What to Wear This Thanksgiving: 51 Dresses for Every Celebration

Thanksgiving gets treated like one dinner, but look at the actual week. There's the Friendsgiving potluck the Saturday before, where you're balancing a casserole dish on your hip and trying to look effortlessly put together. There's the Wednesday night when your entire graduating class shows up at the same hometown bar, and you're 90 percent sure you'll run into the ex you can't stand but still want to impress . Then comes the long afternoon at your parents' table, the dinner reservation someone's family makes every year, and three loose days of football, shopping, and leftovers. That's five occasions, one suitcase, and a closet that has somehow produced nothing to wear. So I sorted the dresses the way the week actually unfolds. There are 51 of them, grouped by celebration and priced low to high within each section, so you can skip straight to the party you're dressing for and stop once you hit your budget. You'll find slinky satins and sequin minis, plus cotton eyelet and plaid chiffon for the days you want to look pulled together without going over the top. If you want more fall dresses under $100 , that list is still live, and once the dress is settled, these fall shoes that aren’t boots will finish the job. Evie’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love. Friendsgiving Friendsgiving is usually the weekend before, at whichever friend has the biggest apartment and the most chairs, which is never quite enough chairs. You’ll be carrying a dish up three flights, sitting on the floor at some point, and maybe even hosting, so the dress has to be pretty and completely unfussy at the same time. Flat boots or a loafer, a cardigan you can shrug on when the radiator loses the fight, and a bag small enough to leave on the counter. VICI Shiloh Tiered Satin Lace Maxi Dress (Plum) $104 at VICI Plum crinkle satin with lace trim, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a tiered skirt that moves when you do. It’s lined, it closes with loop buttons, and at just over $100 it’s the easiest yes on this list. Throw a cardigan over it for the apartment that never runs the heat. American Threads Reya Drop Waist Knit Maxi Dress (Brown) $108 at American Threads Brown knit, fitted through the bodice with thin straps, then a drop waist that spills into a flowy maxi skirt. It's the dress you can host in, eat in, and still look put together. Ballet flats and a draped cardigan. 12th Tribe Raindance Mulberry Paisley Long Sleeved Maxi Dress (Mulberry Paisley) $158 at 12th Tribe The moodiest thing in this section, in a mulberry paisley with a plunging V, sheer bell sleeves, and a tiered ruffle skirt with a side slit. Wear it with a suede ankle boot. Show Me Your Mumu Katelyn Mini Dress (Chocolate Brown Polka Dot) $168 at Show Me Your Mumu Chocolate brown polka dots, a high neckline, dramatically full sleeves, and a back cutout you forget about until someone mentions it. Very ’60s, very flirty, very much the dress you wear when you’re hosting and want to look like you tried without fussing over it. Show Me Your Mumu Olsen Maxi Dress (Flower Haze) $228 at Show Me Your Mumu Show Me Your Mumu’s kaftan-style maxi in a hazy blue-and-cream floral chiffon, with a high boat neck, vertical seams, and a detachable mini slip underneath. This is the one for sitting cross-legged on a rug with a plate on your knee. Show Me Your Mumu Shiloh Maxi Dress (Burgundy) $248 at Show Me Your Mumu Sheer burgundy, soft ruffles, a high-low hem, and a built-in slip so you don’t have to think about what goes under it. The whole thing reads boho without trying. Heels or boots both work. Cleobella Edith Mini Dress (Black) $278 at Cleobella Cleobella’s swingy black mini in organic cotton mul mul, with a mock neck, a pintucked bodice, crochet lace trim, and buttons down the front. It has pockets, it’s lined, and the relaxed shape is exactly why it’s here. The Night Before Thanksgiving The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest going-out nights of the year, and it has a very specific plot. You’re