OUTFIT IDEAS: FORMAL THANKSGIVING DINNER PARTY OUTFITS
This is What to Wear to a Formal Thanksgiving Dinner Party
♡ (up and left) for formal Thanksgiving Day outfits from the latest Brunette from Wall Street article. If you haven’t heard the oven alarm yet, you still have enough time to read this post, pick your favourite formal Thanksgiving dinner outfit for 2024 Thanksgiving Dinner Party, and get dressed with no rush. If you can hear the oven alarm already, let someone else take the turkey out of the oven. You will be quick. All that you need is right here!
OGLAS I get a commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.
Are you having a formal Thanksgiving dinner party again this year? That’s a fabulous idea!
Thanksgiving is not only a time to express gratitude but also an opportunity to showcase your impeccable style, especially if your celebration includes a formal gathering. Whether you’re headed to a sophisticated dinner party, or hosting a formal Thanksgiving dinner party at your house, the perfect outfit can enhance the joyous atmosphere of this special day.
True, planning a formal Thanksgiving dinner party in 2024 might be challenging, but figuring out how to host a virtual Thanksgiving dinner a few years ago was not easy either, and you managed it perfectly.
Worry not; I can help! Here are seven formal Thanksgiving dinner outfits you can wear for a Thanksgiving dinner party in 2024. And yes, all of these formal Thanksgiving dinner looks are comfortable, too. You will be able to breathe normally after turkey and after a bite of a pie. Wait, not just a bite. A whole pie!
THE BEST FORMAL OUTFITS FOR THANKSGIVING DAY 2024
For the discerning host or hostess preparing to plan a formal Thanksgiving dinner of unparalleled sophistication, the choice of attire is a crucial part of setting the tone for the evening. And choosing the right dress code a tricky task.
Being one of the most important national holidays, Thanksgiving dinner is almost as important as Christmas dinner. In terms of formality, the right dress code for Thanksgiving dinner would be cocktail attire. A Thanksgiving dinner is below Christmas dinner (black tie) and above the Easter breakfast (morning dress). Point of view, they would be equal if Easter breakfast was not a daytime formal event.
Even so, your hostess might set a more formal dress code. Whether the hostess is aiming for the chic allure of an elegant cocktail dress (described in the Cocktail Dress Code Guide - exclusive for paid subscribers), the timeless sophistication of black tie attire, or the regal elegance demanded by a white tie affair, here is the outfit you can copy effortlessly.
By the way, you can shop for all the outfits presented in this article. Find the links in the copy and under collages.
FASHIONABLE COCKTAIL THANKSGIVING DINNER OUTFITS
From fashionable red to the timeless allure of little black dresses, these fashionable cocktail Thanksgiving dinner outfits are truly giving. Discover how to strike the ideal balance between refined grace and modern trends, ensuring that your attire mirrors the warmth of the occasion and leaves a lasting impression on your guests/hosts.
1 RED THANKSGIVING DRESS WITH DESIGNER SHOES AND A TIARA HEADBAND
For a traditional Thanksgiving Day format that takes you from early afternoon to dancing after dinner, you need a dress that goes seamlessly from day to night.
Red is perfectly suited for autumnal festivities with a festive cocktail code.
Also, apart from being the most fashionable dress of the season, a red dress is a dress you want to wear if you are easily distracted while eating. You know, because of the red sauce that can end up in your lap while answering all those annoying questions.
SHOES: Aquazzura slingback pumps - I bought them last year and are already sold out. But these from Amina Muaddi are similar. Ps. If you prefer Aquazzura - these Aquazzura slingback pumps are W too.
DRESS: red Self Portrait dress - I bought my dress some time ago, and it is sold out. But there is this similar dress you can buy instead. To be honest, I prefer this dress over mine. I really dislike the sleeves on my dress. And the bodice on this dress is spectacular.
HEADBAND: tiara headband - I got this one for my 18th birthday, but you can shop for a similar tiara headband here.
PERFUME: Chanel Paris Paris - buy here.
