As far as Thanksgiving outfit ideas go, I cannot resist a dress. Dresses are way more comfortable than a pair of pants or jeans will ever be, which is certainly ideal for a holiday that's centered around eating! Whether you're cozying up for a close family dinner at home or attending a more formal Thanksgiving gathering, the perfect Thanksgiving dresses will make you feel effortlessly put-together and comfy. Trust me: there’s a style for every look and mood this season.
Scroll on for 23 stunning Thanksgiving dresses for 2024!
Anthropologie
Dolan Long-Sleeve Square-Neck Mini Dress
This preppy dress would be perf for a more formal Thanksgiving. Family pictures incoming!
Banana Republic Factory
Banana Republic Factory Off-Shoulder Midi Sweater Dress
Sweater dresses are the epitome of fall and winter. Bundle up in this long sleeve version that still gives you a bit of sexiness, thanks to the off-shoulder silhouette.
Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Sleeveless Mock-Neck Belted Knit Mini Dress
The belt on this chic chocolate brown mini dress is everything. Throw on some tights and a cardigan to warm up the look even more!
Gap
Gap Shift Mini Dress
This pick is simple, but you can instantly amp it up with fall layers like a sweater and a chore jacket.
Gap
Gap Satin Mini Dress
So smooth! This satin mini from Gap will work in some varied textures into your Thanksgiving outfit. It's such a staple piece, too, so you could wear this style in any season, really.
Anthropologie
Reformation Micah Knit Dress
Grab this structured mini and some tall boots, and boom: your Thanksgiving 'fit will be giving.
Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor Houndstooth V-Neck Sleeveless Shift Dress
Loose-fitting dresses like this are totally food baby-approved since they don't hug your figure too tight.
Nordstrom
Splendid Marigold Maxi Sweater Dress
This elegant sweater dress is perfect for those of you who like to dress more modest around the holidays. It'll also keep you nice and warm!
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch One-Shoulder Knit Mini Dress
The rich red wine color of this dress is Thanksgiving's BFF. Talk about a perfect palette!
Free People
The Avenue Mini Dress
The flirty ruffles on this mini give your look some nice shape. I love that this dress supplies a good amount of coverage, but still gives you the opportunity to show off a bit of skin since it has a playful open back design.
Target
A New Day Heavy Satin Mini Dress
I think squared necklines are so universally flattering. You'll be able to accessorize this mini in no time!
Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor Faux Leather Mixed Media Dress
If you're growing tired of the expected knit and cotton dresses, opt for this foxy faux leather number.
Nordstrom
Petal & Pup Nova Long Sleeve Maxi Wrap Dress
The wrapped waistline on this dress will instantly flatter your body, plus you can tie it as loose or tight as you please. That'll most definitely come in handy for a post-Thanksgiving feast nap!
Free People
Bali Painterly Paisley Velvet Maxi Dress
The pattern alone on this maxi gives it an unmissable eye-catching effect.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic Sculpted V-Neck Maxi
All this scooped v-neck dress needs is a cute pair of ballet flats for a fun and comfy Thanksgiving get-up!
Target
A New Day Mini Velvet Ruched Dress
Pair this neutral-colored velvet dress with some tall black boots and a denim jacket for a perfectly balanced Thanksgiving outfit.
Nordstrom
Treasure & Bond Cabled Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
Cable knit is the coziest texture for fall and winter weather. You're gonna be the absolute comfiest gal at the table in this pick!
Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor Belted Midi Shirtdress
Shirt dresses are a classic dress shape, no matter the occasion. This sophisticated style even comes with a convenient belt to keep your Thanksgiving Day look in check.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic Lightweight Ponte Mini Dress
This mock-neck mini is comfortably crafted from a stretchy material, so you can move about freely after the big feast.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Sleeveless Wool & Cashmere Rib Sweater Dress
This sweater dress would stun so hard alongside some bold black boots!
Target
Wild Fable One Shoulder Maxi Slip Dress
Not only will this slip dress be perfect for Thanksgiving dressing, you can also rock it for work meetings, happy hours, and girly hangs year after year.
Nordstrom
Treasure & Bond Floral Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
This maxi encapsulates everything I love about Thanksgiving fashion: comfortable coverage, a warm color palette, and fall florals!
Reformation
Reformation Evra Dress
The people behind Reformation's dresses are total experts at creating romantic styles. This flowy maxi is beyond perfect for Thanksgiving, thanks to the ruffles, oversized collar, and rich colors.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"
Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.
Amazon
The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir
Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!
Hot Topic
Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack
I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.
Sunday Best
Sunday Best Peggy Sweater
Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.
Amazon
Cotton Baseball Hat
For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.
Book of the Month
Book of the Month
Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.
Nordstrom
Espresso Martini Statement Earrings
It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.
Etsy
Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster
Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.
Etsy
Luke's Diner Mug
With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!
Etsy
Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup
If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!
Maisonette
Gina White Poodle
Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"
Handker Bandanas
Colorful Bandana
For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.
Etsy
Dragonfly Necklace
A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.
Etsy
Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt
Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.
Etsy
Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt
There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."
Walmart
Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection
One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.
Amazon
Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook
Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.
Amazon
Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide
Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!
