Wear a dress with a forgiving waist to Thanksgiving dinner: an empire waist, smocked bodice, wrap or tie waist that gives you room after a big meal. Choose sleeves or bring a cardigan, pick a darker print that hides gravy spills, and look for pockets. For a casual family dinner, a simple printed dress with a cardigan works. For a dressier table, choose a dark floral or a long floral dress.
Shop our Thanksgiving dresses and Friendsgiving dresses.
What is the most comfortable dress for Thanksgiving dinner?
The waist matters most. You will sit for hours and eat more than usual, so skip anything tight and structured at the middle.
- Smocked bodice: Stretches as you sit and eat.
- Wrap or faux wrap: Drapes over the waist instead of gripping it.
- Removable or tie waist: Loosen it or take it off after dinner.
- Empire waist: Sits above your stomach, so the skirt falls loose.
Midi length is the easiest choice. It stays clear of the floor when you sit, kneel to help a child or carry dishes.
How dressy should a Thanksgiving dinner outfit be?
| Type of dinner | What to wear | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Casual family dinner at home | Knee-length printed dress, cardigan, flats or socks | Hazel Dress in Cream |
| In-laws or Friendsgiving | Printed dress with a cardigan, ankle boots | Hazel Dress in Fall Hazel |
| Dressier dinner or restaurant | Dark floral with sleeves or a long floral dress, block heels or boots | Fern Dress or Luna Dress |
If you are unsure, ask the host or dress one step up from everyday. A midi dress with boots fits almost any Thanksgiving table.
What should I wear if I am cooking or helping in the kitchen?
- Pick sleeves you can push up, like elastic puff or quarter-length sleeves. Skip long, loose sleeves near a hot stove.
- Choose a dark color or busy print that hides splashes.
- Wear an apron until you sit down to eat.
- Bring a cardigan. Kitchens run hot while the oven is on, and the dining room can feel cold later.
What should I wear to Thanksgiving with kids?
Choose a dress you can sit on the floor in, with pockets for wipes and a phone. Prints hide sticky fingerprints, and a stretchy bodice lets you lift a toddler without pulling at the seams.
What are the best dresses for Thanksgiving dinner?
All three come in sizes XXS to 6X, and the Hazel comes in two colorways.
Fern Dress in Dark Green
The Fern Dress is a golden fern print on deep green with a square neckline, full elastic puff sleeves, functional front buttons (no zipper) and pockets. Sizes XXS to 6X; size up if you are between sizes. It was made for harvest celebrations and autumn gatherings, the dark print hides spills, and the elastic sleeves push up when you help clear the table.
Hazel Dress in Cream or Fall Hazel
The Hazel Dress is a sleeveless, knee-length dress with a tapestry-inspired floral print, a boat neckline, a fitted bodice, a drop waist that flows into a flared skirt and a back zipper. It comes in two colorways: Cream for a relaxed family dinner, and Fall Hazel for meeting the in-laws or Friendsgiving. Sizes XXS to 6X; the Fall Hazel runs small, so size up. The fitted bodice is less forgiving than smocking, but the flared skirt leaves room below the drop waist. Add a cardigan and boots for November.
Luna Dress in Pink Watercolor
The Luna Dress is a pink watercolor floral cotton dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, puff sleeves, a smocked stretch bodice, pockets and a tiered skirt that falls to the floor. Sizes XXS to 6X. Choose it for a dressier dinner. The smocked bodice stretches through a long meal, and it is the one floor-length pick here, so hold the hem if you are carrying dishes.
See more styles in Dresses with Pockets.
What colors should I wear to Thanksgiving?
Classic fall colors work at any table: burgundy, rust, deep green, plum, mustard and black. Dark colors also hide cranberry sauce and gravy. If you will be in family photos, check what others are wearing so you do not clash.
FAQ
Is it okay to wear a dress to Thanksgiving dinner?
Yes. A midi dress with boots or flats fits a casual family dinner and a dressier one. Add tights and a cardigan for a cold day.
What dress style is best after a big meal?
A smocked, wrap, empire or tie waist. These give you room as you sit and eat, unlike a fitted or corset bodice.
What shoes should I wear to Thanksgiving dinner?
Ankle boots, loafers or ballet flats. You may be on your feet in the kitchen for hours, so leave tall heels for another night.
Where can I find plus size Thanksgiving dresses?
Every dress in this guide comes in sizes XXS to 6X, so you can wear the same styles as your sister or mom.