Getting ready for holiday photos can be exciting—and maybe just a little bit overwhelming! As you plan for this year’s family portrait, let’s take a moment to answer one of the biggest questions: “What should we wear?” With a few simple tips, you can put together a look that’s coordinated, comfortable, and perfect for this year’s holiday cards and memories!
1. Pick a Color Palette
Choosing a color scheme is a great way to start! Coordinated colors, rather than everyone wearing the same color, add depth and make the overall look feel more natural. Here are a few popular holiday-inspired palettes:
• Classic Red and Green: A timeless choice that immediately brings out the holiday spirit.
• Winter Wonderland (Blues and Whites): Dreamy and wintry, this look is ideal for snowy or outdoor sessions.
• Neutrals with a Pop of Color: Think cozy creams, soft browns, and taupe with hints of red, green, or gold.
2. Keep It Comfortable
The best holiday photos are when everyone feels good and can relax! If your little ones aren’t comfortable, it shows. Aim for soft fabrics that let everyone move, play, and smile comfortably. Also, be mindful of the weather if you’re outdoors—layering works wonders for keeping warm while adding dimension.
3. Layer It Up
Layers aren’t just for comfort—they add style too! A scarf, cardigan, or vest can bring texture and variety to your family photos. Plus, they’re easy to add or remove if the weather shifts, and they help keep everyone warm in those outdoor scenes. Just remember not to overdo it—let each person’s face and smile be the star!
4. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of identical outfits for everyone. Coordinating rather than matching allows each person to showcase their unique personality while still looking cohesive as a group. You might pair mom’s green dress with dad’s neutral sweater and add touches of that same green to the kids’ outfits. Subtle connections make for stunning results!
5. Avoid Busy Patterns
Plaids and holiday prints can be fun, but too many patterns can be distracting. If you want to incorporate patterns, keep it to one person or use subtle textures like cable knits or ribbed sweaters. A good rule of thumb? Stick to one or two subtle patterns and keep everyone else in solid colors.
6. Consider the Setting
Where will your holiday photos be taken? A snowy outdoor scene might call for cozy knits and boots, while an indoor, more formal setting could suit dressier outfits. For beach holiday sessions, think of softer colors like white, light blue, and khaki.
7. Add a Festive Touch
Holiday photos are the perfect time to bring in those fun little details! Accessories like hats, scarves, or even matching mittens can add that extra touch of holiday cheer. Little touches like these give your photos that cozy, festive feeling without overwhelming the frame.
8. Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Stress
Give yourself plenty of time to plan, shop, and even try on outfits. Gather everything together at least a week in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. And remember, the most important part of the holiday photos isn’t the outfits—it’s the love and joy you bring to each shot!
9. Have Fun with It!
At the end of the day, the best photos happen when everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves. Don’t worry too much about perfection. Embrace the little quirks, the unique expressions, and the unexpected moments—they’re what make your family photos truly yours.
Some samples we found online below. Pinterest is your best friend don’t be scared to utilize websites like that to help out 🫶🏽
With these tips, you’re ready to create picture-perfect holiday memories that will look great on this year’s cards and even better as part of your family’s story. And remember, at Jennifer M Gifford Photography, we’re here to help bring out your family’s joy, love, and spirit in every photo!
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