*This holiday outfit builds around the midi red dress - a classic choice that captures the festive spirit of Thanksgiving and maintains elegant sophisticated look. The red midi length creates a timeless, refined silhouette that's both festive and appropriate for a semi-formal dinner. Again, cocktail attire is semi-formal. The midi length is particularly suitable for sitting comfortably at a dinner table while maintaining elegance. My dress came without a belt, but I added one with black background to create a contrast against the red, breaking up the solid color, defining the waist, and most importantly bring black for the shoes. Also, the rhinestones add that perfect touch of holiday sparkle without being overwhelming. The black mid-heel slingback pumps continue the sophistication of the belt, creating a cohesive look through color repetition. The mid-heel is elegant and comfortable - essential for a long dinner event. Slingbacks offer a delicate, feminine detail that feels special while being more practical than stilettos. The tiara headband adds a crowning touch of glamour that ties everything together. Since both the belt and shoes are understated in their embellishment, the tiara headband can be more ornate without competing with the other accessories. It draws attention up to frame your face while echoing the sparkle of the rhinestone belt.
This outfit works because it follows a key styling principle: creating a harmonious flow through thoughtful color repetition (the black accessories) while maintaining a clear hierarchy of statement pieces (the red dress as the foundation, with coordinating sparkle elements in the belt and tiara).
2 A LITTLE BLACK DRESS WITH PARTY PUMPS
Imagine the aroma of turkey and cranberry sauce wafting through the air. As you settle into your chair, the ambient warmth of the gathering is momentarily disrupted by the arrival of your vivacious old aunt. She takes the seat beside you, her eyes gleaming with a familiar mischievous spark that signals an impending barrage of questions.
As she settles in, the questions begin to flow like a stream seeking its course. Inquiries about your job, relationship status, and the ever-popular “When are you settling down?” bombard you. However, in the face of familial scrutiny, your attire is your silent ally. The A-style little black dress, with its modest yet alluring charm, is a shield of sophistication. Pov, that is why I personally love black so much. It works every time!
Amid the prying questions, this formal Thanksgiving dinner outfit speaks volumes without uttering a word. The little black dress and Gianvito Rossi pumps weave a narrative of confidence and grace, a counterpoint to the familial queries that attempt to unravel the intricacies of your life.
SHOES: Gianvito Rossi satin pumps - I bought them in January, and they are already sold out, but I found a similar pair over here - and they are on sale.
DRESS: a little black dress - shop for similar here.
PERFUME: Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum - buy here.
*While this A-line little black dress doesn’t need to be elevated through strategic accessorizing - the silhouette does the work. You might want to level up the look for festivities. The pink satin pumps make this outfit truly special. The unexpected pop of pink against black creates a modern, fashion-forward twist on a classic silhouette. And the satin texture adds a luxurious element that elevates the entire look, making it feel special and occasion-appropriate.
This pairing works because it follows the 'less is more' principle while still creating visual interest. The clean lines of the dress allow the pink satin pumps to take center stage without competing with other elements.
3 A RUCHED MIDI BLACK DRESS WITH A SLIT AND HIGH HEELS
Now it’s the time of the year to really go the extra mile with a stunning cocktail dress. Refresh your old little black dress with some feathers or get a stunning ruched black dress with a slit. Mine is from Self Portrait.
Pov, I’m clearly showing you a black dress, but I found a similar one in burgundy, yet different enough for me to add it to my collection. I have just bought it for myself, too.
DRESS: Self Portrait midi burgundy dress - buy here.
SHOES: Gianvito Rossi pumps - shop for satin Gianvito Rossi pumps here or shop for Manolo Blahnik satin pumps in the same hue - here. Or even better, match the dress with these burgundy pumps.
MAKEUP: Gucci mascara - buy here.
*See how the same pink satin pumps can create an entirely different mood when paired with a more dramatic dress silhouette? The mid-length black dress with long sleeves and ruched detailing brings a sultry elegance that contrasts beautifully with the playful pink shoes. The slim-fitting ruched silhouette creates visual interest through texture and form. The ruching adds dimension and movement to the solid black fabric, and creates a flattering drape that smooths and sculpts. What is more, the texture makes the simple black color feel more luxurious and evening-appropriate.
