Ellie’s brown sweater, light blue jeans, and brown sneakers are where I’d start for a casual Thanksgiving dinner. The knit gets to be the main piece, and the jeans leave room for the shoes you already wear.
These Thanksgiving outfits for teens start with clothes from our real Studio galleries. There’s Ellie’s sweater-and-jeans look, Ellaina’s red dress, and Tessa’s cream floral dress. I’d use them as starting points for dinner with family or Friendsgiving with your people.
The photos come from portrait and senior sessions. The holiday plans below are outfit ideas to try with clothes you own.
Ellie’s sweater and jeans, from her Studio portrait gallery.
1. A sweater and jeans for a casual Thanksgiving
Ellie wears a brown knit sweater with light blue jeans and brown sneakers. The sweater has dropped shoulders and long sleeves. I like the brown shoes with the knit. You can see more of her outfits in Ellie’s Studio portrait gallery.
For dinner at home, I’d start with a sweater you like wearing. Try it with your jeans, then add the shoes you’d want on for the visit. Ellie’s outfit gives you a brown-and-blue pair to try with pieces from your closet.
Put the whole outfit on and sit in it for a minute. Check the waistband and sleeves while you move around. If the plan includes games on the floor or a walk after dinner, try those movements before you leave.
2. A red dress for a dressed-up dinner
Ellaina’s red dress has a gathered bodice and a long skirt. The red is the first thing I notice in her outfit. A dress in that color would be fun for a Thanksgiving dinner where you want to dress up a little.
Ellaina’s red dress and Tessa’s cream florals, from their BFF senior gallery.
For your version, pull out a dress you already like wearing. Try it with the shoes you’d want on for the whole visit, including any walk from the car. A coat can go over it for the drive. A cardigan could stay on indoors if that feels good with your dress.
I’d try your jewelry with the neckline before adding anything else. Ellaina wears a pearl necklace in these photos. A small necklace you already own could have its turn, too.
3. Cream florals for Friendsgiving
Tessa’s cream dress has a red floral print and a long skirt. There’s a lot to like about taking a floral dress out again for another season. Especially one you’ve been waiting for a reason to wear.
For Friendsgiving, I’d try your floral dress with a knit layer and the shoes you like with its hem. A short cardigan leaves more of a long skirt in view. A longer one gives you another look to try. Put both on if you have them, and see which combination you want to leave the house in.
Ellaina and Tessa’s outfits share red through the solid dress and the floral print. If a friend wants to plan clothes with you, borrowing one color from each other’s outfits is an option. You can also each arrive in the outfit you picked.
Add the layer and shoes you’ll use that day
For Thanksgiving around Bolivar and the 417, check the National Weather Service Springfield forecast closer to the day. A coat for the trip and a lighter layer for indoors may both earn a spot by the door.
If the plan includes a walk after dinner, try the shoes you’ll wear outside with your outfit first. If you’re staying in for games, think about the socks you’ll want once your shoes come off. A pair of holiday socks could have its turn here, too.
If you buy a new piece, leave time to try it on with the rest of your clothes. Read the seller’s return terms before ordering. The FTC’s guide to buying from an online marketplace explains what to check.
Thanksgiving outfit questions
Can I wear jeans to Thanksgiving dinner?
For a casual dinner, jeans with a tee or sweater can be a starting point. If someone else is hosting, ask how dressed up the plan is before choosing your outfit.
Can I wear a floral dress for Thanksgiving?
You could try one with a cardigan, coat, or boots you own. Tessa’s cream-and-red floral dress gives you a print to start from. The weight of your dress and that day’s weather can help you choose the layer.
What can I wear to Friendsgiving?
Start with the dinner plan. A meal at home might call for your jeans and sweater. A dressed-up dinner could be a reason to bring out the red dress or florals. Ask your friends what they’re planning, then pick the outfit you’re excited to wear.
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Ellaina and Tessa’s red-and-floral gallery
