Holiday Shirt Styles: How to Dress for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year

The holidays are a time of celebration, warmth, and connection, and one of the best ways to embrace the festive spirit is through your wardrobe. When it comes to the holidays, shirts play a crucial role in ensuring that you look stylish while staying comfortable during those busy family gatherings, festive dinners, or New Year’s parties. From Christmas dinners to New Year’s Eve celebrations, the key to holiday dressing is finding the balance between festive style and ease of wear. We will explore how to dress for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s using the right shirts and styling tips for every occasion.

Types of Holiday Shirts for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year

Before diving into styling tips, let’s first discuss the various types of shirts that are perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas with family, enjoying Thanksgiving dinner, or ringing in the New Year, choosing the right shirt is the first step toward building the perfect outfit.

Type of Shirt	Description	Best for
Plaid Flannel Shirts	A cozy, festive shirt made from soft flannel fabric, often in plaid patterns that evoke holiday spirit.	Christmas, Thanksgiving, casual gatherings
Button-Down Shirts	Classic, versatile shirts that can be dressed up or down. Often used in formal settings.	Thanksgiving, formal dinners, New Year’s Eve
Holiday-Themed Shirts	Shirts featuring holiday prints, such as Christmas trees, reindeer, or snowflakes.	Christmas parties, casual gatherings
Silk and Satin Shirts	Elegant and luxurious shirts with a smooth, shiny finish.	New Year’s Eve, upscale events
Henley Shirts	Casual shirts with a few buttons at the collar, offering a laid-back yet stylish look.	Thanksgiving, casual holiday brunches
Sweater Shirts	Shirts with a knitted texture that provide warmth and comfort.	Christmas, cozy indoor gatherings
Dress Shirts	Formal shirts that pair well with suits or smart trousers, typically with a crisp finish.	Thanksgiving dinner, formal New Year’s parties
Chambray Shirts	Soft, denim-like shirts that provide a comfortable alternative to dress shirts.	Thanksgiving, casual Christmas dinners
Turtleneck Shirts	Close-fitting shirts that cover the neck, perfect for layering and warmth.	Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve

These shirts are just the beginning of your wardrobe options for the holidays. Depending on the formality of the event and your personal style, you can mix and match these shirts with various accessories and outerwear to create the perfect holiday look.

How to Style Shirts for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year

Once you’ve selected the right type of shirt for your holiday gatherings, the next step is figuring out how to style it. Here’s how to make sure you are dressed to impress while staying comfortable throughout all the holiday festivities.

1. Styling Plaid Flannel Shirts for Christmas and Thanksgiving

Plaid shirts are a holiday staple, especially for casual family gatherings or dinners. They are warm, comfortable, and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

For Christmas and Thanksgiving:

• Layer with a Sweater or Cardigan: For added warmth, wear a plaid flannel shirt underneath a knitted sweater or cardigan. Choose colors like red, green, or blue for a festive vibe.
• Pair with Jeans or Chinos: Pair your flannel shirt with jeans or chinos for a classic, laid-back look. Add boots or casual shoes for comfort.
• Add Accessories: To complete the look, wear a scarf or a cozy beanie. This adds texture to your outfit and keeps you warm during the colder months.

Example Look:

• Red plaid flannel shirt
• Cozy gray sweater
• Dark blue jeans
• Brown leather boots

2. Dressing Up with Button-Down Shirts for Thanksgiving and New Year’s

Button-down shirts are perfect for both formal and semi-formal holiday events. They are versatile and can be dressed up with accessories, making them ideal for Thanksgiving dinners or New Year’s Eve parties.

For Thanksgiving:

• Pair with a Blazer: A button-down shirt can be dressed up with a fitted blazer for Thanksgiving dinner. Choose a shirt in classic colors like white or light blue.
• Opt for Tailored Trousers or a Skirt: Pair the shirt with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt to maintain a polished appearance. Add a pair of heels or smart shoes to complete the look.

For New Year’s Eve:

• Wear Under a Suit: A button-down shirt is the foundation of any formal New Year’s Eve outfit. Combine it with a suit or tuxedo for an elevated look.
• Consider a Statement Collar: For added flair, choose a shirt with a statement collar or subtle details like textured fabrics or fine stitching.

Example Look for Thanksgiving:

• White button-down shirt
• Navy blazer
• Black tailored trousers
• Oxford shoes

Example Look for New Year’s Eve:

• Crisp white dress shirt
• Black tuxedo jacket
• Black dress trousers
• Patent leather shoes

3. Holiday-Themed Shirts for Casual Christmas Gatherings

If you want to embrace the holiday spirit with a little more fun, holiday-themed shirts featuring Christmas prints are the way to go. These shirts are perfect for casual family dinners, holiday parties, or gift exchanges.

For Christmas:

• Go for Subtle Holiday Prints: Look for shirts with small, festive prints like snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees. Avoid overly loud designs unless you’re attending a fun, laid-back event.
• Pair with Jeans or Corduroy Pants: These shirts look great with a pair of denim or corduroy pants. Add a cozy cardigan or sweater for a laid-back look.

