Say goodbye to family Christmas photos overshadowed by Mom’s “wear this so we can match” knitted sweaters. (Sorry Mom, you had a good run!) It’s finally your time to shine in cute Christmas outfits that won’t make you cringe. But how do you even wrap your head around what works for your family?
When it comes to family Christmas photo outfit ideas, we’re your go-to source for what to wear in virtually any setting. Whether you have a family of two that suddenly grew or a large group of seven, follow these 13 tips and ideas to coordinate your best Christmas photo outfits yet.
“Warm Flannel”, designed by Keen Peachy
What are the best clothes to wear to a photoshoot? Generally, something that’s comfortable, well-fitting and flattering is the best choice. Matching Christmas outfits don’t have to be complicated! These simple Christmas card outfit ideas can work for any size group, any age range and almost any type of backdrop:
The card’s design will have an impact on what photos you can use and outfits you can wear. A quick peruse of Christmas card designs can help give you an idea for your attire. If you’re more drawn to ornate designs, you may want to choose simpler family photo outfits to balance the whole look of the card (and vice versa). Know that you want gold foil on your card? Incorporate some gold jewelry into your Christmas clothes to tie the photo and design together. Planning ahead will give you more design options to choose from at the end. The little details will make all the difference.
What to wear for Christmas photos depends largely on where the pictures will be taken. For example, Christmas clothes for family pictures by the fireplace can include nonseasonal items like Hawaiian shirts, whereas a photoshoot at a park or in your yard may require coats or other seasonal apparel. Indoor Christmas outfits tend to have more wiggle room and flexibility when it comes to your family’s choices. Outdoor attire, however, is greatly influenced by the weather conditions in your area.
Here are some Christmas outfit ideas for an indoor photoshoot:
For family Christmas photo outfit ideas in the great outdoors:
No matter what type of family picture outfit you choose (theme-based, festive, or casual), colors play a crucial role in keeping photo harmony. You can choose to showcase a color (such as red) and have that color pop throughout your family’s outfits, or opt for a nice varied color palette. If you do choose to all incorporate one color in your individual attire, make sure the color is a complementary shade on each family member. If opting for a color palette, make sure each color syncs with the other. For example, if Mom chooses beige or tan, dad could choose forest green and the kids could be in rust or maroon. Just like makeup, you want color to enhance your overall look, not overwhelm it.
If looking to highlight members in your family photo, such as a newborn, dress them in a bright color or a slightly more decorative pattern. For even greater emphasis, swaddle them up in festive colors to showcase their dainty size. Choosing what to wear for your little one is especially fun since the sky’s the limit—they don’t know how to negotiate yet. Read through these articles for more tips on photographing children and newborns!
Ideas for the best color combinations on Christmas clothes for family pictures:
While color is a great way to create cohesiveness in a group image, neutrals help ground your photo. Too many varying colors can distract your Christmas card’s recipients from focusing on you and your family. If you prefer to take your family photo against a busier background, neutral Christmas outfits are a great way to contrast to it. A red lip with a black top pairs beautifully with a spouse’s black sweater and blue jeans. Finish the look with a cozy outfit and some red sneakers for your little one. Adding subtle peeks of a softer color can also help break up a more monotone look, whether you’re doing matching outfits or not.
Adding color to your photo is a delicate balance. Too many different colors can create visual chaos. However, the perfect color mix weaved throughout your photo will add instant polish to your overall look. We’ve outlined a few easy Christmas photo outfit ideas that incorporate some of our favorite palettes:
Of all our family Christmas photo outfit ideas, this is the easiest to execute. If a quirky photo isn’t quite your cup of tea, dress for a classic black and white photo. Although different colors won’t be seen in the photo, the brightness of your clothing will be visible in these classy photos. Fair-skinned complexions are best contrasted with darker clothing while darker complexions are brought out by wearing lighter colors. To avoid glowing like a ghost in a picture, refrain from stark contrasts of dark and light. This means saying no to black tops with pure white pants unless you don’t mind your legs looking like toothpaste.
To really pull off this Christmas photoshoot idea, you will want the color of your outfits to have some tonality. The benefit of a variety of tones is that it will add more visual interest to your family photo. Tones are crucial to creating depth in black and white photos. If everyone wears the same shade of black in a dark environment, the post-editing process to add depth will take much longer to fix.
If you’re lucky enough to live in warm weather throughout all seasons, why not show that off through your Christmas outfits on your card? Send some sunshine to your friends and family in colder locales with photos of cute Christmas outfits that show off the tan! On the flip side, if you live in a location that dumps snow every winter, a family photo in snow pants and ski jackets could be a festive Christmas photoshoot idea.
For some additional humor, add reindeer headbands or elvish socks to contrast your unique Christmas attire. You can even satisfy your longing for summer clothes by using last July’s travel photos.
Sometimes life and the holidays can throw a million things at you and your family Christmas photo outfit ideas are the last thing on your mind. No need to worry though, here are some quick and easy Christmas photoshoot ideas:
If you haven’t noticed already, we’re huge advocates for tying things together. Adding accessories and outerwear is a great way to complete your family photo outfits. Simpler ensembles can be jazzed up with festive mittens, sparkly jewelry, fun hats or faux fur vests. Fun pieces like funky bow ties or Christmas themed hair accessories are also a great way of showing off your family’s personality. Don’t have anything that fits the mold? Consider adding a little online shopping to your holiday preparation list before the family photo is snapped!
All your furry and hairless members of the family deserve some time in the spotlight too. We’re not talking about your spouse -- we mean your beloved pets! Just like how our Christmas cards come in many shapes and sizes, we know your pets do too. Have fun thinking of creative ways of integrating your pets in the holiday photo! There’s no need to break the bank for a new Christmas outfit for Fluffy or Fido. Simply find ways to reuse what’s around your house. Get your DIY juices flowing with these Christmas outfit ideas for your pet:
This newfound knowledge is a great opportunity to turn what may seem like a chore into a creative brainstorm session. Providing your family with the power to choose Christmas photoshoot ideas will make them feel like their opinion matters. You can either work with individuals to pick out their Christmas outfits or establish a color palette for them ahead of time and set them loose. If someone isn’t quite ready to determine their own creative direction, put together two Christmas outfit choices and let your partner or children have the final say.
Ultimately, the most important thing when choosing your family picture outfits this Christmas is that it honestly reflects who you are. Aim to first capture the pure joy and essence of your family. If that’s your priority, your family’s genuine smiles will make your outfits match perfectly.
As you’re putting together your Christmas photo outfit ideas, there are a few things you should avoid when it comes to creating a cohesive look. The difference between coordinating and clashing can be tricky so use some caution and common sense when selecting an outfit for your Christmas photos.