november is that funny little month when we're still holding on to fall, but the holiday season is already knocking on the door. one minute we're grabbing coffee in a cozy sweater, and the next we're wondering what on earth we're going to wear to thanksgiving dinner, friendsgiving, or that first holiday get-together.
and honestly? i'm ready to have a little fun with fashion again.
after months of denim, boots, jackets, and all our favorite fall staples, i want november to feel a little more playful. we're talking velvet, satin, tartan, a little sparkle, and pieces that make getting dressed feel like an occasion — even if the occasion is just dinner with friends and a cocktail afterward.
the goal isn't to look like we're already on our way to a christmas party. it's to find those in-between pieces that feel special now and can carry us into the holiday season, too.
so, let's get into the five trends i'm loving for november.
1. velvet is having its moment:
if there's ever a time to bring velvet back into the rotation, it's november.
velvet feels rich, a little romantic, and dressed up without requiring much effort. i especially love the idea of wearing it in unexpected ways instead of saving it exclusively for evening events.
a velvet blazer over a simple tee and jeans? yes. a velvet dress for thanksgiving dinner? absolutely. a burgundy or emerald velvet piece for a holiday gathering? even better.
i'm particularly drawn to jewel tones and pieces that feel a little vintage-inspired. they bring just enough drama without making an outfit feel overdone.
pieces to look for: a velvet blazer, a velvet midi dress, a jewel-tone top, or a pair of velvet flats.
2. satin, lace & a little romance:
let's give our everyday outfits a softer side.
satin skirts, lace-trimmed details, silky blouses, and fluid fabrics are a lovely way to switch things up this month. i love the contrast of something delicate with pieces that feel a little more relaxed — because not every outfit needs to be perfectly polished from head to toe.
a satin midi skirt with a chunky sweater is an easy place to start. a lace-trimmed skirt with a simple black top feels perfect for dinner plans, while a silky blouse can instantly dress up the jeans you already own.
and for thanksgiving? this is a great direction if you want to feel dressed up without committing to a full-on party dress.
pieces to look for: a champagne satin midi skirt, a lace-trimmed skirt, a silky blouse, or a satin camisole you can layer under a cardigan.
3. tartan, plaid & a little heritage charm:
i know, plaid for fall isn't exactly groundbreaking — but i'm talking about a more playful, polished take on it this month.
think tartan skirts, heritage-inspired checks, vintage-feeling prints, and pieces that look like they belong in a charming little holiday movie. it's a bit preppy, a bit nostalgic, and very much the kind of thing i love wearing around new york when the weather gets colder.
a plaid midi skirt with a fitted knit is an easy outfit for thanksgiving or a casual weekend. if skirts aren't your thing, try a checked blazer, a plaid scarf, or a bag with a little pattern.
the trick is to let one piece do the talking. you don't need to dress like the entire holiday tablecloth.
pieces to look for: a tartan midi skirt, a checked blazer, a plaid scarf, or a heritage-inspired bag.
4. party pieces, but make them everyday:
here's where we start easing into the holiday season without going full sparkle-everywhere just yet.
i love the idea of taking one piece that feels a little festive and styling it with the basics already sitting in our closets. a metallic blazer with dark jeans. a sparkly top with tailored trousers. a dressy skirt with a simple knit.
it's that balance between feeling special and still feeling like yourself.
this is also where i would look for pieces you can wear more than once throughout november and december. friendsgiving, thanksgiving dinner, a birthday, a dinner reservation, a holiday party — the right piece should be able to do a little of everything.
pieces to look for: a metallic blazer, a subtle sequin top, a pair of embellished flats, or a statement skirt.
5. accessories that do the celebrating:
sometimes the easiest way to make an outfit feel new is to change the finishing touches.
this november, i'm making room for accessories that have a little personality: embellished ballet flats, playful earrings, vintage-inspired brooches, satin bags, and jewelry that catches the light.
you can keep the rest of your outfit simple and let one detail make it feel more intentional. think jeans and a sweater with crystal flats, a little black dress with statement earrings, or a classic cardigan finished with a brooch.
i also love this approach because you don't need to buy an entirely new holiday wardrobe to participate. a great accessory can make something you already own feel completely different.
pieces to look for: embellished ballet flats, statement earrings, a vintage-inspired brooch, a satin evening bag, or a sparkly necklace.
a little thanksgiving outfit inspiration:
with thanksgiving falling on november 26, it's officially time to start thinking about what we're wearing to the table.
my personal rule? cute, comfortable, and able to survive a second helping of everything.
if you're keeping things casual, try a plaid midi skirt with a soft sweater and flats. for something a little dressier, a satin skirt with a fitted knit and statement earrings feels effortless. and if you'd rather keep it simple, a velvet blazer with your favorite jeans is an easy way to make an everyday outfit feel special.
the best outfit is the one that feels right for your plans — whether you're hosting, visiting family, meeting friends for friendsgiving, or spending the day doing your own thing.
November is my invitation to have a little more fun with getting dressed.
I still love a good fall staple, but this month i'm ready for the softer fabrics, the unexpected details, and the pieces that make an ordinary day feel a little more special. Whether you're wrapping up sweater season or easing into holiday dressing, these textures and little touches feel just right.
So, whether you're getting dressed for Thanksgiving, planning a friendsgiving outfit, or simply looking for an excuse to wear something a little fancy to dinner, I hope this month's edit gives you a few fresh ideas and a bit of inspiration.
Happy November, guys & dolls. Here's to good outfits, good food, and easing into the holiday season in our own way. 🤎
