Holiday Family Photo Outfit Ideas | What to Wear for Holiday Family Photos

Written By Lauren Peterson

The holiday season is a carousel of emotions and traditions, a time when the air itself seems to shimmer with anticipation. It's also the perfect opportunity to capture your family's essence, to freeze a moment of your shared journey in time. As we approach this season of sparkle and cheer, one question pops up in conversations with clients more than any other: "What should we wear for our holiday family photos?" Drawing from my personal experiences and the countless holiday sessions I've had the joy of photographing, I want to share some outfit ideas and styling tips to ensure your family's personality shines through.

Holiday Family Photo Outfit Ideas | What to Wear for Holiday Family Photos

UPDATED MARCH 2024

We may look forward to it all year, but somehow the Christmas and holiday season never fail to sneak up on us. I may be partial here, but I honestly believe there’s no better way to celebrate the end of another great year than by getting the family all dressed up for your annual family Christmas portraits. What are the best outfits for Christmas photos? Is it best to go with something classic or something more fun? When deciding what colors to wear for Christmas pictures, it can be tough to decide between the Christmas classics and more neutral, elegant color palettes. Enjoy, and happy holidays!

The Comfort of Being You

First and foremost, your holiday photos should reflect who you are as a family. Over the years, I've noticed that the sessions that stand out are those where the family felt comfortable and true to themselves. Keeping things true to you — style included — is one of my top values as a family photographer (more about my approach here). One memorable shoot involved a family who chose to wear cozy, casual attire—knit sweaters and jeans. They laughed, played, and simply enjoyed each other's company, surrounded by the golden hues of late autumn. The warmth and genuine happiness radiating from them were palpable, and the photos captured their authentic bond beautifully.

Coordinating, Not Matching

Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same outfit. The trend now leans towards coordinating colors and styles that complement each other without being overly matchy-matchy. Think harmonious colors and patterns that speak to the holiday spirit without drowning out individuality. A family I photographed last December chose a palette of deep greens, rich reds, and warm golds, pulling from the natural colors of the season while allowing each family member's unique style to shine through.

Adding a Dash of Holiday Spirit

Incorporating holiday elements into your outfits can add a festive touch to your photos. This doesn't necessarily mean donning full Santa suits or elf costumes—unless that's your jam, of course! Simple touches, like a scarf in a holiday print, a tasteful Christmas brooch, or even fun, holiday-themed socks can bring a playful element to your photos. One family brought along Santa hats for a few shots, which added a wonderfully festive and lighthearted feel to their session.

COORDINATING COLORS & PATTERNS

Embrace the Season's Palette

The holiday season is rich with color, from the deep greens of evergreen trees to the vibrant reds of holly berries. Drawing inspiration from these colors can help guide your outfit choices. However, don't feel limited to traditional holiday colors. Metallics like gold and silver can add a sophisticated touch, while softer hues like cream and navy offer a subtle nod to the season's festivities.

Suggestions on coordinating color schemes

Red and green: the classic Christmas colors, timeless and elegant.

Navy blue and white: crisp and modern with a hint of holiday cheer.

Burgundy and emerald green: warm shades compliment each other beautifully for a festive look you’ll love this season.

Grey and mustard yellow: mix muted tones with a pop of color to stand out in family photos.

Black, white, pops of red/green/blue: pick any combination from these bright hues for an eye-catching palette that will turn heads this holiday season.

Layer Up for Versatility

The weather can be unpredictable during the holiday season, so layers are your best friend. Not only do they keep you comfortable, but they also add depth and interest to your photos. A well-chosen coat, cardigan, or shawl can complement your outfit and provide variety in your photo session. Plus, playing with different textures through layers—such as a velvet dress or a tweed blazer—can add a rich visual element to your images.

Tips for mixing patterns and textures

  • Pick a shade that will tie your group together, like navy blue, maroon, and grey for Christmas family outfits.

  • You don’t need everyone to wear the same exact print to look good together in pictures. Create the foundation by having one person wear a patterned top or bottom and then build off of it with solid colors around it.

  • Incorporating different textures can give depth to the family photo without being too distracting from each other’s outfits. Mix denim, velvet, and corduroy pieces into your outfit choices for a cohesive look.

  • Accessories are a great way to add style and flair to any outfit. Give yourself different points if you choose accessories such as hats, scarves, and jewelry in coordinating tones to pull the entire look together.

  • Most importantly, have fun with your outfits for Christmas pictures! Don’t let yourself stress out over small details but instead, enjoy picking out what everyone will wear on such a special occasion.

