What to Wear on Thanksgiving: 8 Men’s Outfit Ideas

What to Wear on Thanksgiving: 8 Men’s Outfit Ideas

Get ready to strut your stuff
thanksgiving outfits for men 2020

By Megan Collins | Last Updated: Oct 30 2023 | 5 min read

Have I ever told you Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday?

Things changed a few years back when a bout of nasty food poisoning from something I ate earlier in the day hit right after supper and sidelined me for 48 hours straight through the holiday weekend.

I still can’t look at a roasted turkey without gagging.

Despite this newly-developed aversion to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, I still love the whole day. Enjoying time with family, drinking good wine, and watching parades, football, and (finally) listening to Christmas music.

As for what to wear on Thanksgiving? That depends on your plans.

To help you along, Team SG pulled together outfit ideas for gatherings big and small this holiday season.

Below, 8 stylish Thanksgiving outfit ideas:

Thanksgiving outfit #1

Black on black

image: @toneloki

SG Says: Here at SG HQ, you know we lo-o-o-o-ve a monochrome outfit.

Wearing one color (even in slightly different shades!) from head to toe elevates the simplest outfit into something that feels special.

RELATED: Check out team SG’s tips on monochrome dressing

The black shirt and pleated pants say, “I get that this is a special day,” while the khaki-colored jacket and baseball hat add, “…but I will be hitting the couch as soon as I arrive.”

Thanksgiving outfit #2

A modern spin on a suit

Josh O’Connor // image: @justjared

SG Says: Not everyone will dress up for Thanksgiving, but if you want to, a classic double-breasted blazer on top could be a perfect (stylish) compromise. This look feels super-fresh and modern when worn sans tie and crisp white shirt.

Not expected to show up to Thanksgiving in a full suit? Go with a stand-out blazer with jeans on the bottom instead.

Thanksgiving outfit #3 

A statement shacket with chinos or jeans

image: @out_of_indigo

SG Says: We put the question of dress code out on Instagram and heard from a lot of you that your family Thanksgiving festivities include a middle-of-the-road level of fanciness.

Nobody’s in a tux, but no one’s in sweats, either.

For that type of gathering, a great shirt jacket fits the bill.

You’re comfortable in your clothes but still feel like you’re in a “special occasion” outfit.

// Shop statement shackets //

Thanksgiving outfit #4

Off-the-clock business casual

image: @gentle_baek

SG Says: In the height of fall, you can’t go wrong in a Fair Isle sweater vest, dress pants, and some loafers.

Simple. Sophisticated. Done.

Now, is an outfit like this going to blow anyone’s minds?

Maybe not, but that’s okay. You want folks focusing on how great that turkey-shaped charcuterie board you made is anyway.

// Shop the outfit //

Thanksgiving outfit #5 

Layers on layers

image: @bchanism

SG Says: A rugby shirt feels just right for Thanksgiving. The fall season and preppy ivy league style just go together!

The rest of the look—sockless loafers, crisply pressed chinos—I’ll bet you already have at home. Making this an easy outfit to replicate this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving outfit #6

Add an unexpected accessory (or two!)

image: @salehebembury

SG Says: Don’t feel like there’s one “right” thing to wear on Thanksgiving. This is a great opportunity to express your personal style, and if your personal style involves using all the colors in your crayon box, go for it! The family pictures will be brighter and bolder for you being in them.

Ultimately, what’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinner is what feels perfectly you. Just be sure to take the hat off before you sit down at the table

Thanksgiving outfit #7

Dressed-down comfort

image: @alessandrosquarzi

SG Says: If you’re the one hosting, feel free to keep things casual with your favorite pair of jeans and a pair of lived-in loafers.

Under the jacket, opt for a cozy henley or crewneck sweater.

Thanksgiving outfit #8

Fancy pajamas

image: @cuffington

SG Says: Another great outfit built around a monochrome-hued foundation.

With black trousers and a t-shirt, a nice knit cardigan on top is all you need to elevate your look.

// Shop #SGapproved cardigans //

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