Whether you're hosting, coordinating or just showing up, after menu planning, food shopping and cooking, the last thing you want to have to stress about is what will you wear. Not only do you want to look great for those you haven't seen since last year, but you also want to feel comfortable while eating all that delicious food. To take the guess-work out of putting together the perfect festive fashion, and save you time, we asked celebrity stylist Eric Himel and fashion expert Melissa Rivers for expert advice and culled seven chic and cute Thanksgiving outfits that best flatter your body type, so you look and feel fabulous.
How do I determine my body type?
While everyone's body is different and unique, most women fall into one overall category. The category you fall in will make the biggest impact on the type of outfits that will flatter you most, says Himel. For example, if you have larger hips, you may choose pieces that skim over them easily while taking focus away from them. Or, if you have a larger bust, you opt for plunging, deep V-necks to help "erase" optical inches in the area. But figuring out what flatters your shape best, and what shape you even are, can be confusing and overwhelming. Below are some of the most common body types:
You're an hourglass shape if...
An hourglass figure has full hips and a full chest, with a narrower midsection. Finding pieces that fit the proportions correctly and cling to the right spots can be frustrating for those with an hourglass body, says Himel.
You're an apple shape if...
If you have a wider or rounder overall mid-section, you likely fall into the apple category. Like an apple, this shape goes from narrow to wider to narrow. You may have thinner legs that go into wide hips and a wide torso and then narrow shoulders, says Himel. Like pear-shaped folks, apple-shaped figures may also struggle finding well-fitting pieces. Pants might fit the waist perfectly, but be too baggy in the legs.
You're a rectangle shape if...
A ruler-shaped figure gets its name from having an overall straight shape, like a ruler. The boxier shape generally lacks curves in the hips and bust area. This body type may struggle wearing fitted, tight clothes because it may accentuate a lack of shape.
You're a pear shape if...
Similar to a triangle, a pear-shaped figure has wider hips or a wider bottom and narrows as it gets closer to the top. Women with this body shape may struggle finding pants that fit their curves and hips but also fit their waist.
Fuller figured?
Fuller figured women can fall into any of the above categories. However, they tend to have a larger bust and fuller hips, and may find it challenging to find clothes that aren't shapeless.
5 Cute Thanksgiving outfits: one that flatters each body type
Now that you know which category you fall into, you can have confidence choosing an outfit this holiday that will flatter and accentuate your figure. For some inspiration, scroll through these seven cute Thanksgiving outfits based on body type.
Cute Thanksgiving outfit if you're pear-shaped
One great way to enhance the look of a pear shape? By wearing an off-the-shoulder sweater dress, says Himel. It adds shoulder-broadening width to balance out a larger bottom half. This one from H&M has a natural hourglass-esque design, so it will cling to all the right places, rather than fall just straight down. Pairing with a tall black boot and black shoulder bag (it adds more optical width up top) instantly elevates the look and pulls attention away from hips. Gold jewelry is the perfect finishing touch.
"Curvy women should always want to embrace and accentuate their curves, so find outfits that nips in at the waist; It's all about proportions and balance," says Rivers.
Shop the look:
Off-the-shoulder sweater dress: Buy from H&M, $39.99
Tall black boots: Buy from Macy's, $54.75
Gold necklace: Buy from Francesca's, $10
Gold hoop earrings: Buy from Amazon, $13.80
Gold and black watch: Buy from Amazon, $29.99
Black shoulder bag: Buy from Amazon, $35.99
2. Cute Thanksgiving outfits if you're apple-shaped
A wide leg pant that has a high waist and long pleats going down the front helps to visually stretch the rounder shape for a longer, leaner look, assures Himel. And, wearing them with a blouse that has padded or frilly shoulder adds elongating angles that help counteract the rounder silhouette. What's extra great about this satin top is that the midsection crosses, creating ruching in the center that helps create the illusion of a cinched waist. A sleek, shiny ballet flat is a perfectly polished finishing touch, along with pearl jewelry.
Related: 7 Ways to Style Wide Leg Pants To Feel Great and Look Chic For Every Occasion
Shop the look:
Wide leg pants: Buy from Banana Republic Factory, $48
Satin padded-shoulder top: Buy from Nordstrom, $69
Ballet flats: Buy from Macy's, $41.70
Pearl earrings: Buy from Amazon, $9.99
Pearl necklace: Buy from Madewell, $48
3. Cute Thanksgiving outfit if you're an hourglass
The best outfit for an hourglass is one that accentuates those curves by bring attention to a the smaller waist in between. One way to do that: Flare jeans which hug the body around the waist for ultra-cinching while the bottom flares out mimicking curves to add even more balance. This pair features a linear seam which pulls the eye up and down to help "shave inches" off curves that you want to make look a little less curvy, says Himel. Even better? They have ultra stretch, so even after all the Thanksgiving favorites, you still have mobility and comfort. Pairing it with a dark button down and trendy vest further whittles the middle while the vertical buttons on both help "trim" a larger bust. To top it off, nothing says fall like a pop of this season's "it" color, cherry red on your shoes and bag, which if you look closely, match the red lines on the vest.