While the previous A-line dress let the pink shoes be the star, this dress creates more of an equality between the pieces. The longer length and body-conscious silhouette make this version more dramatic, so the pink satin pumps now prevent the look from becoming too dark (if you have a high contrast face - porcelain white skin and dark hair like me) or severe. The feminine pink shade softens the sultry nature of the dress. This pairing works because it plays with contrasts - the coverage of long sleeves against the playfulness of pink shoes, the fitted silhouette against the delicate shoe color, the texture of ruching against the smooth satin. It's like a sophisticated dessert that combines rich dark chocolate (the dress) with a bright berry accent (the shoes) - unexpected but perfectly balanced.
ELEGANT BLACK TIE THANKSGIVING DINNER OUTFITS
When Thanksgiving dinner calls for a black tie dress code, we think it is nice to go all out. Formal Thanksgiving day attire calls for evening fabrics that really shine, like lace adorned with sparkling cord or mesh with embroidered sequin florals.
From flowing evening gowns that trail behind like a cascade of autumn leaves to impeccably tailored tuxedos that command attention, the black tie dress code provides an opportunity to infuse the celebration with a touch of old-world glamour.
4 LONG MESH SEQUIN BLACK FLORAL DRESS WITH HIGH HEEL SATIN PUMPS
A long mesh black floral dress is the best dress to wear for a formal Thanksgiving Day dinner. Wearing a black-tie Thanksgiving dinner dress with sequins, you don’t have to worry about getting dirty, either. Those sequinned flowers on the dress can camouflage any stain of the sauce or wine.
SHOES: Gianvito Rossi - shop for satin Gianvito Rossi pumps here (I bought mine around the same time as the dress and they haven’t remade them in the same colour yet - you can, however, shop for Manolo Blahnik satin pumps in the same hue - here.).
DRESS: Self Portrait - my dress is sold out already, but this dress is similar. This one is OK too.
BAG: Jimmy Choo - buy here.
*The interplay between the elaborate dress and carefully chosen accessories creates a harmonious statement that's perfect for the most formal of Thanksgiving celebrations. The long black mesh dress (*you can elongate a dress with a mesh underskirt) with floral embroidery is an artistic centerpiece, with the mesh base creating an ethereal, floating quality that moves beautifully. The combination of sequins and stitched embroidery adds depth through mixed textures - the sequins catch the light while the stitching provides rich detail up close. Pair with blue satin pumps that provide an unexpected color accent that feels fresh against the black dress. The satin finish harmonizes with the dress's evening-worthy textures, while blue, especially in a rich satin, reads as a neutral while still being more interesting than traditional black shoes. They add a contemporary twist that prevents the romantic dress from feeling too costume-like.
The black clutch anchors the look by echoing the dress's base color, creating cohesion and providing a sleek, modern counterpoint to the dress's elaborate details. It keeps the focus on the dress and statement shoes without competing for attention. This combination works because it follows the principle of balanced extravagance - the dress brings drama through the embellishments, while the accessories are chosen to complement rather than compete. Think of it like a magnificent night sky: the dress is like a field of stars (sequins) and constellations (embroidery), while the blue shoes add that unexpected flash of color like a shooting star, and the black clutch grounds everything like the darkness that makes the stars shine brighter.
5 BLACK-TIE THANKSGIVING DINNER DRESS AND SATIN PUMPS
As night draws in and the lights come up, it’s time for something elegant – a formal Thanksgiving dinner outfit with a beautiful long navy dress. And a blazer to layer on as you step out to get some fresh air.
SHOES: Gianvito Rossi - shop for satin Gianvito Rossi pumps here or shop for Manolo Blahnik satin pumps in the same hue - here.
DRESS: Self Portrait - I bought my navy gown a while ago and is sold out, but I found this gown that is equally spectacular.
BAG: Jimmy Choo - buy here.
