you can also incorporate these colors by accessorizing or adding subtle details.

Should I layer my clothing for Thanksgiving?

Layering is a practical and stylish choice for Thanksgiving. It allows you to adjust your outfit according to the indoor and outdoor temperatures. Start with a base layer, add a shirt or sweater, and top it off with a jacket or blazer.

What type of footwear works best for Thanksgiving? 

Comfortable footwear is key. Opt for versatile shoes. Consider leather boots, loafers, or stylish sneakers. Choose options you can easily stand in, especially if you’ll be helping out in the kitchen or playing outdoor games.

Can I wear jeans to a formal thanksgiving dinner? 

If you’re going to a more formal Thanksgiving dinner, opt for darker and well-fitted jeans and pair them with a dressier shirt, blazer, and formal shoes. This strikes a balance between comfort and sophistication.

Be Thankful, Be Well-Dressed 

As you ponder how to be live a life with more gratitude, take time to thank those that you care about for being in your life. Remember that life’s more than just dressing well. 

Are you ready to take your Thanksgiving outfit to the next level? Subscribe to The Modest Man monthly newsletter for more style tips!