sleeping in your childhood bedroom, someone from the high school group chat picks the bar, and by 10 p.m. you’ve seen every person you’ve avoided on Instagram since graduation. The dress needs to land when you walk in, survive a packed room and the cold walk to the next stop, and still feel like you. So pick one big detail (sequins, fringe, velvet, leopard) and let it carry the night, then add a cropped leather jacket or a shearling you won’t mind hanging on a barstool, knee-high boots or a block heel you can stand in for hours, and a small crossbody so your hands are free. It’s one night of sparkle, which is exactly why the under-$200 minis here are the smart buys; the Alice + Olivia pieces are for the girl who’ll wear them straight through New Year’s. Böhme Delphine Lace Mini Dress (Burgundy) $58.50 at Böhme Burgundy velvet dotted all over, sleeveless, with a lace hem that softens the whole thing. Wear it with black tights and a block heel. Abercrombie Smocked Dipped-Waist Crepe Mini Dress (Red Plaid) $76.50 at Abercrombie Red tartan plaid in crepe, with a smocked bodice, short puff sleeves, and a dipped waist that flares into a mini. Sheer black tights and a leather jacket, and you're set for the bar. Abercrombie Bra-Free Lace-Trim Mini Dress (Brown) $85 at Abercrombie Brown georgette with a deep V, lace trim, and long bell sleeves, plus built-in bra pads so you can skip the strapless-bra situation entirely. Gold hoops and a tall boot, done. American Threads Brie Romper Mini Dress (Burgundy) $86 at American Threads Burgundy A-line mini with a square neck, thin straps, and built-in shorts, which means you can sit on a barstool without a second thought. Add a cropped cardigan and sheer tights. American Threads Noah Open Back Knit Mini Dress (Brown) $86 at American Threads Chocolate brown knit that's soft enough to live in, with long sleeves, a boat neck, and a surprise open back with a tie at the hip. Sleek hair and a small bag so the back gets its moment. ASTR the Label Janiyah Beaded Sequin Mini Dress (Wine) $119 at ASTR the Label Wine sequins and beads on a strapless, fitted mini with an elastic neckline and a sheer mesh panel at the waist. Under $120 for the dress people will ask you about all night. Throw on an oversized leather bomber to dress it down and complete the ultimate cool-girl outfit. ASTR the Label Aleah Ribbed Knit Mini Dress (Black) $138 at ASTR the Label The low-key option, for when sequins feel like a lot. Fitted black rib knit with lettuce-edge ruffles at the hem and cuffs, long sleeves, and a pull-on shape you can get into in your old bedroom in under a minute. Knee-high boots and a leopard bag give it the going-out energy. Show Me Your Mumu Olsen Mini Dress (Cranberry Tonal Chiffon) $178 at Show Me Your Mumu Cranberry tonal chiffon in Show Me Your Mumu’s kaftan shape, cut to a mini, with a boat neck, vertical seams, sheer sleeves, and a detachable slip. Flowy enough to dance in, covered enough for the walk between bars. Show Me Your Mumu Knightley Mini Dress (Midnight Brocade) $248 at Show Me Your Mumu Metallic brocade in gold and green on a dark ground, a square neckline, a structured bell skirt, and fringe along the hem, all on a sleeveless mini. This is the statement dress of the section, so this is where the cropped leather jacket earns its keep. Amanda Uprichard Lottie Dress (Black Velvet) $275 at Amanda Uprichard Amanda Uprichard’s teacup-skirt mini in plush black velvet, with a square neck, wide adjustable straps, a lace-up front, and cream soutache scroll embroidery along the bodice and hem. Smocked back, fully lined, and corset-y in the best way. Alice + Olivia Wendy Mini Dress (Spotted Leopard) $395 at Alice + Olivia Spotted leopard in a stretch viscose blend, with long sleeves, a body-skimming cut, and a flared godet skirt. This is leopard as the one big detail, and at $395 it’s the kind you plan to wear on repeat through the holiday season. Alice + Olivia Chara Vegan Mini Dress (Dark Chocolate) $395 at Alice + Olivia Dark chocolate knit on top, with a mock neck and long sleeves, and a pleated vegan leather mini