What to wear on Thanksgiving – Based on the table

.
Thanksgiving can look and feel vastly different from household to household.  Some Thanksgivings are buttoned up formal occasions.  Some are nothing short of an annual booze fest.  Anticipating what the dinner table will look like should tell you a lot about what the host expects of your attire.  Three options follow, each built specifically for a different Thanksgiving table scenario.  Here’s to hoping you have plenty to be thankful for on Thursday. (Top Turkey Photo by Mark Olsen on Unsplash)

.

White Table Cloth: Blazer & Sweater by BR, Wool trousers by L.L. Bean, Shirt by Blank Label
Shoes by Gordon Rush, watch by Citizen.

Uh oh.  The Mom-in-Law takes Thanksgiving real seriously huh?  Lemme guess.  There will be candles lit?  Barely audible classical music accentuated by little conversation and the constant clinking of silverware and glasses?  Sounds like a hoot.  The idea here is to dress up but not look like you’re ready for a board meeting.  The blazer is a real slim fitting corduroy so it’s fall appropriate but not formal.  The peak lapels add some dressed up character.  Tweedy wool trousers will match texture with the cord, and the color in the shirt and sweater provide some life.

 

Standard table w/ a kids table to one side:  Shirt by Target, Shoes by CK, Tie by TheTieBar
Add a tie bar to keep your front gravy free

Probably Grandma’s house.  Where the TV is on, kids are running around, but once the bird hits the table the focus is on the table and family.  Dressing up a bit isn’t out of the question.  Grandma will  like it.  The knit tie and chambray shirt are as casual as a shirt and tie gets.  The chinos should be a washed flat front and no crease.  Textured shoes also dress it down.  Find an old sport chrono, slap a leather NATO strap on it, and you’re set.

 

Your Lap in front of the game: Sweater by BR, Watch by Timex, Shoes by PF Flyers
The only thing stuffed up is the bird.

God bless it, if you’ve never spent Thanksgiving this way, promise yourself you will at least once.  Totally relaxed but still respectful.  Go with a navy crew neck over a more substantial oxford cloth or other white button down.  Keep your dressed up super dark jeans on the hanger, and instead grab the old pair that are well worn, have faded a little, but are still clean and free of rips.  Top it off with an easy watch and classic sneakers in case a football game breaks out.

Joe

Recent Posts

Nordstrom Anniv. Sale Sneak Peek, Bonobos HOT sale, & more – The Thurs. Sales Handful

From Target clearance t-shirts, to 43% off Brooks Brothers 1818 line Italian suits.

5 hours ago

Most Wanted Affordable Style – July 2026

Linen-wool sportcoats, UK made dirty buck chukkas, and longingly looking (very) forward to fall.

1 day ago

In Review: Banana Republic Italian Wool Signature Suits

In person with BR's flagship suit separates.

2 days ago

Steal Alert: Christopher Ward’s Summer Sale

Significant savings. While they last. Which usually isn't very long.

2 days ago

Win it: The Caravelle Sea Hunter Automatic 39mm Dive Watch

One of the best affordable watch releases in recent memory. Yours to win. Perhaps.

3 days ago

Best 4th of July Sales for Men 2026 – BR Extra 20% off, Huckberry Shorts Sale, & More

Nordstrom Rack extra 25% off clearance, Billy Reid Summer Sale, Allen Edmonds, etc.

4 days ago