Example Look:

• Christmas-themed shirt (small snowflakes or reindeer print)
• Dark denim jeans
• Casual sneakers

4. Silk and Satin Shirts for New Year’s Eve Celebrations

For a more glamorous and refined look, silk and satin shirts are perfect for New Year’s Eve. These fabrics provide a sophisticated shine, making them ideal for formal or upscale holiday events.

For New Year’s Eve:

• Wear with Tailored Pants or Skirt: Pair a silk or satin shirt with tailored pants or a midi skirt for a polished look. The softness and flow of the fabric add an elegant touch to your outfit.
• Accessorize with Jewelry: These luxurious fabrics pair perfectly with statement jewelry like gold necklaces or sparkly earrings to elevate the overall look.

Example Look:

• Black satin shirt with a subtle sheen
• Black high-waisted trousers
• Silver heels
• Sparkly clutch

5. Casual Henley Shirts for Thanksgiving Brunches

For a more laid-back, cozy feel, henley shirts are an excellent choice for casual Thanksgiving brunches or get-togethers. These shirts are comfortable but stylish and can be layered with other pieces to make them suitable for cooler weather.

For Thanksgiving:

• Pair with Fitted Jeans or Khakis: Henley shirts look great with well-fitted jeans or khakis. Opt for neutral colors like gray, navy, or olive green for a relaxed but stylish vibe.
• Layer with a Lightweight Jacket: Pair the henley with a light jacket or vest to stay warm without over-layering.

Example Look:

• Olive green henley shirt
• Beige khaki pants
• Casual loafers or boots

6. Sweater Shirts for Christmas and New Year’s

Sweater shirts are a warm, cozy option for the holiday season, making them ideal for Christmas and casual New Year’s gatherings.

For Christmas:

• Layer with a Wool Coat: A sweater shirt pairs perfectly with a wool coat for outdoor gatherings. The warmth of the sweater combined with the coat will keep you comfortable while looking stylish.
• Pair with Dark Jeans or Corduroy Pants: Opt for darker-colored pants to balance out the cozy texture of the sweater shirt.

Example Look:

• Red sweater shirt
• Dark blue jeans
• Black wool coat
• Boots

7. Dress Shirts for Formal Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve Dinners

When dressing for a formal holiday dinner or celebration, dress shirts are a timeless choice. Whether you’re attending a Thanksgiving dinner or a formal New Year’s Eve party, a crisp dress shirt is the foundation of a sophisticated outfit.

For Thanksgiving:

• Pair with a Suit or Vest: A well-fitted dress shirt looks great under a tailored suit jacket or even a vest. This creates a polished, professional appearance for a formal Thanksgiving gathering.
• Add a Tie or Bowtie: Consider wearing a tie or bowtie for an added touch of elegance.

Example Look:

• Light blue dress shirt
• Charcoal gray suit
• Black dress shoes
• Silk tie

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I wear a plaid shirt to a formal holiday event?
Plaid shirts are generally more casual, but you can dress them up by pairing them with tailored pants and a blazer for a semi-formal holiday event.

2. What color shirts are best for Christmas?
For Christmas, go for rich, festive colors like red, green, gold, or white. You can also choose shirts with subtle holiday prints to add a fun touch.

3. Are silk shirts appropriate for Thanksgiving?
Silk shirts are generally more formal, so they may not be the best option for a casual Thanksgiving dinner. However, they are perfect for upscale events or parties.

4. What should I wear for a casual holiday party?
For a casual holiday party, opt for comfortable shirts like flannel, henley, or holiday-themed shirts. Pair them with jeans or chinos for a relaxed look.

5. How do I style a button-down shirt for a New Year’s Eve celebration?
For New Year’s Eve, you can style a button-down shirt with a tuxedo, suit, or a sharp blazer. Pair it with dark trousers and polished shoes for a sophisticated look.

6. Can I wear a turtleneck shirt for a holiday dinner?
Yes! Turtleneck shirts are perfect for colder weather and add a stylish, warm layer to your outfit. Pair them with skirts, trousers, or dresses for a chic look.

7. Are holiday-themed shirts suitable for Thanksgiving?
Holiday-themed shirts with subtle designs can work well for Thanksgiving, especially if you’re attending a casual family gathering.

8. What accessories should I wear with a holiday shirt?
Accessories like scarves, hats, ties, and jewelry can elevate your holiday shirt look. Choose festive or elegant accessories based on the formality of the event.

9. How do I stay warm while wearing a shirt during the holidays?
Layering is key! Add a sweater, cardigan, or jacket on top of your shirt to keep warm. Wool and cashmere options work particularly well in colder weather.

Conclusion

Holiday dressing is all about striking the right balance between style and comfort. Whether you’re dressing for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Eve, the right shirt can elevate your look and ensure you stay cozy during those festive celebrations. From cozy plaid shirts and elegant silk shirts to versatile button-downs, there’s a shirt for every occasion this holiday season. So, get ready to celebrate in style by incorporating these shirt styles into your holiday wardrobe!