skirt on the bottom. The sleekest, most grown-up thing in this section, for the girl who outgrew sequins but not the night out. Thanksgiving Day at the Family Table The big dinner at home is a long day disguised as a meal. You’re in the kitchen by noon, at the table by four, on the couch by seven, and someone takes a group photo in between, so the dress has to be comfortable at the waist, warm enough for the walk to the car, and pretty in daylight. A low block heel or a flat, a cardigan over the back of your chair, and jewelry that doesn’t clank against a wine glass. Rust, wine, plaid, and florals do the heavy lifting here, and most of what’s below comes in under $160. Böhme Miriam Plaid Midi Dress (Brown) $78.50 at Böhme Brown and cream plaid in a wrap-style midi with long sleeves and lace trim. Wear it with tall brown boots and a trench coat. Abercrombie Mock Neck Cable Mini Sweater Dress (Red) $93.50 at Abercrombie Red cable knit with a mock neck and long sleeves, fitted through the body and cut to a mini, in a cotton blend that won't overheat you by the time pie comes out. Knee-high boots and tights. ASTR the Label Florentine Embroidered Mesh Midi Dress (Brown Cream Floral) $109 at ASTR the Label Brown and cream floral ribbon embroidery over mesh, a mock neck, long sleeves, and a button keyhole at the nape, with a slip lining underneath. It’s body-skimming rather than tight, which is exactly the balance you want for a dinner that runs four hours. Worth Collective Harlow Maxi Dress (Mauve Floral) $118 at Worth Collective Statement puff sleeves, a structured bustier bodice with built-in cups, and a smocked back, in a mauve floral Tencel-nylon blend with a cotton lining. The empire waist is the detail that matters. It sits above where the second helping goes. ASTR the Label Edwardine Plaid Puff Sleeve Midi Dress (Wine Plaid) $119 at ASTR the Label Wine plaid chiffon with puff sleeves, a square neckline finished with foldover lace trim and a bow, and an empire waist that falls into a midi. It’s the vintage, sweet, grandmother-approved dress of the bunch, and it’s under $120. Avara Merritt Rust Eyelet Detail Midi Dress (Rust) $138 at Avara An Avara exclusive, in rust cotton eyelet with cutouts (the cutouts are lined, so nothing peeks through), a round collar, short sleeves, and a self-tie belt you can loosen after dinner. The A-line midi hits below the knee, and the color is basically the Thanksgiving table in dress form. ASTR the Label Aria Floral Butterfly Sleeve Maxi Dress (Rust Floral) $158 at ASTR the Label Rust floral chiffon with butterfly sleeves, an asymmetric hem, and a deep V in the back that ties with a self bow. Fully lined, maxi length, and the one you wear when there’s a golden-hour family photo on the lawn before dinner. Amanda Uprichard Courtney Dress (Mocha Elson Plaid) $242 at Amanda Uprichard Preppy to its core: a sleeveless, pinafore-style mini in mocha windowpane plaid with wide straps, a square neckline, a pleated skirt, five self-covered buttons, and flap pockets. It’s fully lined, and a cream turtleneck underneath gives you the most polished look at the table. Cleobella Maren Midi Dress (Sylvaine) $298 at Cleobella Painterly coral and rose florals on a viscose-modal blend, with a V-neck, cascading flutter sleeves, and a godet skirt. It’s unlined, so plan a slip if you want more coverage, and the midi length is right for a day that moves from kitchen to table to couch. Cleobella Jewel Ankle Dress (Églantine) $328 at Cleobella Cleobella’s Jewel in the Églantine print, a navy-based jewel-tone floral on organic cotton poplin, with a twisted bodice, a sweetheart neck, puff sleeves, and a smocked back. It has pockets, it’s lined, and the slight high-low ankle length is dressier than a midi without tipping into gown. This is the one to spend on if your family does a sit-down dinner with real candles. A Dressier Thanksgiving Dinner Some Thanksgivings come with a reservation. A restaurant, a club or hotel dining room, the first time you’re meeting the family, or a family that simply dresses for the fourth Thursday the way other