How to be Stylish for the Holidays: Thanksgiving Edition

It is such a good thing my mother taught me how to cook a killer, Southern Thanksgiving dinner.  Perhaps while my young family and guests were tasting the creamy sweet potato casserole or spicy cornbread dressing, they did not notice the cook looked like she had just come out of the oven herself.  I actually would get so wrapped up in the cooking that I did not take care of how I looked. I was just going to cook and clean it up. Who needed to look good for that?

Well, I changed my tune around ten years ago and decided that if the meal was this special, I needed to look special myself.  I did notice I started to get more offers for clean- up assistance when I looked more put together!  Perhaps they did not want me to get all messed up.

There are many easy ways to look our Thanksgiving-best and still be comfortable for cooking, cleaning, or playing in the yard with little ones.  To begin with, PLAN the day before.  Know what you are going to wear, get your hair ready, and get the sleep needed to arise early. Put on the turkey then put on the makeup.

Tips for Thanksgiving Style

Casual Party Style

For a casual party, consider tunics, or long cardigans with leggings. This type of style will be perfect with boots or flats, whatever you prefer.  Leggings work for all ages, ladies. I have seen eighty-year-olds rock leggings and tunics with the best of us!  (Now avoid wearing Thanksgiving-themed sweaters or tunics.  Who wants a huge turkey on their torso. Enough said!)

But, what looks great is a well-fitted pair of jeans with an autumn-colored blouse or sweater.  For the pièce de résistance, pick up a plaid scarf to be completely stylish and on trend.

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Left to right:

Petite Marled Ribbed-Knit Sweater Tunic from Macy’s.com $36.99 on sale.

Nine West “Sammy” brown leather booties from 6pm $45.99 after sale ends: Shop 6PM: Nine West Up to 60% off! (11/18-11/20)

Alfani Plus Size Long-Sleeve Marilyn Cowl-Neck Tunic Sweater from Macy’s.com $65.00.

LibbySue-Classic Cashmere Feel Winter Scarf in Rich Plaids on Amazon.com in 24 colors for $12.90.

Nine West “Blustery” flat shoes in 7 colors. From $29.99 to $45.99. All Nine West on sale up to 60% between 11/18-11/20.

Outfit Outfeat Skinny Jeans in black from ModCloth. $59.99.

The “Knew It Enthrall Along” tunic from ModCloth. $44.99

Dressier Thanksgiving Outfits

For a dressier dinner, perhaps where you are a guest and not the cook, consider a long skirt with a pretty long sleeved top and a wrap. There are so many beautiful wraps with a touch of bling which just add to the festive mood. For those in cold country, put some warm leggings under that skirt!

Finally, most retailers have decided to begin great sales early this year and now is the time to save on gorgeous coats and jackets. The double-breasted peacoats are back in. However, SHHHH, don’t tell the fashion pundits, but these coats do not really ever go out of style unless they have shoulder pads. That would be a NO.  Faux furs are also big this year in vests and coats.

If you are the cook, you might pick up an autumn apron (at Flirty Aprons you can get 25% off any order with coupon code: HOLIDAY25) to wear over your leggings and tunic! Keeps the fun of the dinner at the forefront.  Still take off the house shoes and put on flats, booties, or boots!!

If you are a guest, attending a dinner in another home, make sure you take a hostess gift.  No matter how small, it is a fabulous and kind thing to do.  You might consider:

1. A wonderful autumn-scented candle. Pumpkin spice or salted caramel…so nice.
2. An autumn platter full of your own home baked goodies.
3. One of the wonderful NEST diffusers–my husband’s favorite–to keep greeting guests with welcoming aromas.
4. A Mason jar full of your own hot chocolate mix or mugs with holiday teas or this Black Mandarin Organic Tea.

I am getting hungry ….and a little stressed just thinking of this!  Thanks for stopping by The Joy Boutique.  Next week we will discuss holiday parties!!

See you then!  Have a joyful week!