What to Wear? A guide to everything you need to know
Ok, so you have finally secured the time slot for your session. Here are some helpful tips I have created to make planning your next Holiday family photoshoot as smooth as possible. I took all of the guesswork and questions and placed them into a document that will help you make your decisions easier when it comes to what to wear.
Embrace the Festive Spirit!
Whether it's the enchanting allure of Fall or the joyful celebration of Christmas, 'tis the season of festivities! I have everything you need to help you select the perfect outfits for your upcoming family session.
Choosing the right outfit for your holiday photos can make all the difference in how your images turn out. The goal is to create a cohesive, timeless look that reflects personality while complementing the season and setting. This guide covers everything from color coordination to layering and includes example color schemes to inspire outfit planning.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Instead of everyone wearing the same color, choose a palette of 3–4 complementary tones. This approach creates visual harmony while allowing each person’s outfit to stand out. Think of the group as one complete picture—each outfit should blend naturally with the others.
Tips:
Start with one patterned piece (like a plaid dress or sweater) and pull colors from it for the rest of the family.
Mix shades of the same color family for depth—like cream, tan, and brown.
Avoid overly bright or neon colors that can reflect onto skin tones.
2. Add Texture and Layers
Texture adds visual interest and warmth to photos. Layers also provide flexibility for changing weather conditions and can be added or removed to add variety to your gallery.
Ideas for Texture and Layers:
Knit sweaters, corduroy pants, or wool coats
Denim jackets, scarves, or vests
Flowy dresses paired with structured jackets
Layered cardigans or shawls for cozy, relaxed looks.
3. Keep Patterns Subtle
Patterns can bring personality to your photos, but they should enhance rather than dominate. Choose small, classic prints that won’t distract from faces or clash with other outfits.
Good Pattern Choices:
Soft plaids in muted tones
Small florals or polka dots
Subtle stripes or herringbone textures
Avoid:
Large logos or text
Bold, high-contrast prints
Overly busy patterns that compete with each other
4. Dress for the Setting
The session's location should guide outfit choices. Outfits that complement the environment help create a cohesive, natural look.
Setting Suggestions:
Outdoor/Nature: Earthy tones like olive, rust, cream, and brown
Urban/City: Jewel tones such as emerald, navy, and burgundy
Snowy/Winter: Soft neutrals like ivory, gray, and blush
Indoor/Cozy Home: Warm tones like caramel, forest green, and cranberry
5. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories can tie outfits together and add personality. Keep them simple and coordinated across the group.
Ideas:
Neutral hats, scarves, or beanies
Leather boots or ankle booties
Simple jewelry or watches
Coordinated blankets or shawls for cozy poses
6. Comfort is Key
Comfort translates to confidence in photos. Choose clothing that fits well and allows for natural movement, especially for children.
Tips:
Avoid stiff fabrics or anything that needs constant adjusting.
Break in new shoes before the session.
Dress in layers to stay warm without bulky coats.
7. Add a Touch of Holiday Spirit
A subtle nod to the season can make photos feel festive without being overly themed.
Ideas:
- A pop of red or green in accessories
- Cozy blankets or plaid scarves
- Metallic accents like gold jewelry or buttons
- Evergreen sprigs or seasonal props for a natural touch
- Example Color Schemes
- Classic Holiday
- Deep red
- Forest green
- Cream
- Charcoal gray
- Outfit Inspiration:
- Mom in a cream sweater dress, dad in a forest green sweater with dark jeans, kids in plaid accents with touches of red and gray.
Winter Neutrals
- Ivory
- Camel
- Soft gray
- Dusty rose
- Outfit Inspiration:
- Neutral sweaters, tan boots, and cozy scarves. Perfect for snowy or indoor sessions with warm lighting.
- Rustic Warmth
- Rust
- Olive
- Mustard
- Cream
Outfit Inspiration:
- Earthy tones that complement fall and early winter landscapes. Great for outdoor sessions with golden light.
- Modern Jewel Tones
- Navy
- Burgundy
- Emerald
- Gold
Outfit Inspiration:
- Rich, bold colors that pop against urban or neutral backdrops. Elegant and timeless for evening or city sessions.
- Soft Pastel Winter
- Sage
- Blush
- Light gray
- White
Outfit Inspiration:
- Soft, airy tones that create a dreamy, romantic feel—ideal for snowy or minimalist settings.