SEASONAL OUTFIT IDEAS

Suggestions on traditional seasonal colors and prints

With changing seasons come plenty of exciting fashion possibilities, and this season is no different. Incorporate traditional autumnal colors such as dark greens, oranges, and reds into your seasonal wardrobe to stay on-trend. You can seamlessly blend these hues in the form of cool printed dresses or stylish camo trousers. 

Why not include more contemporary prints, such as animal print accessories or bold floral skirts, for an extra special touch? These eye-catching pieces will turn heads wherever you go while fitting perfectly with the seasonal style.

Incorporating accessories like scarfs, hats, and boots

Incorporate some stylish seasonal accessories to make your picture extra special this year. Scarves, hats, and boots can all add a cozy and festive touch to any holiday look. For example, pair a warm knit hat with an infinity scarf in a bright, happy hue for your family holiday photo outfit ideas. Or have everyone bundle up in winter white coats with snug boots. Whatever look you choose, you won’t regret accessorizing your family’s Christmas photo shoot with these pieces from your wardrobe.

Comfort and Practicality

Keeping in mind the comfort and mobility of children and adults

As a rule of thumb, comfort and mobility should be top of mind when picking outfits. Formal attire such as collared shirts and stiff trousers can end up being too tight or restrictive after hours of sitting, standing, and squirming, especially for the kiddos. That isn’t to say you can’t take this occasion to get dressed up! For some holiday photo sessions, such as styled sessions like the one below, formalwear is not going to ruin your session.

However, if you’re planning on outdoor holiday session at a local park, it’s best to go with something more comfortable. Likely, the kids will be running around, and play will be incorporated into the prompts and posing of the session, so you want to make sure your kids are comfortable so they can be their true selves.A comfortable sweater, leggings, and stylish shoes can be a great option to keep everyone feeling great throughout the day. For example, pick some festive colors for an added touch: burgundy cardigans for the adults, green sweaters for the kids, with black jeggings throughout. Don’t forget to accessorize with statement pieces from jewelry to scarves – this will make each person feel special so that you can get that perfect photo!

Tips for layering and wearing comfortable shoes

  • Pick shoes with enough cushioning, support, and flexibility for all-day comfort.

  • Wear thicker, vented socks to provide extra insulation from the cold in the winter months.

  • Consider wearing slip-on or adjustable styles to remove during picture-taking sessions easily.

  • Choose a type of shoe that’s appropriate for the outfit and occasion you’re attending. It can be dressier if it’s an evening event or more casual for daytime activities such as family photos at home or outdoors.

  • Layer up your feet by wearing multiple thin layers of socks for added warmth and cushioning without adding bulkiness to your look.

Why certain clothing choices may not photograph well

While dressing up for family Christmas pictures may be tempting, some clothing choices are not always suitable and can make you look slightly underdressed or over the top. 

For instance, when picking out your outfit for the photo session, please stay away from plain shirts and jeans. As this is a special occasion, it's best to opt for something more festive and elegant, like a long velvet dress or an ironed suit. 

Also, try to avoid clothes that are too loose or baggy; these can make you appear larger than you are and look unflattering in the photos. On the same note, skip anything too bright or flashy. With Christmas photos, the key is capturing something that looks classic and timeless, so save your glittery outfits for another time.

Conclusion

From my heart to yours, holiday family photos are a beautiful tradition that captures the joy, love, and sometimes the beautiful chaos of family life. Whether you're planning a formal portrait by the fireplace, a candid session in the snow, or a creative shoot that breaks all the conventional rules, the most important thing is that your outfits reflect your family's unique story and style. As we capture these moments together, remember that the best outfits are the ones that allow you to feel comfortable, confident, and utterly yourselves.

If you're looking for more inspiration or guidance on planning your holiday family photo session, feel free to reach out. Together, we'll create timeless holiday memories adorned in the perfect outfits that truly capture the spirit of your family.Your family holiday photo outfit ideas should reflect who you are and what your family is like. So, while it is important to think about color palettes and patterns, it’s also essential to wear clothing that will be comfortable for everyone in the photo.

Have a wonderful holiday season full of laughter, love, and memories! I am familiar with the struggle deciding what to wear for Christmas family photos can be, and so I’ve curated some inspiration from some of my favorite Christmas and holiday portrait sessions.

Lauren Peterson
Previous

My Step-By-Step Process for Editing Family Photo Galleries in Lightroom
Next

When to Do Your Newborn Photoshoot: Capturing the Precious Moments