• About Me
  • Style
  • Travel
  • Shop my outfits
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe to my newsletter

Samantha Chown Johnston

Inspiring you to love & wear your wardrobe

November 14, 2023

What to wear for Thanksgiving 2023

November is officially here and soon the holiday period begins with Thanksgiving. If you’re trying to figure out what to wear for Thanksgiving and the activities happening over the holiday, look no further! Below are a few outfit combinations requiring no new clothes to help cover activities like Thanksgiving dinner, mulled wine walks, or meeting the in-laws.

I’m headed to Denver for the holiday to celebrate and spend time with friends who moved to the city at the start of 2023. It will be my first time in Colorado and I am looking forward to exploring more of the West. Treasure hunting in the vintage shops, going for a hike, sipping locally crafted cocktails and taking in the mountain views. If you have any recommendations for Denver, please let me know in the comments! 

As is my custom, I’ll be travelling with carry on only and will create a Thanksgiving capsule wardrobe using what I have on hand. The landscape and weather are reminiscent of Calgary around this time of year so I plan on creating a capsule with a “country cosy aesthetic” a la Alberta Rose — English countryside meets Rocky Mountain rancher. It will include cosy cashmere, loose layers and a few warm accessories for those cool evenings. 

Most of the items in my wardrobe are older and might not be available. I have tagged all the items that are still available or shared a similar option to help you shop mindfully. To help support the content I develop, this post contains affiliate links. 

Thanksgiving capsule wardrobe pieces

Thanksgiving Capsule 2023 - Pieces

For this trip, I’ll be in Denver for five days and originally attempted to use the 3-3-3 method: three shirts, three pants, and three shoes, plus accessories. Alas, I have a variety of activites planned – Friendsgiving dinner, a post-meal hike, exploring the city with a mulled wine and more – so I may pack a few additional tops and layering pieces. Here is what I will be packing: 

Tops:

  • V-neck black cashmere sweater
  • Oversized striped sweater
  • Chunky cardigan
  • White t-shirt
  • Black long sleeved t-shirt
  • Grey sweatshirt
  • Button down shirt
  • Simple tank tops

Bottoms:

  • Track pants
  • Straight leg jeans
  • Wide leg jeans

Shoes:

  • White sneakers
  • Black loafers
  • Black Chelsea boots

Outerwear:

  • Wool coat
  • Packable puffer
  • Scarf
  • Knit beanie
  • Gloves

Accessories:

  • Large crossbody purse with detachable strap
  • Small crossbody purse with adjustable strap
  • Belt
  • Sunglasses
  • Jewellery
  • Baseball hat

Outfit ideas: What to wear for Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving Capsule 2023 - Outfit Overview

Thanksgiving Capsule 2023 - Airport Outfit

Thanksgiving Capsule 2023 - Meeting In-laws Outfit

Thanksgiving Capsule 2023 - Thanksgiving Dinner Outfit

Thanksgiving Capsule 2023 - Hike Outfit

Thanksgiving Capsule 2023 - Mulled Wine Walk Outfit

Bookmark this page for the next long weekend trip you have planned in the fall or winter. I’d love to know what you think — share your feedback in the comments!


←The clean beauty products at Sephora worth trying during its sale 
I tried wardrobe tracking for a year. Here’s what I spent on clothes. →

Posted In: Style, Travel · Tagged: Autumn, Capsule Wardrobe, Colorado, Denver, Fall Outfits, Packing Tips, Thanksgiving, Travel, Winter Outfits

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Sam, a sustainable fashion and lifestyle creator based in Austin, TX. Here you'll find sustainable fashion news, digital wardrobe tools, and slow living tips to help you buy less, wear what you own, and live intentionally.

Newsletter

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Finely Crafted, to help you shop with sustainability, quality, and joy in mind.

  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • tiktok

Reader Favorites

Style Goals for 2024

My style goals for 2024

How to hand wash your clothes, featuring a striped button down shirt in a basin with soapy water

The best laundry detergent for hand-washing clothes

What A 98-Year-Old Taught Me About Sustainable Personal Style

Categories

  • Style
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop my outfits

Search

Neutrals 🤝 Metallics Went to my first perform Neutrals 🤝 Metallics 

Went to my first performance at the @balletaustin and pulled some old favourites from my closet for the occasion. 

