What to Wear for Thanksgiving: Elegant Dress Ideas & Tips
Rihoas Brings You Vintage Romance for the Holiday Season
Setting the Vibe: The Philosophy Behind Thanksgiving Dressing
When golden autumn light streams through the windows on Thanksgiving Day, you want to look amazing in those family photos—but let's be real, you also want to enjoy that second helping of stuffing without feeling like your dress is staging a rebellion. That's where Rihoas comes in with a game-changing philosophy: looking gorgeous should never mean sacrificing comfort.
The Rihoas Promise: Where Elegance Meets Ease
Rihoas was born from a simple truth: finding clothes that are both elegant AND comfortable shouldn't feel like searching for a unicorn. We get it—Thanksgiving means hours of cooking, eating, chatting, and maybe even some impromptu dancing. Your outfit needs to keep up with all of it while making you look like you just stepped out of a European café (even if you've been basting turkey for the last three hours).
Your Thanksgiving Style Recipe: Three Key Ingredients
1. Romantic Details That Steal the Show
- Lace touches: Our lace collection adds that "ooh la la" factor
- Ruffle accents: Soft, feminine lines that photograph beautifully
- Vintage-inspired prints: Floral dresses that channel harvest vibes
2. Fabrics That Feel Like a Hug
Because nobody wants to spend Thanksgiving feeling like they're wearing a cardboard box:
- Breathable cotton: Keeps you cool when the kitchen heats up
- Stretchy blends: Freedom of movement (and eating!)
- Soft knits: Cozy without the constraint
3. Budget-Friendly Gorgeousness
Complete looks under $40? Yes please! Check out our Under $20 treasures for pieces that punch way above their price tag.
2025 Vintage Vibes Are Everything
This Thanksgiving, vintage is having its moment:
- '60s boho prints are back and better than ever
- '70s A-line silhouettes are totally trending
- Pearl accents and velvet textures bring that nostalgic charm
Chapter One: Dresses—The Ultimate Thanksgiving Power Move
Let's face it: dresses are the MVP of Thanksgiving outfits. One great piece solves all your style dilemmas.
🍂 Vintage-Inspired Florals That Make a Statement
A. Dark Floral Maxis—Your Thanksgiving BFF
Dark-based floral prints are absolutely perfect for family gatherings. Our floral maxi dress offers that effortless elegance with a comfortable flow.
Must-Have Pick:
- Black Floral V-Neck Maxi (around $42): Customer rave: "Got SO many compliments! The fabric is amazing and it's actually comfortable enough to eat in!"
- Price sweet spot: $35-45
Style It Your Way:
- Cropped Cardigan + Knee-High Boots
- Layer with neutrals (think camel or cream)
- Boots add that Instagram-ready finish
- Belt It for Shape
- Cinch at the waist for an hourglass effect
- Pick colors that pop from the floral pattern
- Add a Silk Scarf
- Tie around your neck or handbag
- Dots or stripes play well with florals
B. Polka Dots & Plaids—Classic Never Gets Old
Polka dot dresses scream vintage chic, while plaid shirt dresses give off cozy autumn vibes.
Pro Tips:
- Go for darker shades (navy, burgundy) to avoid looking too cutesy
- Medium-sized patterns work best—too big or too small can look off
- Keep accessories solid to let the print shine
Sweater Dresses—Cozy Meets Cute
Our sweater dress lineup is basically a warm hug you can wear.
Top Picks:
-
Beige Knit Sweater Dress (around $47)
- Customer love: "Perfect length! So soft and got tons of compliments"
- A-line shape flatters everyone
- Medium stretch = eat all you want
- Cardigan-Style Sweater Dresses
- Easy temperature control (from kitchen to dining room)
- Layer lace underneath for extra polish
Belt Hack Alert:
- Sweater dresses can look shapeless without definition
- Aim for 2-3 inch width belts
- Leather or velvet adds instant luxury
LBD Gets a Thanksgiving Glow-Up
The Rihoas little black dress is your Thanksgiving secret weapon.
Instant Upgrade Tricks:
- Pin on a Vintage Brooch
- At the collar or waist
- Pearls = instant elegance
- Layer Pearl Necklaces
- Multiple strands for Hollywood glamour
- Single statement piece for modern minimalism
- Choose Velvet
- Black velvet screams luxury
- Perfect for fancier dinners
Color Pop Ideas:
- Wine-red accessories: Very Thanksgiving
- Forest green accents: Festive without being too much
- Caramel tones: Warm and vintage-y
Mix & Match Magic—Tops & Bottoms
Tops That Turn Heads
A. Lace & Chiffon Beauties
Our lace tops bring that French girl chic.
Worth Every Penny:
- Puff Sleeve Lace Tops ($25-30)
- Arms look amazing
- Romantic without trying too hard
- V-Neck Chiffon Blouses
- Face-slimming magic
- Tuck or leave out—both work
- Bow-Detailed Styles
- Sweet meets sophisticated
- Works for all ages
B. Knits & Cardigans That Hug You Back
Rihoas knitwear ranges from basics to statement pieces.
