Low-key holiday outfit ideas

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is in just a few weeks. I feel like I blinked since the start of the school year, and all of a sudden it’s the holiday season. The period between Thanksgiving and the December holidays is one of my favorite times of year, especially living in New York City.

If there was ever a theme of 2020, it’s that everything looks different this year. With the pandemic in escalation, it’s pretty clear that the holidays are going to be a small affair, and the travel and hustle and bustle of the holidays might not look like they usually do. As I said earlier in the week, Chris and I have finally made the decision to have Thanksgiving for two in the city. Seeing as both Chris and I’s parents live in states with travel advisories, going back into the building starting last week for work means that I can’t spend it with one of them without having to stay at home for 14 days when I return. So the decision was made for us, and all I can say is at least it a decision.

So it’s looking like a low key holiday season, and that means outfits that make your day feel special, while still remembering the fact that you might be sitting at home, or refraining from larger gatherings that usually require more formal attire. Plus, the best part of the holidays, aside from family, is the food. So you better believe that my outfits are going to account for the fact that you are going to be ready to burst by the end of the day.

Thanksgiving has never really been a holiday to wear a dress- I can’t tell you what my rationale for that is, but maybe it’s because there’s the idea of laying horizontal on the couch to culminate the day that makes a dress somewhat unappealing to me. I focused on three pairs of pants, with a few different elevations of formal, depending on what you have going on at home. I kept it true to fall colors and pieces, and created these three low-key holiday looks for you. Whether you are doing the most, are keeping it casual, or maybe fall somewhere in the middle, I’ve got you covered.

I just love these pumpkin spiced pants, and the style is such a flattering cropped cut on different body types. I paired it with this darling white puffed-sleeve sweater, a great black belt, and a pair of my favorite on-trend booties for Fall.

I have been in love with the camel cardigan coat for weeks, and finally got mine in the mail. I love its oversized fit – it feels very chic paired with more tapered pieces underneath. If you’re daring enough for jeans, I love this high-rise button flied pair is a favorite in the darkest wash. Paired with this fun party t-shirt underneath to keep it casual but festive, and a pair of leopard booties to bring it all together.

Knowing it’s just the two of us means I’ll be opting to keep it casual, with outfit #3, which gives me room for dessert with my top pick for a pair of faux leather leggings. These suck you in in all the right places. I love it paired with this sweater I own in two colors, with my new favorite shirt jacket thrown on top for cozy layers or a post-dinner walk if you can manage. Paired with these new white combat boots, this look is probably my favorite of the three, and matches my Thanksgiving 2020 vibe.

I know that now that Chris and I have solidified our plans, we are getting our menu in check. We are going roasted chicken (never a turkey fan) and all of the carbs on the side – my mom’s Parmesan mashed potatoes, a cheesy herb popover roll, and we will throw a vegetable in for good measure. I’ve got to find something exciting for dessert, and I think it’s going to be cozy and intimate. I will even break out my 25+ year old homemade handprint turkey runner I made in pre-school to make show my mom on FaceTime.

I hope everyone has a beautiful Thanksgiving in whatever way you are safely celebrating. While it may be a bummer to change up your holiday traditions, it’s a chance to keep our family and friends safe in the long run, and find new elements of the holiday you didn’t know you love.