I bought this textured velvet top in 2012 as a “going out top” and it continues to serve its millennial purpose 10+ years later. 🤭

#slowfashionstyle #slowfashionhabits #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
March hits a whole lot different when it’s sunny March hits a whole lot different when it’s sunny 🫢

1. First trip to Round Top
2. Exploring new haunts
3-4. This old fave of mine is now my new identity 🤠
5. Hunting for antiques at Blue Hills
6. Taking in the @balletaustin 
7. Some of my pieces are now available on @byrotation 
8. Artisan pop-up @southtonorth.co 
9-10. My first rodeo and longhorn 🤘🏼
11-12. Wearing some longtime and secondhand faves 
13. Treasure hunting @honeyhillmarket 
14. Secondhand @agolde jeans fresh from the tailor 

——

#slowfashionstyle #slowfashionhabits #slowfashionootd #lovedclotheslast #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
You won’t find your style if you’re constantly You won’t find your style if you’re constantly ordering *just one more* thing to fill that imaginary wardrobe gap or if you’re always chasing trends. 

When I moved to Austin six months ago, I made a commitment to live in my wardrobe instead of buying for a new city and climate. 

Slowing down gave me space to reflect, get creative, and reconnect with what I actually love to wear—the pieces that feel like me.

It’s paid off. I’m (sooooo very slowly) adapting to the heat, tapping into the local vibe, and still feel like myself getting dressed every day.

If your closet feels full but nothing feels right, maybe it’s not more you need—but less noise. Get creative and play around with what you already own & love. ❤️ 

#slowfashion #nonewclothes #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #austinstyle #ootdinspo 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
Heading into my 8th summer with this dress.🌞💛

The power of buying pieces that suit your personal style is that they grow with you. I’ve worn so many iterations of this outfit, I’ve lost count. And many more to come.😌 What are you rewearing this spring and summer?

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, summer outfits, ballet flats
First time in Round Top; Hide my wallet 🫢 Just First time in Round Top; Hide my wallet 🫢

Just over an hour east of Austin is a little strip of antique dealers and venues hosting small businesses like vintage sellers, small fashion brands, jewelry makers, and more. 

A few of my faves:

@eastendsalvage 
@terracottacowboy 
@gathergoods 

Have you been? ✨🤠

———

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, antiques, Blue Hills
A spring office look to have on repeat. 🔁 I c A spring office look to have on repeat. 🔁 

I changed the buttons on this white blazer from a horrid brown to a monochrome white. And honestly, it might be the smartest thing I’ve ever done. 🤭

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, office outfit, studded belt, what to wear to work
These jeans might be my best secondhand buy 💙 These jeans might be my best secondhand buy 💙

Pro tip: Buy a size up so you know they’ll fit and then have them tailored. These have been hemmed and taken in at the waist. 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle #75HardStyleChallenge 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, cuffed jeans, pearl necklace, office outfit
Scenes from my first SXSW 🤘🏼🥺 So fun to Scenes from my first SXSW 🤘🏼🥺

So fun to experience it with my twin. Now that it’s over, I’m already scheming how to do it better next year. Leave me your tips! 

———

#lifeabroad #sxsw2025 #rewearthat thrift style, festival looks, summer style
This linen dress on repeat + a spritz 🫒🌞 Sl This linen dress on repeat + a spritz 🫒🌞

Slow fashion outfit details:

• sunnies - 5 years old
• dress - 5 years old 
• loafers - 9 years old
• bag - 6 months old 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, summer outfit, linen dress, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
No office to go to but I’m still wearing a blaze No office to go to but I’m still wearing a blazer.

Wearing a $15 100% wool blazer my husband secretly bought for me after I put it back on the rack at the thrift. 🫶🏼🥺

——

What to wear, office outfit, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage

#slowfashion #slowfashionstyle #slowfashionblogger #sustainablefashion #sustainablefashionblogger #thriftedstyle #secondhandstyle #secondhandfirst
What I wore this week. 🌞🍒🤍 I love spring What I wore this week. 🌞🍒🤍

I love spring weather & it’s finally here to stay in Austin! Here’s a look back at everything I wore to @sxsw from cooler mornings to balmy nights. Still working my way through the #75HardStyleChallenge — getting dressed every day using only what’s in my closet. 

