Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, style. While many focus on the feast, it’s also the perfect opportunity to showcase your style—especially if you’re attending a family gathering.
This Thanksgiving, why not stand out by incorporating the beauty of African-inspired fashion into your look? Whether it’s the bold colors of Ankara prints or the regal feel of Kente cloth, African fashion offers endless possibilities for adding elegance, culture, and vibrancy to your Thanksgiving outfit.
This guide will explore how you can elevate your Thanksgiving game with stunning African-inspired pieces, how to make a fashionable statement while staying true to your roots.
Choosing the Perfect Ankara Prints for a Festive Look
Ankara prints are known for their bold colors and striking patterns, making them a great choice for any festive occasion. For Thanksgiving, you can choose Ankara pieces in warm, earthy tones to reflect the autumn season.
Colors like deep oranges, reds, and yellows not only celebrate the vibrancy of African fashion but also align with the seasonal colors of Thanksgiving.
For a family gathering, consider wearing a stylish Ankara dress with a flattering A-line or fit-and-flare silhouette. These styles are both comfortable and elegant, allowing you to enjoy the festivities while looking effortlessly chic.
Kari Women’s African Print Blouse (Black Amber Dots)
You can also opt for Ankara jumpsuits or two-piece sets if you prefer a more contemporary look. The key is to balance the boldness of the prints with classic silhouettes that will suit the occasion.
Accessories are essential when wearing Ankara. A statement necklace or earrings can highlight the vibrant patterns without overwhelming the outfit.
You can also pair your Ankara look with simple shoes and a solid-colored clutch to let the print take center stage. By carefully selecting your Ankara pieces, you can create a festive yet stylish look that stands out this Thanksgiving.
Maizah Women’s African Print Maxi Trench Coat (Black Tan Geometric)
Layering African Fabrics for Cozy Fall Weather
Thanksgiving falls in late November, which means cooler temperatures, making layering a must for your outfit. African fashion offers plenty of options for staying warm while looking stylish.
For example, you can layer an Ankara or Kente jacket over a simple dress or pair a vibrant printed shawl with a solid-colored outfit for an added pop of color and warmth.
Another great option for layering is the dashiki, a traditional African garment that can be worn as an oversized top or jacket.
Dashikis come in various colors and prints, making them versatile pieces that can be paired with jeans, skirts, or trousers for a stylish yet comfortable ensemble. You can opt for a bold dashiki print in rich fall hues to reflect the Thanksgiving spirit.
For a more formal family gathering, consider layering with Kente cloth. Known for its intricate patterns and luxurious feel, Kente can be worn as a shawl or scarf to add a regal touch to your outfit.
Layering not only keeps you warm but also allows you to incorporate multiple African elements into your look, blending tradition with modern style.
Styling Traditional African Dresses for Thanksgiving
Traditional African dresses such as the boubou or kaftan offer the perfect balance of comfort and elegance for Thanksgiving. These garments are loose-fitting and flowy, making them ideal for a family gathering where you want to feel relaxed while still looking put together.
A kaftan in a rich, fall color like burgundy or mustard yellow can be dressed up with accessories, creating a sophisticated yet effortless look.
For a more tailored appearance, you can opt for a Kitenge dress. These dresses often feature structured designs with flared skirts or fitted waists, providing a modern twist on traditional African fashion.
Choose a Kitenge dress in a bold, festive print to reflect the celebratory nature of Thanksgiving. Paired with simple heels or flats, you’ll have an outfit that’s both chic and comfortable.
To complete the look, add accessories that complement the dress. For example, a statement belt can define your waist in a flowing boubou, while a beaded necklace or bracelet adds an elegant touch to a kaftan.
By choosing the right traditional African dress, you can create a stylish, culturally inspired outfit that’s perfect for a Thanksgiving celebration.
Mazi Men’s African Print Button-up Shirt (Harvest Plaid Adire)
Matching Family Outfits for a Coordinated Thanksgiving Look
Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, so why not coordinate your family’s outfits with matching or complementary African prints? Whether it’s a matching set of Ankara outfits or complementary pieces in the same Kente cloth, family coordination can add a special touch to the festivities.
You can choose prints that reflect the colors of the season, such as burnt oranges, deep greens, and warm yellows.
For a more subtle approach, each family member can wear different garments in the same fabric or pattern. For example, one person can wear an Ankara dress, while another opts for a shirt or headwrap in the same fabric.
This creates a cohesive look that celebrates both family unity and cultural pride. Plus, matching outfits make for perfect family photos!
Don’t forget the kids! African prints are perfect for children’s clothing as well. Ankara dresses for girls or matching dashiki tops for boys can make sure the entire family looks festive and fabulous for Thanksgiving.
Coordinating your family’s outfits with African fashion adds an extra layer of meaning to the holiday, making it not only a celebration of gratitude but also a celebration of heritage.
Accessorizing Your African-Inspired Thanksgiving Look
Accessories are the finishing touch that can elevate your African-inspired Thanksgiving outfit. For a festive family gathering, you can’t go wrong with traditional beaded jewelry, which adds texture and color to any outfit.
A chunky beaded necklace or bracelet in vibrant colors can enhance a simple dress or top, making your look more dynamic.
Headwraps are another great accessory that adds both style and cultural significance to your outfit. You can choose a headwrap in the same print as your outfit or opt for a contrasting color for a bold statement.
Headwraps are versatile and can be styled in various ways, allowing you to experiment with different looks while keeping your hair elegant.
Finally, shoes and bags complete the look. Opt for comfortable yet stylish footwear, such as beaded sandals or leather flats with African detailing.
A simple clutch in a neutral color or a woven African basket bag can add the perfect finishing touch without overwhelming the rest of your outfit. Thoughtfully chosen accessories ensure that your African-inspired Thanksgiving look is polished and complete.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving, elevate your style by incorporating African-inspired fashion into your festive family gathering.
Whether you’re drawn to the bold patterns of Ankara, the elegance of Kente, or the comfort of a kaftan, African fashion offers endless possibilities for creating a look that’s both stylish and meaningful.
By layering for warmth, coordinating with your family, and accessorizing thoughtfully, you can showcase your cultural pride while celebrating the season of gratitude. Let your outfit be a reflection of the joy, warmth, and unity that Thanksgiving embodies.
