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11 Pieces To Wear This Thanksgiving To Be The Family Fashionista

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCLA chapter.

UCLA’s Thanksgiving Break is right around the corner, which means it’s time to get your family dinner outfit planned. If you are struggling to find a Thanksgiving outfit that is both cute and comfortable, look no further. Here are 11 pieces you can wear this Thanksgiving to show that you are the family fashionista:

Sweater dresses

They are cozy and cute all in one. Sweater dresses (if long enough) can be worn alone, but they can easily be paired with some thermal tights or leggings. Style them with boots, loafers and some matching fuzzy socks to keep yourself nice and cozy.

Striped Sweaters

Trend alert: striped sweaters are back and better than ever. Specifically, the color combination everyone is going for is navy and cream, which is very appropriate since this past season we saw the rise of the “Coastal Grandma” aesthetic. Coastal Grandma emphasizes light colors and an effortlessly cozy and classic look. Therefore, there is no better way to say you are in the fashion world than by showing off a striped sweater. It’s also a super customizable piece — try wearing it with jeans or layering it with sweaters and dresses.  Even when the Coastal Grandma trend fades, all the pieces are timeless. They will never go out of style!

Leather Jacket

Want a way to elevate a look? Add a leather jacket. These outer pieces bring a look together whether you want to be edgy or add an extra layer for warmth. They go great with any color, fabric and aesthetic. You could do an all-black outfit, but if you want to do something the complete opposite (ex: pink lace), the leather jacket will still look cool, as if it’s a purposeful contrast (which of course it is because you are the family fashionista).

A Statement Belt

This is a hot take, but I think when done correctly, a statement belt really is the defining piece that many ensembles need. There is an emphasis on “when done correctly.” Therefore, I am saying your statement belt should not be the infamous Gucci belt or any belt that is a quick-season trend. Find a belt that is your favorite shade of brown or black and choose a shape. A good statement belt can go around your jeans or a dress, emphasizing your waistline and making an overly baggy or plain look come together.

Vests

Sweater vests, puffer vests, you name it, they are in style. Vests are a great layering piece, and you can buy them in sizes as tight or baggy as you want. They are also a fall outfit staple and can feel like a great warm hug, a similar feeling to after you have had three dishes from your Thanksgiving buffet.

Layered Tops

When I was in elementary school, I used to think layering tops was the #1 signal that you were a nerd. Now, layered tops are the #1 signal you know what is in the fashion world. My personal favorite way to layer is to take a real or mock turtleneck with either a crew neck or sweater over it. If you top the look with a thick headband or some sunglasses, you look like you came straight out of a Pinterest board.

Blazer and A Mini Dress

Is your family a little more formal for holiday events? Then a blazer and a mini dress may be a great option. Choose your favorite mini dress in any color or any fabric, whether you’re feeling more of a slip or a knit dress. Then, pair it with a blazer. Preferably, the blazer should be slightly oversized and around the same length as the dress.

Slip Dress With A Sweatshirt or Sweater 

This is the more casual version of the above option. I personally do not like wearing jeans, and I have a select pair of pants. Therefore, I always find different ways to style skirts and dresses, and this is one of my favorite ways. The old trick is to take your dress, put a bra on top of the dress, and then take your oversized sweater or sweatshirt and tuck it into the bra band. You get a cute, warm, cropped look that has a touch of casual femininity.

A Knit Dress

A knit dress is a little different than a sweater dress. They are typically in a bodycon silhouette, and the material has a tighter stitch than a sweater dress. Most knit dresses are midi or maxi, and the fabric has enough give that you can still feel stylish after all the delicious food you enjoy.

Plaid pants

I know I neglected my pants-over-skirts girlies, so these next few sections should hopefully give you some inspiration. If you are looking for a solid pant suggestion, find some plaid pants. A brown or neutral plaid always gives the best autumnal vibes, and you can pair it with a turtleneck or even some other options in this article (hint hint: try a layered top or leather jacket!).

Corduroy pants

If plaid plants are not your vibe, corduroy pants are the way to go. They are thick and made of soft material, and also come in the richest fall colors. Pair it with your favorite cream sweaters or boots and you are ready for Thanksgiving!

Hopefully, these staple items gave you some inspiration. If you need some shoe ideas, you can never go wrong with loafers, high boots, combats or even the viral mini Uggs that everyone is going crazy for this season. Let the jewelry reflect your artistic preferences. I always love some hoops or dainty gold and silver jewelry, but use those accessories to reflect what kind of fashion persona you are: edgy, classic, girly, fun, etc (the world is your oyster). Have a happy (and stylish) Thanksgiving!

BriannaRose is a UCLA Communications major and Film/TV minor who aspires to break boundaries and stigmas. As an aspiring creative director and editorial writer, she works on student films and photography projects, and has professional experience in entertainment and fashion journalism, fashion public relations and internal communications for cable. In addition to writing, BriannaRose volunteers at local animal shelters, competes in pageants, and is always excited to read a contemporary romance novel.