The Best Christmas Picture Outfit Ideas: Capture Your Family Beautifully
It’s time to start thinking about those perfect Christmas picture outfit ideas.
Now that I’ve got my family of 6, I LOVE holiday photos. Distinction – I love having the photos, NOT the process of taking them.
We’ve done our fair share of the Christmas photos over the years
The outfits are one of the most important parts.
They set the tone for the picture’s mood, and they’ve got to be right—especially if you’ve got little kids.
So whether you want something elegant for a fancy photo session or comfy coordinating family Christmas PJS, we’ve got you covered in finding the perfect FIT.
So let’s get going!
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Preparing for the Perfect Family Photo
Tips for Choosing Outfits
The first thing I always like to do is find clothing that coordinates, not matches perfectly. I’m not looking for everyone to be in matching outfits; I just want everyone to look like we’re in the same color palette.
So consider the holiday season’s color palette and incorporate traditional seasonal colors and prints into your family photo outfits.
Think about the location and background of your family photos and choose outfits that go with that.
Keep it simple and focus on the most important thing: capturing your family’s smiles
Plan ahead to give yourself more design options for your Christmas card.
IF you already have a card design in mind you could consider that ahead of time as well. I always pick the card design AFTER I’ve taken our photos.
Add some Elegance to your holiday Photos
A red dress is stunning especially when paired with contrasting colors like a Blue and white flower dress for one of the kids.
When else do you have the opportunity to get fancy? Embrace it and dress up a little to give your card a bit of elegance.
I also love a nice plaid blazer on a handsome young guy. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get rid of ours because it’s so dapper.
Coordinating Family Photo Outfits
The Comfort of Being You
Your holiday photos should reflect who you are as a family, so keep things true to you — style included.
Consider wearing comfortable sweaters, leggings, and stylish shoes for a great option to keep everyone feeling great throughout the day.
I love dressing up for the photos if it fits what your family is going for. If it doesn’t don’t do it especially since the kiddos might complain more if they’re wearing something uncomfortable. – at least mine do!
Incorporate personal touches and accessories that reflect your family’s personality and style.
Is your daughter super into Elsa right now? Maybe let her wear that dress. You son into Spiderman? There’s nothing cuter. I’ll never forget letting my son wear this Spiderman outfit to church. Not to detract from Jesus or anything but was the hit of the service!
Cozy Pajamas and Holiday Add-ons!
Incorporating Accessories
Incorporate holiday elements into your outfits, such as Santa hats, festive scarves, or fun holiday-themed socks.
Or maybe invite the big man himself to join your family picture. Santa brought our puppy to us and it’s one of the sweetest family memories ever! Plus we all got to wear our pajamas for it so that made things super easy!
I love the idea of wearing cute Christmas pajamas for your pictures because it makes everyone a little more relaxed. No complaining from the kids about itchy sweaters or uncomfortable shoes!
Use Traditional Seasonal Colors… or not!
Use the colors you normally see for the holidays – deep greens, reds, and sometimes purple. I just love purple so I’m making that “holiday color.”
You can also incorporate fall colors like deep oranges and browns.
Consider metallics like gold and silver to add a sophisticated touch.
I loved the cream, deep purple dresses for the girls and dark turquoise we did one year for our holiday photos along the Ohio River. It’s just not a combination you normally see on a holiday card but it worked beautifully I think.
Layering for Versatility in Family Photo Outfits
Tips for Layering
The weather can be unpredictable during the holidays, so layers are your best friend.
They keep you comfortable, but they also add interest to your photos.
Consider adding a nice coat or a vest that ties everything all together.
Mixing Patterns and Textures for a Unique Look
Pattern and Texture Ideas
Play with different textures like cable knits, velvets, satins, and cashmere for a luxurious look.
Use faux furs to add a nice winter touch to your photos.
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns like plaids, stripes, and florals for a bold look. I love a class Boy’s plaid shirt with the main colors brought in by other family members’ clothing pieces.
