What to Wear for Holiday Family Photos
Your Complete, Stress-Free Guide
One of the most common questions I get from families around this time of year is: “What should we wear for our holiday photos?” And I get it — choosing outfits for the whole family can feel overwhelming. You want everyone to look coordinated but not too matching, festive but not cheesy, comfortable but still put-together. As a mom and a family photographer, I’ve helped many families with this exact decision, and I can tell you this:
With a little planning and the right color palette, your holiday photos can look timeless, warm, and beautifully connected.
Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Start With a Color Palette (Not Matching Outfits)
Coordinating always looks better than everyone wearing the same thing. For holiday sessions, I recommend choosing 3–4 complementary colors and building around them.
Beautiful Holiday Color Palettes:
✨ Classic Holiday : Deep greens, creams, gold, warm browns, soft reds
✨ Cozy & Neutral : Ivory, tan, beige, soft gray, muted sage, warm brown
✨ Winter Inspired : Navy, ice blue, charcoal, white, silver accents
✨ Rich & Elegant : Burgundy, forest green, black, champagne, deep navy
Once you choose your palette, everything else becomes easier.
2. Dress Mom First (Trust me!)
This is the secret I tell all my families: Start with the person who cares most about the photos — usually Mom. Choose something you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful in. When Mom feels good, everything flows better.
Great options for moms:
• A long, flowy dress (photographs beautifully)
• A fitted knit sweater with a skirt
• A solid-colored jumpsuit
• Cozy winter textures (ribbed knits, wool, velvet, cashmere)
Avoid anything overly tight or anything you constantly need to adjust.
3. Choose Textures That Add Warmth
Holiday photos are all about warmth and emotion. Add cozy, rich textures such as:
• Chunky knits
• Cable sweaters
• Wool coats
• Velvet
• Corduroy
• Linen
• Cashmere
• Soft scarves
Textures photograph beautifully, especially in NYC’s winter light.
4. Keep Patterns Minimal
Patterns can work — you just need to be intentional. Like :
• Small plaids
• Thin stripes
• Subtle florals
• Soft, neutral prints
Avoid:
• Large bold prints
• Neon colors
• Logos
• Distracting graphics
A good rule: One person wears a pattern, the rest wear solids or subtle textures.
5. Think About Layers (Especially in NYC!)
Holiday sessions often mean chilly weather. Layers not only keep everyone warm but also add dimension to the photos.
Try:
• Cardigans
• Knit sweaters
• Vests
• Neutral coats
• Tights under dresses
• Simple hats (for a few photos only)
Avoid oversized puffer coats during the actual shoot — wear them to stay warm until it’s time to photograph.
6. Shoes Matter More Than You Think
Try to avoid sneakers unless they’re clean and neutral. Stick with:
• Boots
• Leather shoes
• Ankle boots
• Classic flats
• Neutral-colored footwear
They tie the whole look together without pulling attention.
7. Choose Comfort for the Kids
Happy kids = beautiful photos.
Choose soft, non-itchy, easy-to-move-in outfits.
Great options:
• Knit sweaters
• Corduroy pants
• Neutral leggings
• Simple dresses with tights
• Soft cardigans
Avoid stiff fabrics, scratchy sequins, or anything that might make them uncomfortable. And always bring a backup sweater — weather can surprise us.
8. Accessorize Simply & Softly
Accessories should compliment, not distract.
Try things like:
• Soft scarves
• Dainty jewelry
• Simple hair bows
• A cozy blanket for snuggly shots
• Neutral hats for the first few photos
Avoid oversized, shiny, or overly trendy items that might age the photo.
9. What Not to Wear (Quick Guide)
• No neon
• No large logos
• No super shiny fabrics
• No random mixes of strong patterns
• No baggy clothing
• No all-black or all-white outfits
• No matching identical shirts
Timeless > trendy.
10. Final Tip: Lay Everything Out Together
Before your session, lay everyone’s outfits on the bed and check:
• Do the colors flow together?
• Does one outfit stand out too much?
• Is there balance (patterns vs solids, textures vs simple)?
If the answer is yes, you’re ready.
Your Holiday Photos Should Feel Warm, Natural & Connected
At the end of the day, the most important thing is this: Wear something that feels like you. Your photos should show your love, your connection, your family’s personality — not stiff, uncomfortable outfits. Holiday photos are a chance to slow down and celebrate your family in this moment, as you are right now. If you ever need help choosing outfits, I’m always here. I love helping families create a color palette that feels warm, timeless, and true to them.
Ready to book your holiday session?
My calendar fills quickly this season — secure your date and let’s create something beautiful.
→ Book Your Holiday Session