Thanksgiving Dresses for Women Over 40

If your Thanksgiving plans call for something a little dressier this year, a great dress is the easiest way to look polished without overthinking what to wear. Whether you’re hosting at home, heading out to dinner, or celebrating with family and friends, the right dress makes getting ready simple and comfortable.

If you missed it, I shared the best tops and sweaters to wear on Thanksgiving with jeans for more casual plans, but today we’re focusing on dresses that feel a bit more elevated.

Each of the options below feels festive but practical. Think soft knits, pretty prints, and flattering silhouettes that work for a long day of hosting, eating, and relaxing. These Thanksgiving dresses for women over 40 are stylish, comfortable, and easy to wear again throughout the holiday season.

Lands’ End Fuzzy Bow Back Mini Sweater Dress

If you want to look a little dressed up but still feel cozy, the Lands’ End Fuzzy Bow Back Mini Sweater Dress is such a good option. The rich red color feels perfectly festive without being over the top, and the bow detail in the back makes it look a little extra special.

It runs large and has an oversized fit to start, so if you’re petite or on the slimmer side, it might feel a bit too roomy. I’m 5’10”, kind of curvy and took the small, and it’s comfortably loose without looking sloppy. I also love that the bow sits high enough on your back that you don’t feel exposed, so you can wear a regular bra and still feel covered.

And the best part? It’s forgiving. You can eat all the mashed potatoes and pie you want, and no one will see your food baby.

Style Note: I don’t love the heavy riding-style boots they used in the product photos. They work against the femininity of the dress. You can still wear a boot, but I’d go for something more streamlined like a pointed-toe suede option or a light and pretty slingback flat.

Shop the Lands’ End Fuzzy Bow Back Mini Sweater Dress →

Lands’ End Soft Denim Midi Shirt Dress

This Soft Denim Midi Shirt Dress from Lands’ End is such an easy and versatile option if you want to feel a little dressed up without going full “holiday outfit.” The denim is incredibly soft, not stiff an has stretch. It’s tailored but moves beautifully and feels comfortable all day.

The fit is classic and flattering with a waist tie that helps define your shape. Don’t be afraid to have it hemmed if it feels a little long on you. Simple alterations like shortening the hem or rolling up the sleeves can completely change the look and make it feel custom to your proportions.

You can wear this with heels, boots, or flats, so there are lots of ways to style it depending on your plans and comfort level.

Shop the Lands’ End Soft Denim Midi Shirt Dress →

Rails Caterine Roche Stripe Dress

Animal prints always see an uptick in the fall, and while some can feel over the top, this Rails Caterine Roche Stripe Dress gets it just right. It’s dramatic in the best way but still wearable, with a smocked waist that defines your shape and a pull-on style that keeps it incredibly comfortable.

The mix of the soft fabric, flattering cut, and easy silhouette makes it ideal for Thanksgiving if you want to look dressed up without feeling restricted. I love this paired with tall boots or simple heels, depending on how fancy your plans are.

This is one of those dresses that makes an impact but still feels like you.

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UNTUCKit Cotton Blend Sienna Shirt Dress

This Cotton Blend Sienna Shirt Dress from UNTUCKit has been a best seller since I featured it last month, and for good reason. It’s the quintessential fall dress , the rich plaid colors feel seasonal and interesting without being too bold. The fit is tailored but still casual.

You can easily dress it up with suede boots or heels, or keep it more casual with flats. It’s available in sizes up to an 18.

Shop the UNTUCKit Cotton Blend Sienna Shirt Dress →

Z Supply Gisele Floral Mini Dress

The Gisele Floral Mini Dress from Z Supply is a fun, easy option if you want to keep things relaxed but still look put together. The soft floral print and flowy shape give it a pretty, feminine feel without being fussy, and the long sleeves make it perfect for cooler fall days.

It has an elastic waist that gives you shape while keeping it comfortable, and the lightweight fabric moves beautifully. The shorter length pairs nicely with tall boots or tights, so it’s an effortless choice whether you’re hosting at home or heading out to dinner.