Indoor and Outdoor Family Photo Outfits
Indoor Outfits
Indoor Christmas outfits have more flexibility in terms of color choices and you don’t have to worry about the weather cooperating.
Consider the colors of the furniture and decor in the background when choosing a palette.
Take a picture in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree is a great idea as well
Outdoor Outfits
Plan outdoor Christmas outfits according to the weather.
Choose weather-appropriate clothing to keep everyone comfortable and natural-looking.
Think about what’s close-by and beautiful. If you don’t fee like driving, decorate your front door for the holidays and stand in front of that!
Including Your Furry Friends in the Holiday Season
Include your pets in the holiday photo- they’re family too after all!
Have fun thinking of ways to incorporate your pets into the photo.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Family Photo Shoot
General Tips
Remember that the best outfits are where you feel comfortable, confident, and utterly yourselves.
Pick clothes and a place that reflects who your family is at heart.
If you decide to have everyone matching perfectly, or even do mommy and me matching outfits, I’d order them all together. Trying to do it piece by piece could be frustrating and the colors may not be exact.
FAQs
- What are the best Christmas picture outfit ideas for families?For families, coordinating outfits with matching colors or patterns (like plaid, red, green, or white) creates a festive and cohesive look. Y
- You can mix casual and formal pieces for variety, such as wearing sweaters with jeans or skirts, or even incorporating fun accessories like scarves or holiday-themed hats.
- What should I wear for a Christmas photo shoot if I want a more formal look?If you’re aiming for a formal Christmas photo, consider wearing elegant dresses, suits, or dress shirts in holiday colors like deep red, emerald green, or metallic gold.
- Add accessories like statement jewelry, velvet fabrics, and polished shoes to complete the look.
- Can I wear casual clothes for Christmas photos? Absolutely! Casual outfits can look relaxed and cozy, especially if you’re taking photos at home or in a more informal setting.
- Think cozy sweaters, cute plaid flannel shirts, or knit dresses. Pair with comfy jeans, leggings, or boots for a laid-back yet festive vibe.
- What are some cute Christmas outfit ideas for kids? For a fun, cozy photo, think about cute holiday-themed sweaters (like reindeer or Santa designs), red and green dresses, or even Christmas-themed pajamas.
- Don’t forget accessories like mini Santa hats or cute bows to complete their look!
- What color schemes work best for Christmas pictures?Classic colors like red, green, and white are always popular, but you can also try modern twists like silver, gold, or even icy blues.
- For a more elegant touch, go for jewel tones like deep purple or navy, or opt for neutral tones like beige, gray, and white for a minimalist look.
- How can I add a festive touch to my Christmas outfit?Add a festive touch with holiday accessories like Christmas-themed scarves, statement necklaces, fun socks, or holiday-themed shoes (think red boots or sparkly flats). You can also layer with a cute cardigan, vest, or holiday sweater to really embrace the Christmas spirit.
- Should I stick to a theme for my Christmas photo outfits?Sticking to a theme can make your photos look more cohesive. Popular themes include matching colors (red, green, gold), winter wonderland vibes (sparkling whites and blues), or even cozy sweater looks. It’s up to you whether you want to match exactly or just complement each other’s outfits!
- How can I make my Christmas picture outfit unique?To make your outfit stand out, consider adding personal touches like custom shirts or sweaters with names, funny holiday sayings, or even matching family Christmas PJs. You can also experiment with bold patterns, unexpected colors, or vintage Christmas styles for a more unique look.
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Conclusion
I hope this gives you plenty of Christmas picture outfit ideas to help you look and feel your best in those holiday photos!
Whether you’re going for cozy, formal, or something in between, the key is to have fun with your look and embrace the festive spirit.
Don’t forget to coordinate with your family or friends for a picture-perfect shot! Happy holidays and happy styling!
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