people dress for Christmas Eve. This is where satin, lace, velvet, jacquard, and beading live, and the styling is simple: a long wool coat, a real heel, a clutch, and a blowout. If your family only does this once a year, the under-$200 satins here are more than enough; the splurges at the bottom are for the woman who already knows she’ll wear them again in December. A couple of these are genuinely formal, and I’ve said so where it applies. Böhme Mila Floral Maxi Dress (Black) $58.50 at Böhme Fitted black mesh maxi with oversized blush florals, sheer long sleeves, and a full lining underneath so the sheer stays strictly on the arms. Pull your hair back and let the print do the talking. GB Embellished Midi Slip Dress (Fudge) $79 at Dillard's Chocolate brown bias-cut slip, lightweight and mid-calf, with a draped cowl neck and spaghetti straps. Small rhinestones scattered head to toe catch the light every time you move. A fine-gauge cardigan on the shoulders for the drive there. Worth Collective Dana Plunging Long Sleeve Sheer Contrast Knit Maxi Dress (Olive) $108 at Worth Collective Olive viscose-nylon knit with a plunging V, long sleeves, and a sheer pleated skirt with a tiered hem. It’s very fitted and very stretchy, and the color is the chicest alternative to wine on this entire list. American Threads Sevilla One Shoulder Applique Maxi Dress (Crimson) $110 at American Threads One shoulder, fully lined, floor length, and covered in crimson tonal floral appliqué over soft mesh. This is a true formal dress, the kind you’d wear to a wedding or a gala, which makes it the pick for the family that does black tie on Thanksgiving. For them, it’s $110 very well spent. L*Space x The Salty Blonde Eyes On You Maxi (Verdant) $189 at L*Space Verdant green viscose satin from the L*Space x The Salty Blonde collab, with a plunging neckline trimmed in scalloped lace, a fitted bodice, a ruffled hem, and a back cutout. Slinky, date-night, and the right call for a hotel dinner where you’re the plus-one. ASTR the Label Andy Lace Trim Pleated Maxi Dress (Brown) $198 at ASTR the Label The open back is the point here: a big self-tie bow on chocolate satin, with contrast lace at the bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a pleated skirt. Evening without being formal. Wear it under a long coat and let the bow be the reveal at coat check. Show Me Your Mumu Vanessa Maxi Dress (Cabernet Red) $198 at Show Me Your Mumu Cabernet red, off the shoulder, with a fitted bodice and a waist tie, in a maxi that walks into a room before you do. Showstopper is the word, and it’s under $200. Show Me Your Mumu Josaphine Blazer Dress (Black Suiting) $198 at Show Me Your Mumu Black wool-blend suiting cut like a double-breasted blazer, with white ruffles at the cuffs and a sliver of white ruffle peeking out at the hem. Sheer tights, a pointed pump, and nothing else. Amanda Uprichard Banco Dress (Rosette Jacquard) $255 at Amanda Uprichard Rosette jacquard, a woven red floral with teal leaves and a subtle sheen, on a structured sleeveless mini with a bateau neckline, a fitted bodice, flap pockets, and a horsehair-braid hem. Fully lined and properly cocktail. Pockets at a dinner party are a gift. Show Me Your Mumu Joelle Maxi Dress (Dainty Black Lace) $298 at Show Me Your Mumu Dainty black lace, sheer, with soft ruffles, a high-low hem, and a built-in slip. Romantic evening in the most literal sense, and the easiest dress here to wear to a restaurant without feeling overdressed. Amanda Uprichard Florencia Maxi (Josephine) $389 at Amanda Uprichard Josephine floral, a black ground with rust and cream blooms, on a strapless boned bodice with a smocked back and a high-low bubble hem. Fully lined and unapologetically black tie, which puts it in the same camp as the Sevilla: a gown for the Thanksgiving that comes with a dress code. Cleobella Ravenna Ankle Dress (Black) $398 at Cleobella Black viscose crinkle chiffon with hand-sewn glass-bead sunbursts, sheer long sleeves, two-ply ruffles, and a removable slip lining, at ankle length. It’s handmade in India, and the beading is the whole