Related: The Most Figure-Flattering Ways to Style Flare Jeans for Any Occasion
Shop the look:
Flare jeans: Buy from Express, $58.80
Plaid vest: Buy from Express, $58.80
Black button downs: Buy from J. Crew, $44.50
Red pointed toe booties: Buy from Amazon, $44.99
Red shoulder bag: Buy from Old Navy, $12
Silver hoops: Buy from Amazon, $11.99
3. Cute Thanksgiving outfits if you have a full-figure
One of the bigger problems for fuller figure women is usually a larger chest which can make finding the right top stressful, says Himel. Anything too low cut can be too revealing and offer no support, yet a high-neck can add extra bulk and fabric that can make the bust appear even larger. To the rescue: A scoop neck bodysuit. It will hold you in from bust to bottom and provide lift, but it won't feel like you're spilling out. Plus, one made with shapewear material will smooth and slim, even as you eat Thanksgiving dinner.
Those with fuller chests should "avoid high-necked tops, which can visually add volume to the bust area and aren’t the most flattering," explains Rivers. Want some more coverage? "An oversized blazer is a good way to go," attests Himel. It hides any lumps and bumps without overwhelming.
Shop the look:
Brown leather oversized blazer: Buy from Banana Republic Factory, $64
White shapewear bodysuit: Buy from Shapermint, $38.99
Khaki wide leg trousers: Buy from Express, $58.80
Plaid heels: Buy from Dilliard's, $99.99
Gold earrings: Buy from Madewell, $30.50
Charm necklace: Buy from Altar'd State, $19.95
5. Cute Thanksgiving outfit if you're a ruler shape
Struggle with a straight-as-a-ruler figure or boxy body? Opt for clothes that create the illusion of curves. A skirt that has a flared bottom helps add a more rounded appearance to the bottom, while a top with billowy sleeves and an angled-in neckline help the top look more curvy. "Creamy creams are the perfect neutral to go with a holiday vibe," says Himel. "They are warmer than white, and go with almost any skin tone!" Top it off with a furry top that helps provide bulk to a flatter chest and pink kitten heels for comfort and flair.
Related: 7 Midi Skirt Outfits For Every Occasion From Errand-Running to co*cktail-Sipping
Shop the look:
Cream satin midi skirt: Buy from Macy's, $22.50
Cream sweater: Buy from Cider, $22
Brown fur coat: Buy from Banana Republic Factory, $76
Pearl bow earrings: Buy from Canvas Style, $30
Light pink purse: Buy from Charles & Keith, $56
Light pink heels: Buy from JCPenney, $59.99
2 Cute Thanksgiving outfits that flatter any figure
1. Cute Thanksgiving outfit for a dressy occasion
A gorgeous rust jumpsuit with a cinched midsection? Sign us up! This jumpsuit has thick, wide straps so it's appropriate and tasteful, wide leg pants and a ring belt to whittle the middle — not to mention its very Thanksgiving-festive color. If it's chilly, throw on a thick duster cardigan. Slide on a rust and gold bracelet set and match the ring of the belt to gold hoops. Add in a pattern with a checkered purse and finish it off with brown leather booties. Since this outfit would probably be for a more dressy Thanksgiving occasion, create beautiful, loose curls for your hairstyle — we love using the Beachwaver for an effortless style (the barrel rotates by itself, so no more arm exhaustion!).
Shop the look:
Rust jumpsuit: Buy from New York & Company, $84
Cream duster cardigan: Buy from Amazon, $43.99
Rust and gold bracelet set: Buy from JCPenney, $14.40
Gold hoop earrings: Buy from Madewell, $23.50
Checkered purse: Buy from Amazon, $23.99
Brown leather booties: Buy from DSW, $69.99
Beachwaver 1.25 Barrel curling iron: Buy from Beachwaver, $69
2. Cute Thanksgiving outfit for a comfy and casual gathering
Hosting or going to a casual Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than ultra-cozy knit. Loungewear doesn't mean it has to look like you showed up in your PJs — and these warm, figure-flattering pieces prove it. This fuzzy, knit sweater from Aritzia looks luxe but doesn't come with a hefty price tag. Pair it with cream knit lounge pants and for some color, toss on a burgundy headband. To match the cozy vibe, finish off the look with a sherpa bag and sherpa suede boots.
Shop the look:
Tan knit sweater: Buy from Aritzia, $54.60
Cream knit lounge pants: Buy from H&M, $37.99
Burgundy headband: Buy from Amazon, $9.99
Sherpa purse: Buy from American Eagle, $29.95
Tan suede booties: Buy from DSW, $64.99
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