———

Spring outfit, office outfit, what to wear to work, cuffed jeans outfit, classic style, what to wear, secondhand, thrifted, vintage

#slowfashion #slowfashionstyle #slowfashionblogger #sustainablefashion #sustainablefashionblogger #shopsmallbusinesses #thriftedstyle #thriftblogger #secondhandstyle #secondhandfirst
Everything I wore to @sxsw part II Here to norma Everything I wore to @sxsw part II 

Here to normalize getting dressed for big events using what’s already in your closet. No panic buying. No stress. Simply leaning on pieces you love and want to rewear.

Everything tracked using @myindyx

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
What I’ve been wearing to my first @sxsw 🤠⚡ What I’ve been wearing to my first @sxsw 🤠⚡️

Headed on a work trip soon? Here are tips for dressing for a conference in warm weather:

- Wear natural fibers to help regulate body heat. Try silk, linen, cotton, etc.

- Bring a layer like a blazer for the heavy AC in meeting rooms and conference centres 

- Wear comfy shoes! Loafers, flats, chic sneakers all work.
Keep moths and other pests out of your clothes 👋🏼

1. Grab some fabric pouches (keep the ones that come with jewelry!!)

2. Fill with dried herbs that moths hate: bay leaves, cloves, rosemary 🌿🪴

3. Store in your closet or drawers to keep clothes in tip top shape! 

——

#lowbuyyear #sustainablestyle #rewearthat #slowfashion clothing care, sustainability, diy, personal style
Pretty sure I could spend all day here ❤️ Whe Pretty sure I could spend all day here ❤️

Where to thrift in Austin:📍Honey Hill Market

Visit @honeyhillmarket for an incredible selection of western items and neutral basics in natural fibres like linen and cotton for that Texas heat. 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle
Some February faves 🤍🍒 Nearly done the #75H Some February faves 🤍🍒

Nearly done the #75HardStyleChallenge and am having more fun than I expected getting dressed with what I already own. I also committed to a low buy year—only adding 25 items or less—and figured I’d be itching to add to my closet by now. Happy to report no purchases made this month!! 

Tracking all my outfits using @myindyx 

Do you have any shopping / styling intentions for this year? Let me know! 👇🏼

#25in2025 #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo wardrobe staples, spring outfit ideas
This plus add sunscreen. Been dying for a reason This plus add sunscreen.

Been dying for a reason to wear this secondhand @proenzaschouler dress. The @atxopen is in town so I couldn’t miss my opportunity to sport some tennis whites. 🎾🤍

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo spring outfit ideas, summer outfit
Your sign that you’re never too old to try somet Your sign that you’re never too old to try something new ✨❄️🎿

After being a very casual snowboarder, I figured my 30s were the time to return to skiing. Fast forward to a quick trip to Colorado where I stepped into some skis for the first time in 25 years. 

Hit some fresh powder, survived accidentally taking a blue run and après-ed very successfully. Colorado, we’ll definitely be back. 👌🏼🥂🗻

Slow fashion outfit details:

• jacket @perfectmomentsports via @poshmark 
• ski pants @arcteryx (5 years old)
• googles borrowed from friends
• sunglasses @lespecs (5 years old) 

#sustainablefashion #apresski #rewearthat #ootdfashion #ootdinspo #skistyle #colorado
Week one of my #75HardStyleChallenge Finally get Week one of my #75HardStyleChallenge 

Finally getting around to digitizing my wardrobe using @myindyx and I am obsessed!! 

Being in a new city / new climate is helping me get creative with what to wear. Can you tell I’m really excited about loafers in January?!😅

#outfitroundup #outfitideas4you #personalstyleblog #whatiworethisweek #75hsc #mirroroutfit #secondhandfashion digital wardrobe, wardrobe tracking, slow fashion
A moment of gratitude for 2024 ✨💫 Some of fa A moment of gratitude for 2024 ✨💫

Some of fave moments this past year: multiple visits home, exploring Montreal, celebrating friends’ milestones, incredible live music and the small moments in between.

——

2024 recap, Pinterest inspired, living abroad
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 Samantha Chown Johnston · Theme by 17th Avenue