Amazon
Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow
TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!
Cande Craft Company
Stars Hollow Scented Candle
This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.
Amazon
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush
Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!
Rock Em Socks
Gilmore Girls Socks
Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.
Etsy
Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book
For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.
Favorite Child
Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag
Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.
Amazon
Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember
Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.
Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Striking a balance between function and fashionis especially challenging when it comes to a food-filled holiday like Thanksgiving. Me, personally, I don’t want to wear anything other than a pair of oversized sweatpants with a waistband that gives my tummy ample room to grow into an entire food baby once the big feast’s over. It’s unfortunate that sweats aren’t exactly the most appropriate Thanksgiving uniform, TBH.
Alas, we’ll all step into familiar pants and flowy dresses, some of which can feel particularly uninspired. Between the generous dinner spreadyou're planning and all the family invites you’re sending out, let these Thanksgiving outfit ideas breathe some life into your Turkey Day look. They’re all comfy as can be (I’m talkin’ food baby-friendly), but polished enough to pop off for family photos. No matter what combo you put on, you’re likely to be serving way harder than the food!
The Best Fall Outfit Formulas For Cute & Easy Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas
Trench Coat + Comfy Jeans + Ballet Flats
Kayla Walden
A trench coat will instantly make your look that much more iconic. Layer a basic jeans + long sleeve get-up with a longline trench, then finish it off with some comfy ballet flats for a low-key, but perfectly polished Thanksgiving outfit! No shame if you end up unbuttoning your jeans to make room for dessert.
Cozy Cardigan + Stretchy Skirt + Fall Boots
Skirts are where it's at when it comes to comfort. Bonus points if it has an elastic waistband like this style from Old Navy! Having a basic black maxi skirt opens up tons of possibilities for matching, too. This Thanksgiving outfit idea is made complete with a cozy-soft buttoned cardigan and some stellar fall boots.
Sweater + Loose Jeans + A Fun Shoe Moment
Kayla Walden
Pick out your comfiest jeans for this Thanksgiving outfit idea – from there, a simple cardigan or pullover sweater will do. The statement is all in the shoes here: fuzzy socks and ballet flats are a match made in fashion heaven! Plus, they'll do you good if it gets pretty cold wherever you celebrate the holiday.
Polished Jacket + White Pants
Kayla Walden
White pants are a bit of an anomaly come fall and wintertime, but if you can be trusted to not spill any food (or wine) on yourself this Thanksgiving Day, they make a total style statement and look really darn polished. Their easy-to-pair color will look stunning alongside a brown barn jacket and some simple layers. The key is to just have fun with your Thanksgiving outfit ideas!
Flowy Fall Dress + Cowgirl Boots
Meredith Holser
Any dress that takes it easy on the tummy is a great option for Thanksgiving fall outfits. Whether it's a mini, midi, or maxi style, as long as it's loose-fitting, you'll be feeling comfortable all day long! Keep an eye out for dresses with a fall-ish color palette or seasonal patterns like gingham or plaid. Top off your one-and-done look with some cowgirl boots (we love The Beth boots from Tecovas!), and you're set.
Leggings + Elevated Fall Layers
Kayla Walden
Here's proof you can indeed rock some leggings at family Thanksgiving. A basic black legging is easily pair-able with some more sophisticated layers. A cozy cardi, trench coat, and loafers make such a stylish upgrade, all while keeping you warm and not restricted.
Vintage-y Layers + Cozy Jeans
Kayla Walden
Swarming yourself in layer after doesn't have to drown out your figure. Pick out a vintage-y jacket and a timeless pair of denim for a put-together, yet casual vibe.
Low-Rise Jeans + Thrifted Wool + Ballet Flats
Meredith Holser
These low-rise, baggy jeans from Hollister might just be the ultimate pair for getting through Thanksgiving fullness. They sit lower on the stomach and waist for a very comfy fit. Plus, they wear well with just about any garment cross-seasonally. For fall and winter functions, a warm sweater works wonderfully. Ballet flats make this 'fit a bit more dressed up, too.
Matching Set
Kayla Walden
An all-black 'fit is never a bad idea. Pair a black mini skirt with a black top with an interesting neckline for a quick and easy outfit. From there, you can play around with different layers and shoes to find your best look!
Coordinating Outerwear + Riding Boots
Kayla Walden
Matching your accessories to major parts of your outfit is a simple way to elevate your ensembles any time of year, but this 'fit is perfect for fall festivities. We love coordinating our boots to our jackets like in this stunning outfit idea.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.
Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.
The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):
- Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
- Labs: $3,440.81
- NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
- Anatomy scan: $1,270
- RhoGam: $360
- Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
- Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
- OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
- Epidural: $5,720
- Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
- Pediatrician: $209
That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.
Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:
“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.
“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.
“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.
Mart Production / PEXELS
Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.
“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”
Sarah Chai / PEXELS
Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.
“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.
There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.
“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”
Anna Shvets / PEXELS
Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).
Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.
Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS
It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.
Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.
Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.
Jonathan Borba / PEXELS
Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.
“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”
To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:
- Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
- Office visits
- Lab work
- Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
- Hospital admissions
- Specialist consultations during admission
- Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
- Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible
“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”
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