How to Style A Cozy Sweater 4 Ways for Thanksgiving

We are in the final days leading up to my favorite holiday and if you’re a planner like me, you’ve already had your outfit picked out for weeks. To be fair, since we travel to either Northern New Jersey or Chicago for the holidays, I’m always thinking ahead about my outfits and packing lists. It’s just how my brain works! But, before I get into my outfit ideas, I have to share a little backstory.

I love getting dressed up for the holidays (and any time, really). I actually used to wear the same pair of orange wool pants every single Thanksgiving. I styled them differently, but I wore them every year from 2007 to 2015, at which point I decided that the “Thanksgiving Pants” were a little too low rise and a little too tight 😉 Now that I’ve retired the TP, the world is my oyster! While I tend to err on the dressier side, comfort is still key for me, especially on Thanksgiving, and I’ve found that I simply cannot go wrong with an oversized, cozy sweater. Today I’m going to share how to style one sweater four ways, with items you probably already have in your closet!

First things first: the sweater. I picked this one up from H&M earlier this season and absolutely adore it (wearing a small, runs tts, XS-XL and petite). It’s a boxy turtleneck that hits right at my hips. The soft blend has a touch of wool and keeps its shape well. It’s actually still in stock but any cozy sweater will do! I also love this one, this one, and this one!

And now, the looks!

LOOK 1: ELEVATED CASUAL

Cozy Sweater, Denim (wearing a size 26, this wash runs tts but most run large, sizes 23-32), Headband, Heels (wearing 8.5, runs tts)

While I don’t typically wear denim on holidays, a classic cut in a darker wash feels dressy and can instantly be elevated with accessories. A quick note on these jeans: I love them. I’m the biggest fan of Agolde denim, especially the Nico style – I own it in four washes! They are definitely an investment (I wait for sales) but when I wear them I feel so darn confident that for me, the price is worth it. The high rise and button fly hold me in, but the waistband is still forgiving – a critical component for any Thanksgiving outfit! I paired mine with a plaid headband and suede pumps for an elevated look.

LOOK 2: COMFY CHIC

Cozy Sweater, Faux Leather Leggings (wearing a small, tts or size up, XS-3X), Boots (tts), Fur (vintage)

These faux leather leggings are a staple in my closet – I actually wore them last Thanksgiving! I love that they feel like athleisure but look like real pants. They’re also great to wear when traveling! I dressed mine up with my favorite boots and a fur stole – an instant “chic” accessory! – but last year I wore a crisp white button down, my go-to sweater blazer (belted) and pumps. See? So versatile! I’ve heard great things about this version, too.

LOOK 3: DRESSY WITH AN EDGE

Cozy Sweater, Faux Leather Skirt (old, similar below), Tights, Boots (wearing 8.5, runs tts)

While I typically gravitate towards pants, I’m having a moment with skirts and love the combination of a cozy, oversized sweater with a sleek skirt. This leather mini is a tried and true staple of mine (old, but this one and this one are similar) that adds some edge to an otherwise cozy ensemble. This concept would work with a wool mini skirt or a midi slip skirt, too! The KEY to this outfit is the undergarments. I swear by Spanx tights, mainly because I feel great in them but also because I can tuck anything into them without adding bulk or wrinkles – big sweaters, button downs, blouses… you name it, these tights hold ‘em in place. As far as the details go, I like the contrast of wearing all black on the bottom but a monochromatic mix would be fun, as would adding different accessories like bold hoops or printed boots.

LOOK 4: THE STATEMENT PANT

Cozy Sweater, Plaid Pants (wearing a 4, runs large generally but small for H&M – I’m typically a 6 in their bottoms, 0-18, 0P-14P,  L-4XL here), Heels (wearing 8.5, runs tts)

This is my actual Thanksgiving outfit this year and I’m so jazzed about it! I love that the pieces are all within the same color scheme, so I’ve got a bit of a monochromatic vibe but with a touch of fun from the printed pants. Obviously I’m a fan of a good statement pant – RIP TP – and this paper bag pair feels like pajamas! Give me a forgiving pair of pants (I love this pair, this pair and this pair that Elsa and I both have, too!) and a pair of heels and I am GOOD to go!

Whether you’re a planner like me or tend to figure out your outfits on the fly, hopefully these 4 cozy looks will inspire you to look and feel your best this Thanksgiving!

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2 Comments

  1. I love these looks, especially the added fur on the second look, but the third style with the pleated skirt is definitely my favorite. Such a great staple sweater, too.

    Posted 11.25.19
    • admin wrote:

      Thank you so much, Emma! It was really fun to style – an oversized, cozy turtle is such a great closet staple!

      Posted 11.25.19

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