12TH AND BROAD

5 ways to be comfortable and stylish on Thanksgiving

Carla Antonelli

For 12th and Broad

This caftan came from a street market in St. Marteen. Layer a slip or leggings underneath and add a leather jacket to extend your wear of this summer staple.

Real talk. Skinny pants and pencil skirts are a bad idea for Thanksgiving. This is a long day of indulging and comfort is key. My husband and I spend Thanksgiving at our friends’ house and thankfully the dress code is simple. Sweatpants. This is the one time of year I have no problem wearing yoga pants as regular pants. That stretchy waistband is basically my BFF.

Your Thanksgiving may not be quite as casual as mine, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Here are five stylish options that will give you plenty of room to eat your way into that tryptophan coma.

Caftans

These dresses are simple in shape, but big in personality. They often come in vibrant colors and patterns making each one special. No waistband means you can eat all the pie you want. If it’s chilly, add a pair of leggings underneath and layer a jacket over your shoulders. This will also help you get extra wear out of a summer staple.

T-Shirt Dresses

The only thing better than a perfectly soft, worn-in t-shirt is a t-shirt dress. This is a wardrobe essential. T-shirt dresses are great foundation pieces for layering, which makes them perfect for Thanksgiving Day. I love to layer on accessories to dress them up. After that second round of turkey, add a cozy oversized knit cardigan or poncho and curl up on the couch. Night. Night.

Faux Leather Pants

If yoga pants aren’t appropriate, and you don’t want to wear those skinny jeans, try a pair of faux leather pants. I prefer faux to real for a number of reasons. You don’t have to break them in. They’re more affordable. And you can find pairs with that coveted stretchy waistband. Even if you find a pair cut like a skinny jean, they are infinitely more comfortable than denim. Pair with your favorite sneakers and add an oversized sweater or plaid shirt and you’ll have no problem going back for seconds.

Fancy Pajamas

Layer a poncho over your t-shirt dress instead of a jacket. T-shirt Dress: The Trunk. Poncho: Winifred Grace

Cheat the system completely with a silk pajama set. There are some terrific two-piece sets with wide leg pants and button down “blouses.” This look is street-style cool and perfect for a day of eating and lounging. Wear with your favorite pair of old school sneakers and accessorize with statement pieces.

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are an easy and modern way to tackle comfort dressing. The trick for Thanksgiving is to find a material that moves with you and doesn’t restrict or cling. Save those jumpsuits for your holiday parties. Knit jumpsuits are ideal for a long day full of parades, football and food. You’ll feel like you’re wearing your favorite sweatpants all while being wrapped in your coziest sweater. Layer a thin turtleneck under a sleeveless jumpsuit for added warmth.