Turkey Trot Outfit Ideas (Cute, Warm and Actually Runnable)

The turkey trot might be the friendliest race of the year. Families run together, dogs wear bandanas, someone is always dressed as a pie, and nobody minds if you walk the hills because you're saving room for dinner. This year Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, so it's time to plan your look.

The trick to a great turkey trot outfit is balancing three things: it should be cute enough for the group photo, warm enough for a late-November morning and comfortable enough to actually run 5K in. Here are our favorite turkey trot outfit ideas for every kind of trotter, plus how to dress for the weather.

First, check the forecast

Thanksgiving morning can be anything from sunny and 65°F in the South to below freezing up North. Dress for how you'll feel a mile in, not how you feel waiting at the start. A simple rule many runners use: dress as if it's about 15 to 20 degrees warmer than the forecast. For a full breakdown by temperature, see our what to wear running temperature chart.

• Above 55°F: shorts or a skort, a sports bra or tank and a light layer for the start.
• 40 to 55°F: leggings or shorts, a long-sleeve top and maybe light gloves.
• Below 40°F: leggings, a base layer, a jacket, gloves and something over your ears.

1. The cozy classic: leggings and a cropped hoodie

For a chilly morning, you can't beat high-waisted leggings and a warm layer. Our Sculpting High-Rise Leggings are buttery soft with a criss-cross waistband and a full-size secret back pocket for your phone, so you can snap race photos without a belt or armband. Add a long-sleeve running top, then the LoverFleece cropped hoodie for the start line and the group photo. It has a silky fleece interior and thumbholes, and it's ideal for warm-ups and after the finish.

If you heat up mid-race, tie the hoodie around your waist or hand it to a cheering family member. Shop all leggings with pockets.

2. The cute matching set

A matching set instantly looks put together, which is exactly what you want in the family photo. On a mild morning, pair the baby blue athletic skort with the baby blue bandage push-up sports bra. The skort has built-in shorts and two inner pockets for your phone, cards or keys, and the outer skirt is designed to fall nicely even when the pockets are full. Throw a long-sleeve top or the cropped hoodie over it until the gun goes off.

Browse every color combination in our matching workout sets, or see all athletic skorts.

3. Fall neutrals: mocha and taupe

If orange and brown feel very Thanksgiving to you but a costume doesn't, go for warm earth tones. Our brown workout sets include the mocha push-up halter sports bra, the taupe strappy sports bra and 3-inch mini sculpting shorts in mocha taupe. Layer leggings or a warm top over the set on cold mornings, and you'll have a seasonal look that works long after the leftovers are gone.

4. The festive one

Turkey trots are the one race where a costume is practically expected. The smart move is to build a comfortable running outfit first, then add the fun on top:

• A turkey, pilgrim or pie hat over a ponytail-friendly cap or headband
• A festive long-sleeve tee or a tutu over leggings or shorts
• Fall-leaf or pumpkin socks
• A turkey-feather headband (make sure it won't flop in your eyes)

Test anything new on a short jog first. A hat that wobbles or a costume that rubs can turn a fun 5K into a long one. A simple black base, like a black sports bra and black leggings, lets any festive accessory stand out.

5. The racer: fast and light

Some trotters are there to win their age group. If that's you, dress light and lean on a throwaway layer at the start. The Cheeky Flyaway split running shorts are ultra-light and quick-drying with a hidden waistband pocket for a key or card. Pair them with a supportive sports bra or the LuxeForm Functional Tank, which has side pockets for your phone. Add gloves you don't mind ditching, and you're ready to go.

6. The matching crew

Running with your sister, your best friend or your whole running group? Pick one color and coordinate. Everyone can choose their own style (a skort for one, leggings for another, a halter or strappy bra) as long as the color matches. It makes for a great photo, and it's easier to find each other at the finish.

Shopping for a group? Right now, you can mix any 2 items to save 15%, or 3 or more to save 25%, applied automatically in your cart (gift cards excluded).

Don't forget the accessories

• Hat or headband: a running hat keeps sun or drizzle out of your eyes, and a headband keeps your ears warm.
• Sunglasses: a bright November morning can come with low, glaring sun. Polarized running sunglasses help, and they look good in photos.
• Gloves: cheap gloves you can tuck in a waistband or toss.
• Phone: you'll want photos. A pocket in your leggings, skort or tank saves you from carrying it.

Turkey trot day tips

• Pin your bib on your outer layer if you'll keep it on, or on your base top if you plan to take the layer off.
• Arrive early. Turkey trots are some of the biggest races of the year, and parking fills fast.
• Bring a dry layer for after. You'll cool down quickly while you wait for family and friends.
• Eat a light breakfast. Save the feast for later, but don't run on empty.
• Check the race rules before you bring a stroller or your dog. Many turkey trots welcome both, but some ask them to start at the back.
• Plan the walk back. Big races can mean a long walk to the car, so keep a warm layer and comfortable shoes handy for after.
• Have fun with it. Walk, jog, race or push a stroller. Everyone belongs at a turkey trot.

Turkey trot outfit FAQ

What should I wear to a turkey trot?

Dress for the temperature at mile one: leggings or shorts, a sports bra, a long-sleeve top and a warm layer you can remove. Add a festive hat, socks or headband if you want to dress up.

What do you wear to a turkey trot when it's cold?

High-waisted leggings, a long-sleeve base layer, a light jacket or warm hoodie for the start, gloves and a headband or hat that covers your ears.

Can I run a turkey trot in a costume?

Absolutely. Just build a comfortable running outfit underneath and test the costume pieces on a short run so nothing rubs or slips.

Is a skort good for a turkey trot?

Yes, on a mild day. A skort with built-in shorts is comfortable to run in and looks cute in photos. On cold mornings, layer leggings or a warm top with it.

Ready to trot

Whether you're racing, jogging with the kids or walking in a pie hat, the best turkey trot outfit is one you feel good in from the start line to the dinner table. Find your look in our women's running clothes, and have a happy Thanksgiving.