By That Girl Whitney Team
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Thanksgiving is the one holiday built entirely around eating, so your outfit has one big job: stay comfortable from the first appetizer to the second slice of pie. Nobody wants to spend the afternoon secretly unbuttoning their jeans under the table.
At the same time, you’ll be in family photos, and you might be seeing relatives you haven’t seen all year. The best plus size Thanksgiving outfits feel like pajamas and look like you made an effort.
This guide covers why a stretchy waist is your best friend, outfit ideas for every kind of Thanksgiving, an easy matching set from Whitney’s latest Walmart haul, and the layers and shoes that finish the look. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, this year in the U.S. Canadian readers who celebrated in October can save these ideas for holiday dinners.
Start With a Comfortable Waist
The secret to a great Thanksgiving outfit starts at your waist.
Elastic and pull-on waists are the clear winners. Pull-on pants and knit skirts give you room to enjoy dinner without pressure.
Stretchy denim works if you love jeans. Look for a high rise with a good amount of stretch, and skip rigid denim on the big day.
Dresses without a fitted waist are another great option. A sweater dress or an A-line knit dress moves with you.
Avoid tight waistbands and anything you have to suck in to button. If you’re unsure, sit down in the outfit for a few minutes before you leave the house.
Comfortable shapewear can smooth your look without squeezing. Our plus size shapewear guide covers styles soft enough to wear through a long meal.
Comfort doesn’t mean sloppy. A pull-on pant in a polished fabric like ponte looks just as nice as a tailored trouser, and nobody at the table will know it has an elastic waist.
Outfit Ideas for Every Kind of Thanksgiving
Every Thanksgiving looks a little different, so dress for your plans.
Family dinner at home. A matching knit set or soft trousers with a cozy sweater keeps you comfortable and photo-ready.
Friendsgiving. Go a bit more playful with wide leg jeans, a fun sweater, and ankle boots. Our guide to plus size wide leg jeans has more pairing ideas.
Backyard football or a Turkey Trot. Leggings, a warm sweatshirt, and a puffer vest keep you warm outside. Our plus size sweatshirts post has cozy options.
Travel day. Choose a soft jogger set or leggings with a long cardigan and slip-on sneakers. You’ll be comfortable in the car or on the plane and still look put together when you arrive.
Fall colors like burgundy, rust, olive, and camel feel festive without being costume-y.
Check the plan before you get dressed. If the meal is outside or there’s a game in the backyard, wear layers you can add and remove easily.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size sweater dress or plus size ponte pants
The Matching Sweater Set
A matching set might be the easiest Thanksgiving outfit of all. You get a complete, coordinated look in one purchase, and knit sets are as comfortable as pajamas.
The ribbed sweater and pants set (Scenario) in burgundy wine is $34.98 in sizes XS to 4X. It includes a long-sleeve mock neck sweater and matching pants. Burgundy is a perfect fall color, and the ribbed texture looks polished in photos.
Style it with ankle boots and gold earrings for dinner. Add a long cardigan or a camel coat for the drive.
Break the set up after the holiday, too. The sweater works with jeans, and the pants work with a cream sweater, so you get three outfits out of one buy.
Whitney styles this set on her Instagram, so follow along if you want to see it on.
Shop it: ribbed sweater and pants set
Layers and Shoes That Finish the Look
Thanksgiving kitchens get hot, and backyards get cold, so plan for both.
Wear a removable layer. A long cardigan or an open shacket comes off easily when the oven is on and goes back on when you step outside.
Choose comfortable shoes. Ankle boots and clean sneakers work for most gatherings. If you’ll be standing in the kitchen for hours, pick a pair with a cushioned footbed.
Keep accessories simple. Gold hoops and a swipe of berry lipstick are all you need.
Bring a stain plan. A stain pen in your bag saves your outfit from gravy and cranberry sauce.
Dress for the kitchen if you’re cooking. Push-up sleeves and an apron over your outfit keep you comfortable near a hot oven, and the apron comes off when it’s time to eat.
Thankful for Comfy Clothes
The best Thanksgiving outfit lets you relax and enjoy the day. Start with a stretchy waist and consider a matching knit set for an easy, polished look. Add a removable layer and comfortable shoes, and you’re ready for dinner, photos, and dessert. Happy Thanksgiving, friend.
See the Thanksgiving set styled on Instagram at @thatgirlwhitney, and shop more of Whitney’s favorite finds on her Amazon storefront.