Ditch Your Outdated Corduroy Skirt For Thanksgiving 2025 And Try These Trendy Outfits Instead
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What constitutes a perfect Thanksgiving look? Well, that's a little subjective. "I wear a t-shirt and jeans to cook and then dress to the nines for dinner," wrote one Reddit user on a thread discussing holiday outfits. "I do the same if it's just me or I'm entertaining a crowd. Dressing up gives the holiday its due respect. I can never understand how someone can feel festive or celebratory in sweatpants."
For many Millennials, though, it was the buttoned corduroy skirt and tights. The outfit was practically the unofficial Thanksgiving uniform in the mid 2010s, dominating our social media feeds alongside the Instagram makeup trends like thick eyebrows. But like all trends, the moment has passed. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, holiday outfits became cozier (think pajama sets) in response. But as restrictions lifted, and people were eager to be outside again, there was a turn toward louder, expressive, holiday looks, including sequins and glitter.
So, what are we wearing for 2025? The good news is there are several of the fall 2025 fashion trends this year that translate beautifully into a festive holiday look. After all, autumn style is all about luxe textures and rich colors. Whether you opt for velvet or a soft knit, you'll be equal parts cozy and stylish. Fortunately, plenty of these fashion-forward holiday outfits are also duly fancy, which means you can look festive and also be perfectly outfitted for lounging with the family after dinner.
Make room for a matching knitwear set
Sidestep outdated sweater trends by opting for a chic matching knit set. These sets are every bit as comfortable and cozy as sweatpants, but the elevated texture and coordinated vibe make it slightly more elegant. If you're looking to strike a balance between casual and polished, then this version of loungewear is perfect. Reach for the fun contrasting trim of this Tanming 2 Piece Outfit, or opt for an unexpectedly arm-baring option like this Tankaneo Sleeveless Top Knit Set.
Turn up the va va voom with velvet pants
Velvet is the perfect blend of festive shine and touchable, and it's super on trend for fall. Give your Thanksgiving outfit a little extra flair by adding a statement piece like velvet pants, which will add a pop of color and texture to your look. For a more polished vibe, look for a more tailored shape, like these FUNYYZO Velvet Flare Pants, or go full lounge with a less structured pant, like these Oplxuo Velvet Drawstring Pants, which stretch nicely to accommodate any extra turkey you might eat.
Keep it pretty in plaid
With "Ralph Lauren Christmas" defining the holidays this year, there's no better moment to embrace plaid to celebrate the season. It's a great way to add the color and visual interest of a pattern to your ensemble, while keeping your overall look classic. Play with proportion by slipping on a voluminous skirt like this Tanming Plaid A-Line Pleated Skirt, and topping it with a cute sweater or a blazer for a look that's seriously Old Money Aesthetic.
Classy in a chunky sweater
Nothing screams holiday season like a cozy sweater. This fall, one of the hottest variations is the thick-knit design, an evolution of the fisherman aesthetic that dominated this summer. These bulky pieces make a statement through dramatic proportion while still looking undeniably timeless. Add visual interest to your outfit with a classic knit pattern, like this PRETTYGARDEN Cable Knit Crewneck, or fully commit to the knitwear moment with a sweater dress, like this ANRABESS Oversized Sweater Dress, paired with some festive-colored shoes.
Swap corduroy for suede
Few trends are as dominant this fall as suede, a luxe leather texture that is both timeless and fresh. Channel boho charm by tossing a soft suede jacket, like this RICHTRUE Faux Leather Jacket, over a floaty floral dress; it's a great way to transition your summertime frocks for autumn. The toughness of the leather makes for a visually exciting contrast with the softness of the dress, and it will help keep you snug on those cool November nights.
Make a statement with knee-high boots and shorts
Ankle boots are among the outdated boot trends you should walk away from this fall. Instead, make a statement in tall boots, which emphasize the vertical line of your legs to add a sense of femininity and sleekness to your outfit. This classic boot shape is giving 90s rom-com heroine. It's hard to go wrong with knee-high boots, whether you pair a classic tall boot, like these Lovee Cosee Knee High Boots, with a dramatic mini skirt or a flowing midi skirt.
Ditch the corduroy for a denim maxi skirt
Ditch the casual jeans and elevate your denim game with a maxi skirt, like this HUDSON Reconstructed Skirt. It's a great way to tread the fine line between festive and casual, and these are also way more comfortable than regular blue jeans, which is a must if you want something suited to hanging out with the family after dinner. If you're worried about a denim maxi looking too casual for Thanksgiving dinner, just add a little polish in the form of a patterned blazer or silky top.
Stun in a slip dress
The silky slip dress, like this BAGONE Satin V-Neck Dress, is one of our favorite resurrected 90s trends, and with good reason. That's because these versatile, wearable dresses have an elegant, minimalistic charm, which makes them ideal to wear for Thanksgiving dinner. You can glam it up with a little bit of sparkling jewelry. Or, if this feels a little too formal for your family's dinner, then just throw a sweater over the slip for a bundled-up effect, or toughen it up with a leather jacket.