Style Note: Try it with tall suede boots or a block heel for a balanced, flattering look. Add gold hoops and a simple clutch for an easy, pulled-together Thanksgiving outfit.

Shop the Z Supply Gisele Floral Mini Dress →

Tuckernuck Pomander Place Winetasting Cotton Mabel Maxi Dress

The Pomander Place Winetasting Cotton Mabel Maxi Dress from Tuckernuck is one of those easy, timeless pieces that you can wear year after year. The color is stunning, deep and rich without being too bold, and the relaxed tiered silhouette makes it ideal for Thanksgiving.

It’s lightweight cotton but not sheer. The collared neckline keeps it classic, and the longer length adds a touch of sophistication. It’s also available in several colors, but this winetasting shade feels especially right for the season.

Style Note: I’d pair this with The Phoebe ballet flat from Marguax in the leopard suede and gold accessories.

Shop the Tuckernuck Pomander Place Winetasting Cotton Mabel Maxi Dress →

J.Crew Super-Stretch Ruffle Sweater Dress

If you want something classic but a little special, the Super-Stretch Ruffle Sweater Dress from J.Crew is such a good pick. It’s fitted but not tight, made from a soft knit that moves with you and feels elevated without trying too hard. The ruffle hem gives it just enough detail to make it feel feminine and fun, without tipping into fussy.

The inky burgundy color is beautiful for fall and perfect for Thanksgiving if you want to look dressy but stay comfortable. It’s one of those pieces that can easily transition from dinner at home to a holiday party with a quick shoe change.

I’d skip heavy boots with this one and go for something sleek, like heeled sandal, or even a pretty flat if you want to stay comfortable.

Sizing Note: I was in between a medium and large with this and ended up with the large, there isn’t a huge difference between sizes. J.Crew lately has been all over the place with their fit, somethings I wear a small, and some a large, so you have to try on.

Shop the J.Crew Super-Stretch Ruffle Sweater Dress →

Boden Cornelia Ottoman Dress

The Cornelia Ottoman Dress from Boden is one of those dependable, polished pieces you’ll find yourself reaching for all season. The ottoman knit fabric gives it structure without stiffness, so it skims rather than clings, and the simple shape makes it easy to dress up or down.

I love the neckline and the long sleeves. It’s modest but still flattering, and of course, it has pockets. The navy is classic and timeless, but it also comes in several rich fall colors if you want something with a little more personality. You can wear this so many places, from work to Thanksgiving dinner and everything in between.

Style Note: This is the perfect dress for anyone who likes a clean, tailored look. Pair it with The Bow Point II from Rothy’s for an elegant but comfortable outfit, and add a bold lip or statement earring to make it feel more festive for Thanksgiving dinner.

Shop the Boden Cornelia Ottoman Dress →

Avara Delise Maxi Dress

The Delise Maxi Dress from Avara is such a fun and festive option for Thanksgiving. The plaid print feels perfectly seasonal, and the smocked waistline gives it a flattering shape while still being incredibly comfortable. The ruffled neckline adds just enough detail to make it special without feeling too frilly.

This dress is especially pretty if your Thanksgiving leans into Christmas. The mix of rich colors and soft fabric feels cheerful and festive without being over the top, making it a great choice for both holidays.

Style Note: Pair this with suede boots or a block heel for dinner, or dress it down with ballet flats for something more relaxed. Add a gold hoop or drop earring to complete the look.

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Finding the right Thanksgiving outfit should feel simple and enjoyable. A great dress takes all the guesswork out of getting ready so you can focus on what really matters: good food, good company, and a relaxed, joyful day.

Each of these Thanksgiving dresses works beautifully for women over 40 who want to look stylish and feel comfortable. From cozy knits to easy maxi styles, there’s something here for every kind of celebration.

I’ll keep adding more dress options to my ShopMy over the next few weeks as new arrivals come in, so check back if you’re still searching for the perfect look.