Deciding what to wear for holiday family photos can feel stressful and confusing at times. Luckily you ended up right here-- read on for color palettes and combos that will make holiday photos merry + bright!
STEP #1 - Choose a holiday-themed color palette
Pick on 1-2 main Christmas colors (red, green, blue), add in a metallic ("silver and goldddd..."), then finish with a light neutral (like white or cream) to anchor the palette.
STEP #2 - Dress Mom first
Moms, I KNOW how hard this is. I know your first instinct is to dress the kiddos. However-- if you don't feel beautiful in these photos, you won't treasure the final result as much. (And honestly, your hubby and kids couldn't care less about their outfits.)
Pick out your favorite dress (that has at least one or two colors from your palette). A solid piece or small pattern is a great place to start building the family fits.
MY #1 BEST TIP: Pick a dress with TEXTURE. Rushing, linen, gingham, tulle, bows, pleating-- they will add so much more dimension, interest, and coziness to your photos!
STEP #3 - How to dress the babies + Dad
Let's be real-- the babies' outfits take precedence over Dad's! Dress them in another main color of the palette.
It's even better if there are small accent colors that overlap with another color in the palette -- maybe the pattern on your son's shirt or the bow in your daughter's hair matches Mom's dress color. Little details like that make the overall look cohesive.
Also, make note of who you want in patterns. I would limit it to about 2 people in patterns in a family of four (so that it doesn't get overwhelming).
STEP #4: Increase the cozy factor
Part of what makes holiday photos so distinctive is the cozy vibe they give off (since winter weather is cooler!).
cozy-up your outfits by:
- LAYERING UP - layer on jackets, cozy socks, scarves, and sweaters
- USING TRADITIONAL FABRICS - Gingham, plaid, corduroy, flannel, bucle, and chunky knits are all going to convey the "small town" Christmas vibe you're going for
STEP #5: Keep shoe color in mind
It's a small detail, but shoes are a part of the color palette, too! Make sure they remain neutral (white, cream, beige), or at least match one of the more earthy/neutral colors in your palette.
Let me know if this post helped you plan your holiday photo outfits!
If you live in the area, I'm a Roseville family photographer specializing in families, newborns, and maternity. Click the button below so we can chat about outfits and session details in depth!