*The navy gown paired with blue satin pumps creates a sophisticated tonal look that's both elegant and unexpected. While matching exact shades might seem like the safe choice, the subtle variation between the navy gown and blue pumps creates depth and visual interest - much like how the ocean shows different shades of blue depending on where you look. This color play feels especially appropriate for a formal Thanksgiving dinner as it's both festive and dignified without being overtly seasonal.
The decision to anchor the look with a clutch featuring a distinctive knob closure - whether pearl or golden - is a masterful touch of jewelry-like detailing. A golden knob adds warmth and richness to the cool blue palette, much like how the last rays of sun shimmer on deep water. Alternatively, the pearl knob brings a classic, luminous element that mirrors the way light plays on the satin shoes while adding a timeless feminine touch. Either choice works because they both can be a focal point, drawing the eye and adding interest to the monochromatic palette without overwhelming it.
SOPHISTICATED STYLISH WHITE TIE THANKSGIVING DINNER OUTFITS
In the grand tapestry of formal dress codes, white tie stands as the pinnacle of opulence and regality. When the Thanksgiving dinner invitation declares a white tie attire, it signals an evening of unparalleled elegance where every detail, from the tiara to the gloves.
6 SILVER GOWN WITH LONG GLOVES AND PARTY PUMPS
My outfit of choice? An exquisite Self Portrait floral-embroidered silver gown with silver pumps and grey long gloves. Elegantly paired with silver pumps and adorned with grey long gloves. This exquisite floor-sweeping dress is an ideal selection for a white tie event, ensuring you stand out in the grandeur of the occasion.
Draped in intricate floral embroidery and featuring a stunning tiered skirt that gracefully cascades to ankle length, this gown creates an ethereal charm, casting a captivating silhouette as you move through the salon.
The square neckline and short tulle sleeves add a touch of modesty, elevating the dress’s allure.
To personalize your outfit and accentuate your waistline, the dress comes with a detachable embellished belt. But not the one I'm wearing here. I swapped it for a black belt. Although you might wear it without the belt – you do want to eat a dessert, right?
SHOES: Aquazzura slingback pumps - these Aquazzura slingback pumps are similar.
DRESS: Self Portrait - buy here. I bought it there too. *It’s advisable to consider sizing up when making your purchase. Since a size UK 4 fits me impeccably, you should be aware that standard sizing may run small, particularly for those with a fuller cup size. Pov, what fits me perfectly may prove snug for everyone else.
In a curious turn, I observed a discrepancy with the Farfetch model (the dress is linked to Farfetch in the gallery below), who reportedly wears the same size UK 4 as me. Despite our differing body shapes, the dress doesn’t appear tight around her bust and waist. However, it does seem somewhat short on her, even though it fits perfectly at the waist. This raises the possibility of an error in the provided product information. Notably, the Farfetch model typically wears all other Self Portrait dresses in size UK 8 (as verified by checking all the dresses she wears on Farfetch).
Given this observation, I strongly recommend you consult the size guide to ensure the perfect fit before you purchase the dress. A measuring tape can be a valuable tool to calculate your size accurately, providing peace of mind and confidence as you prepare for white tie Thanksgiving dinner.
UNDERSKIRT: mesh skirt - the dress is sheer at the bottom, so you will need to wear a tulle skirt under the dress. This one is under $50.
GLOVES: black opera gloves - buy here.
BELT: black rhinestone belt - buy here.
PERFUME: Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum - buy here.
HEADBAND: tiara headband - shop for a similar tiara headband here.
*The silver gown is an enchanting foundation, but it's the accessories that elevate it to white-tie attire. Without them, this would be a black tie outfit.
I swapped the original belt for a black one to create a contrast that defines the waist and adds sophisticated drama to the ethereal silver. It also establishes a deliberate connection to the other black accessories, creating a cohesive story throughout the look. The black mid heels continue this thoughtful attire while ensuring comfort for a long evening - their modest height keeping the overall effect elegant rather than overtly dramatic.
The black opera gloves and tiara headband are a must for a white tie dress code. Go for black opera gloves for the plot and a modern look.