argument for candlelight. Alice + Olivia Helena Strapless Mini Dress (Noir Elegance Blush) $695 at Alice + Olivia Metallic floral jacquard in black and blush, strapless, with a fitted bodice and a dramatically flared mini skirt. It only comes in this colorway, and it’s a statement cocktail dress for the dinner where someone is definitely taking photos. Alice + Olivia Adla Asymmetrical Lace Dress (Black/Chino) $1,295 at Alice + Olivia Silk charmeuse embroidered with black and cream floral lace, a sweetheart neckline, thin straps, and an asymmetrical tiered skirt that lands somewhere between midi and maxi. At $1,295 it’s the splurge of the entire list, and it’s for the dinner that matters most, whichever one that is for you. The Long Weekend Friday through Sunday is the part of Thanksgiving nobody plans an outfit for, which is why everyone ends up in the same leggings for three days. The hometown football game, Black Friday errands, a late brunch with the friends you didn’t get enough of on Wednesday, a walk with your family before everyone drives back. Cotton, easy shapes, and dresses that take a layer: a chunky sweater, a barn jacket or shearling, and flat boots you can walk a parking lot in. Nothing here needs to cost more than a good sweater, and most of it doesn’t. American Threads Grayson Foldover Sweater Mini Dress (Greige) $68 at American Threads Striped wool and mohair knit with a foldover neckline that sits off the shoulder, cut to a mini. It runs a little sheer, so wear a slip or a nude tank underneath and pair with tall socks and loafers. Böhme McKinley Polka Dot Maxi Dress (Cream) $108.50 at Böhme Cream polka dots, a lace-trimmed round neckline, short sleeves, and a tie at the chest, fully lined and non-stretch, in a maxi that runs about 53 inches. Vintage daytime, built for a late brunch with a cardigan and flat boots. Avara Burgundy Eyelet Button Up Short Dress (Burgundy) $112 at Avara Avara’s burgundy eyelet mini is the layering piece of the weekend: stretch cotton eyelet with scalloped trim, faux front buttons, pockets, and a rayon lining, cut above the knee. It’s sleeveless, so a turtleneck underneath, tights, and a barn jacket on top, and you’re dressed for the football game. Avara Rust Smocked Eyelet Detail Midi Dress (Rust) $118 at Avara Rust cotton with a smocked bodice, a round collar, a keyhole back, short elastic-cuff sleeves, and eyelet embroidery on the skirt. The A-line midi runs 50 to 52 inches, and it’s the relaxed, warm-toned thing you pull on for Black Friday errands and don’t think about again. Worth Collective Maxwell 100% Cotton Maxi Dress (Dusty Thyme) $118 at Worth Collective Worth Collective’s cotton poplin maxi in Dusty Thyme, a soft sage green, fully cotton-lined, with an elasticated lace-ruffle sweetheart neckline, puff sleeves you can wear on or off the shoulder, a smocked back, and an extra-full skirt. Prairie in the soft, vintage sense. A chunky cardigan turns it into a Sunday dress. Abercrombie 100% Cotton Crochet-Style Midi Sweater Dress (Warm Beige) $120 at Abercrombie Cream crochet-style knit in 100% cotton, sleeveless and fitted through the hips before it flares into a ruffle hem, and fully lined so nothing shows through. Throw a chunky cardigan over it for the Friday walk. L*Space Arlo Maxi (Indigo Chambray) $209 at L*Space Indigo chambray, 100% cotton, sleeveless, with a button front, shirring at the bust, and crossed back straps with a cutout. The denim-adjacent option, which means it goes with the shearling jacket you already own and nothing else needs to be decided. Cleobella Hartley Mini Dress (Orée) $278 at Cleobella Cleobella’s Hartley in the Orée print, pink and red florals on cream in organic cotton poplin, with a V-neck, a smocked bodice, a gathered skirt, full sleeves with shirred cuffs, and pockets. It’s unlined and it’s a mini, so this is the brunch dress, not the football dress. Long cardigan, flat boots, done. Wherever the week takes you, there’s a dress in here that already knows the plan. Pick yours, pour something warm, and let getting dressed be the easy part of the holiday.