The holidays are already busy enough, choosing outfits for your family photos shouldn’t add to the stress. I know how overwhelming it can feel to coordinate everyone and still make it look effortless. That’s why I’m here with my favorite tried-and-true outfit tips for holiday pictures that feel natural, cozy, and timeless… so your photos look beautiful now and years from now.
1. Start with a Neutral Base
Soft neutrals like cream, ivory, taupe, warm gray, or light brown make the perfect foundation for your outfits. They photograph beautifully in any setting and give your photos a light, airy feel.
Once you have your base colors, add in seasonal accents; think forest green, deep burgundy, rich navy, or muted gold. These colors instantly give a warm holiday vibe without feeling overly “costumey.”
2. Mix Textures for a Cozy Look
The holidays are the perfect time to play with texture! Pair knit sweaters with corduroy pants, or a soft velvet dress with wool tights. Mixing textures adds visual interest and warmth to your photos without relying on bold patterns.
3. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone in identical outfits. Instead, choose a complementary color palette and let each person’s outfit have its own personality within it. For example, mom might wear a cream sweater dress, dad in a deep green henley and khakis, and the kids in soft plaid accents or knit cardigans.
4. Keep Patterns Minimal
A subtle plaid or small-scale floral can be beautiful, but large patterns, bright logos, or neon colors can be distracting. The goal is for your family’s connection to be the focus; not the clothes.
5. Dress for the Weather (and Comfort)
Especially in Kentucky, November and December can be chilly. Layers are your friend; cardigans, scarves, and boots not only keep you warm but also add dimension to your outfit. And remember comfortable kids are happy kids!
6. Add a Little Holiday Touch
If you’d like a hint of festivity, think small touches like a cozy blanket to snuggle under, a velvet hair bow for your little one, or a pair of adorable mittens. These details make for sweet, seasonal moments without overwhelming the look.
At the end of the day, the best holiday photos are the ones where you feel relaxed and connected. Your outfits should be an extension of your family’s style—just a touch more polished for the occasion.
If you still need holiday photos this year, my Holiday Mini Sessions are the perfect way to capture your family in a fun, easy 20-minute session. Spots are filling fast!
📸 See all the details and book here: Holiday Mini Session Details & Booking
