I Styled 10 Luxe Thanksgiving Outfits Using Sale Finds from Banana Republic, Madewell, and Gap

Consider your holiday uniform complete.

woman wearing turtleneck sweater and skirt, woman wearing turtleneck sweater and leather skirt, woman wearing white dress and black cardigan
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve already begun planning my rotation of Thanksgiving outfits. This year, I’m taking an elevated approach with expensive-looking pieces that embrace a trendy quiet luxury aesthetic. More specifically, I've got my sights set on rich-looking wool cardigans that will keep me cozy and chic, elegant trench coats tailored to perfection, and sleek knee-high boots that will give any fall outfit an elevated boost.

Thankfully, Banana Republic, Madewell, and Gap have exactly what I’m looking for. Not to mention, at this very moment, all three retailers are hosting major sale events. From now until Friday, November 8, Banana Republic offers up to 40 percent off full-priced purchases and up to 50 percent off all sale styles. Meanwhile, Madewell is taking up to 40 percent off sale items until Monday, November 11. And if you shop at Gap, you can enjoy 50 percent off any purchase through Thursday, November 14. Bottom line? Endless on-sale fall essentials will complete any sophisticated Turkey Day look.

To make your shopping experience a bit less stressful, I’ve curated a range of refined Thanksgiving outfits. If something catches your eye, I suggest you act quickly because these items are bound to sell out.

Ahead is the sartorial recipe for looking luxe this Thanksgiving—without breaking the bank.

Leather Handbag + Printed Dress + Ankle Boots

If you’re searching for a straightforward Thanksgiving outfit, look no further. This printed midi dress practically styles itself with intricate smocked detailing and billowing puff sleeves. Complete this polished uniform with a lustrous leather crossbody bag and a pair of suede ankle boots.

Denim Jacket + Knit Sweater Dress + Tall Boots

Bundle up in a snug sweater dress crafted with a soft cotton-blend fabric. For extra warmth, slip into a boxy denim jacket and a pair of knee-high fall boots that offer plenty of coverage. If temperatures dip into bone-chilling numbers, you can even take things a step further with a toasty cashmere scarf.

Button-Down Shirt + Sweater Vest + Mini Skirt

I’ve been test-driving this preppy outfit formula all season long, and I might take it for another spin to my Thanksgiving dinner. I’ll layer Madewell’s burgundy sweater vest over Gap’s crisp button-down shirt to piece this look together. Then, I’ll wear a mini skirt styled alongside socks and loafers (a fall shoe trend that the fashion crowd can’t seem to get enough of).

Oversized Cardigan + Slip Skirt + Ballet Flats

Prioritize comfort by wearing a pair of cushioned ballet flats, a roomy satin slip skirt, and a fuzzy cardigan. This cozy combination will come in handy for that inevitable moment when you find yourself sprawled out on the couch while recovering from a food-induced coma.

Crewneck Sweater + Trousers + Loafers

Have you heard the latest style news? Leopard prints are running wild among the fashion set. Join the pack with these fierce loafers plastered in a bold feline pattern. Play into the colorway of these shoes with a beige crew neck sweater and a pair of black satin pants.

Trench Coat + Mini Dress + Knee-High Boots

For those of you who want to make a statement this Thanksgiving, consider flaunting an eye-catching mini dress drenched in a rich mulled wine hue. Team this bold number with neutral pieces, like a sand-colored trench coat and a pair of midnight-black boots, to allow it to take center stage.

Monochromatic Set + Loafers

Some might say that shades of white are solely reserved for summer, but this Thanksgiving-ready outfit begs to differ. You can’t deny the fact that Madewell’s wool sweater and Gap’s wide-leg bottoms are brisk-weather basics. Round out this look with a pair of loafers—they’re fashion’s favorite fall shoes.

Plaid Blazer + Mock Neck Top + Leather Pants

Put a professional twist on your Thanksgiving getup with a plaid blazer worn over a cashmere mock-neck top. If you want to keep the corporate-inspired theme going, opt for sharp trousers or try a pair of leather pants that provide more of an edgy feel.

Utility Jacket + Turtleneck + Mini Skirt

Embrace a matchy-matchy style memo with this utility jacket-and-skirt set. Incorporate a hint of contrast into this outfit with a black long-sleeved turtleneck and black accessories (I’d recommend kitten-heeled boots and a designer handbag if you’re really feeling fancy).

Shearling-Trimmed Leather Jacket + Jeans + Gold Jewelry

How does one make a pair of denim bottoms look expensive? Simply zhuzh things up with a shearling-trimmed leather jacket and shimmering gold hoop earrings. Slide into a pair of glossy, close-toed mules, and you’ve got yourself a Thanksgiving outfit that will make heads turn at the dinner table.

Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.

When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.