Customer Favorites:
- Pearl Button Knit Sweaters
- Details matter
- Pairs perfectly with midi skirts
- Long Cashmere-Feel Cardigans
- Effortlessly chic
- Wear as a coat alternative
- Double-Breasted Sweater Vests
- Preppy-cool
- Layer over button-downs
Bottom Half Brilliance
A-Line Skirts: Flattering on Everyone
Our skirt is all about that feminine flow:
- High-waisted styles elongate legs
- A-line cuts hide what you want hidden
- Knee-length keeps it classy
High-Waisted Wide-Legs: Retro Cool
- Creates length where you want it
- Comfortable waistband for post-meal comfort
- Pair with cropped tops for balance
Velvet Trousers: Holiday Luxe
- Rich texture screams special occasion
- Dark colors + silk tops = perfection
- Great for dressier celebrations
Chapter Six: Real Talk—Dressing Your Body Type
Rihoas Fit Guide
Every body deserves to look amazing:
Pear Shape: Top Defined, Bottom Flow
- Try: A-line dresses
- Why: Skims hips, shows off smaller waist
- Bonus: Fitted tops balance proportions
Apple Shape: Empire Waist Wonder
- Try: Empire waist designs
- Why: Draws eye up, flows over middle
- Bonus: V-necks elongate
Hourglass: Show Those Curves
- Try: Wrap styles or belted dresses
- Why: Celebrates natural shape
- Bonus: Medium-weight fabrics drape perfectly
Flattering Hacks Everyone Needs
Vertical Lines Are Your Friend
- Stripes going down = instant height
- Long cardigans create length
- V-necks beat crew necks
Dark Base + Bright Accents
- Dark dress as foundation
- Pop of color in scarf or bag
- Avoid all-black (too severe)
Waist Placement Magic
- High-waist = longer legs
- Natural waist = most comfortable
- Low-waist = just say no
The Bottom Line: Your Thanksgiving Style, Your Way
Here's the truth: Thanksgiving isn't about having the most expensive outfit—it's about feeling confident enough to enjoy every moment. Whether you're team Rihoas maxi dress or rocking separates, the best outfit is the one that makes you forget you're even wearing it.
This Thanksgiving, remember:
- Comfort and style aren't mutually exclusive
- Your perfect dress is waiting at Rihoas
- Great style doesn't require a trust fund
FAQ
1: What should I wear to Thanksgiving dinner?
Answer: For Thanksgiving dinner, opt for comfortable yet elegant pieces like a floral maxi dress or a sweater dress. The key is choosing fabrics with stretch (like Rihoas' polyester-spandex blends) that won't feel restrictive after the meal. Pair with low block heels or flats, and layer with a cardigan for temperature control. Our customers love the Black Floral V-Neck Maxi because it's elegant, comfortable, and photographs beautifully for family photos.
2: How can I create a complete Thanksgiving outfit under $50?
Answer: Absolutely! Start with a statement dress from our $35-45 range, add a $12-20 cardigan for layering, and accessorize with items under $10 (DIY pearl clips or simple jewelry). For example: a $38 floral maxi + $12 neutral cardigan + $5 accessories = $55 total. Many of our best-selling Thanksgiving looks come from mixing pieces from our Under $20 collection with one key investment piece.
3: What dress styles are most comfortable for eating a big Thanksgiving meal?
Answer: A-line dresses, empire waist styles, and sweater dresses with medium stretch are your best bets. Avoid bodycon styles or anything with a tight waistband. Our sweater dress features forgiving knit fabrics that move with you. The Beige Knitted Sweater Dress is particularly popular because of its relaxed fit and A-line silhouette. Pro tip: Choose high-waisted bottoms if wearing separates—they won't dig in when you sit.
4: How do I transition my outfit from cooking to hosting guests?
Answer: Use the layering strategy! Start with a base dress or separates, add a removable apron (or cardigan while cooking), then switch to dressy accessories when guests arrive. Keep makeup minimal while cooking, then add a bold lip and switch from studs to statement earrings. For shoes, wear supportive flats while prepping, then slip into low heels for dinner. Many Rihoas dresses work perfectly under aprons—just remove the apron and add a belt or necklace for instant polish.
5: What colors and patterns work best for Thanksgiving outfits?
Answer: For Thanksgiving 2025, embrace rich autumn tones: burgundy, forest green, navy, caramel, and rust. Floral prints with dark backgrounds are particularly flattering and festive, while classic patterns like plaid or subtle polka dots add vintage charm. Solid colors are easier to accessorize—a black or navy dress becomes Thanksgiving-ready with gold jewelry and autumn-colored scarves. Avoid pure white (stains!) and overly bright neons. Our customers' most-photographed Thanksgiving outfits feature deep jewel tones with metallic or pearl accessories.