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What To Wear On Thanksgiving Eve, Whether You’re Going Out Or Staying In

Thanksgiving is an American holiday that brings people together. Family and friends gather around a table full of delicious food, expressing their thanks for all the gifts that life has to offer. But before Thanksgiving, college students all over America come together to express their thanks to another gift: partying. On Thanksgiving Eve — which is the day before Thanksgiving — many college students and young twentysomethings host parties or choose to go out with friends back home, with an end goal of getting drunk (responsibly), or at the minimum, spending quality time with friends before being with family the next day.

No matter what you call it, you have to be *stylishly* prepared on Thanksgiving, whether you plan on going out or staying in. Back home, you might be bar-hopping with old friends, and you must be armed with your wit — and a killer outfit — just in case you run into that mean girl or your ex-boyfriend from high school (yikes). On the other hand, even if you want to just go out for a casual dinner with your hometown besties or have a cozy night in, you still deserve to look (and feel!) festive. Here are six cute outfit ideas, depending on how you choose to spend your Thanksgiving Eve.

Out to the Bars

If you choose to embark on the yearly pre-Thanksgiving pilgrimage to the local dive bar (or club, if your hometown is fancy), don’t be afraid to dress sexy. When I’m out, I like to wear something sexy that still feels secure. Style a pair of faux leather pants, like these infamous ones from Aritzia (which are still amazing, even if they are a *bit* pricey), with a sexy bodysuit and a pair of high-heeled boots.

House Party

House parties are far more casual of an affair than going out to a bar, IMHO. Not sure what to wear to your bestie’s Thanksgiving Eve house party? Let me let you in on a little secret: The basis of any house party outfit should be jeans and a comfortable shoe. A pair of straight-leg denim styled with sneakers or oxfords would look super cute styled with a little cropped tank or long sleeve. Topped off with a leather jacket, this look is hot enough to accentuate your body, but stylish enough to set you apart from the folks from back home.

A Cozy Night In
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UGG

If drinking a lot of spiked apple cider on a Wednesday evening isn’t your thing, you could plan a cozy night in with your girlfriends or family, complete with holiday movies and an at-home cocktail menu (if you’re feeling fancy). A cute, comfortable matching set, like this top ($40) and pants ($24) from Lizzo’s brand YITTY is perfect for a girls night in. Pair a matching set with cozy slippers, or the low-top UGGs if you want to channel your inner Bella Hadid, and your favorite fuzzy socks for the perfect at-home Thanksgiving Eve look.

Out To Dinner

Going out to a nice dinner can be a great way to catch up with friends from home. Style a pair of your favorite jeans with loafers, a cozy sweater, and a chunky scarf for a casual, weather-appropriate look.

A Romantic Night In

Maybe back-to-back social gatherings aren’t your thing, and you would rather spend an intimate evening at home with your partner before the craziness of Thanksgiving. Lingerie can be a fun way to spice up a romantic evening at home, regardless of the time of year. Style a simple lace teddy, like this one from Savage X Fenty ($65), with a silk robe for an effortlessly sexy look that your partner — and you! — are sure to love.

Flying Solo

Many may find themselves home alone on Thanksgiving Eve, charging their social battery in anticipation for the day ahead. My personal favorite home-alone outfit includes a fluffy bathrobe, comfortable sweats, and fuzzy socks. This robe ($128) and these jogger-style pants ($88) from SKIMS are cozy enough for a luxurious night at home. Complete your evening of rest and relaxation with a face mask or some great skincare, so you can glow on Thanksgiving Day. After all, there’s no shame in a little self-care!

Erika Taylor

Chapman '24

Erika is a freelance writer and Chapman University student based in Southern California. Specializing in fashion marketing, she is majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, and minoring in Visual Journalism. She can be found at @erikatxylor on Instagram and TikTok.