When you start planning your outfits for Christmas Family Photos, most of us start thinking about bright reds, greens, and festive patterns. While I absolutely love the festive look, the key to elevated family photos is choosing colors and textures that photograph well. Bright colors can cause color casts on your skin and itchy festive fabrics can make the kids feel a little uncomfortable.
Whether your Christmas photos are outdoors on a Christmas tree farm or in a beautiful studio, you want to choose outfits that make you look and feel your best.
For Christmas photos, I actually recommend stepping away from the bright, festive colors with clashing patterns and choosing soft neutrals with touches of muted holiday colors. Some of my favorite shades are variations of the classics: dusty cranberry, sage, rose, and warm browns. Once you add some cozy layers, you’ll have a classic and timeless look that you’ll feel great wearing!
Tips for Choosing Outfits for Family Christmas Photos
My advice? Keep it simple:
- Start with one outfit you love. Pull two or three colors from it for the rest of the family. Everyone doesn’t need to wear every color.
- Build a complete outfit beneath the layers. The dress, blouse, or henley should work on its own indoors; add coordinating sweaters and coats outside.
- Mix textures. Cable knits, corduroy, soft cotton, and a little velvet add interest without needing bold patterns.
- Balance darker shades with cream or oatmeal. This is especially helpful outdoors against evergreen trees.
- Keep warmth practical. Thin thermal layers, warm socks, and tights can help children stay comfortable without adding bulk.
- Choose one gentle pattern. A small floral or subdued plaid can connect the palette; let the other outfits be mostly solid.
The overall feeling: cozy, connected, and softly festive—with clothes your family can comfortably spend time together in.
Look #1: Cranberry and Cream
One tip I usually give families is to choose one key piece and build a wardrobe around it. In this case, I love the pattern on the girls dress, and you can anchor the rest of the family around that pattern. Avoid clashing patterns, and keep other outfits simple.
Look #2: Sage and Cocoa
Cardigans and sweaters add a touch of texture to your outfit palette. This little girls sweater from The Little Stocking Co. is one of my favorite peices!
Look #3: Dusty Rose and Winter Neutrals
A little bit of a lighter twist on Cranberry, soft pink is a great complement to the greenery on Christmas trees and other holiday backgrounds.
Look #4: Dusty Blue and Caramel
This is an outfit idea that I suggested for fall family photos, and I love it so much, I’m bringing it back. Maybe you don’t want to wear traditional Christmas colors, or maybe you just love winter-themed looks! This look brings in some of my favorite pieces, such as the girls sweater and a blue version of the gingham dress. The lace bow can be added to any look for a sweet texture.
No matter what you choose to wear to your Christmas family photo session, the most important part is YOU. While I hope that this guide makes planning easier, don’t stress! Wear what makes you feel best. At the end of the day, it’s those sweet smiles you’ll remember most <3
