What to Wear for Your Holiday Photos: A Complete Style Guide

One of the biggest questions I get as a photographer is: “What should we wear?”

The good news? Styling your holiday session is easier than you think. With the right color palette, textures, and a few smart choices, you can create a cohesive look that photographs beautifully and feels completely effortless.

1. Start With Neutrals (They Always Photograph Best)

Neutrals and muted tones are classic for a reason — they keep the focus on you, not your clothes, and they blend beautifully with holiday backdrops.

Think:

✨ cream

✨ beige

✨ soft gray

✨ warm browns

✨ olive

✨ muted burgundy

✨ charcoal

**Pro Tip: Don’t match exactly — mix different neutral shades for a cohesive, rich look.**

Shop the Look:

• AE Snow Stopper Sweater – perfect for moms or older kids who want something soft and cozy

• Style & Co Mock-Neck Fair Isle Sweater – a gentle patterned option that still photographs timelessly

2. Add Texture for a Warm, Holiday Feel

Texture brings your photos to life — think cozy sweaters, ribbed knits, wool coats, corduroy pants, flannel, and layered cardigans.

Some great texture ideas:

• Knit sweaters

• Velvet dresses for kids

• Wool or felt hats

• Ribbed tops

• Corduroy pants

Shop the Look:

• Matching Velvet Mommy & Me Dresses (SO cute for a dressier holiday vibe)

3. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Choose a 2–3 color palette and build each person’s outfit around it. This looks elevated without being too “same-same.”

A few palette ideas:

Neutral Holiday: cream, tan, olive, brown

Classic Holiday: forest green, navy, cream

Soft + Cozy: blush, gray, beige, brown

Shop the Look:

• Matching Holiday Sweatshirt/Romper Set (great for casual sessions and coordinating, not matching)

4. Keep Prints Simple & Minimal

Prints can be beautiful — sparingly. Choose subtle patterns like thin plaid, simple stripes, tiny florals, or soft geometrics.

To keep the image cohesive:

👉 Only one person in the group should wear a pattern.

👉 Everyone else should be in solids or textures.

Shop the Look:

• Family-Friendly Green Plaid Set (great for giving one person a patterned moment)

5. Dress for the Weather

Layers are your best friend — they add depth and keep everyone comfortable.

Ideas:

• Sweaters over dresses

• Long coats

• Cardigans

• Tights for little ones

• Boots instead of sandals

• Neutral scarves

If you’re warm, you’re relaxed — and relaxed makes for beautiful photos.

6. Style Tips for Kids

Kids photograph best when they’re in something comfy and not itchy or stiff.

Go for:

• Soft knits

• Breathable cottons

• Little boots or closed-toe shoes

• Simple hair bows in neutral shades

Shop the Look:

• Color-Block Holiday & Velvet Set for Kids

• Green Holiday Dress & Top Set

7. A Few Ready-to-Wear Outfit Ideas

For Couples:

• Cream sweater + tan pants

• Olive dress + boots + cardigan

For a Family of 4:

Mom: Ribbed cream dress

Dad: Brown knit sweater, dark jeans

Kid 1: Plaid dress + tights

Kid 2: Tan sweater + corduroy pants

For a Soft Holiday Look:

Muted green, navy, cream, and warm brown tones

Gold accents

Textures like knit + corduroy + velvet

8. Final Touches That Matter

• Steam or iron clothing

• Avoid bright reds that reflect onto the skin

• Stick to natural hair + makeup

• Keep shoes neutral and clean

• Bring a backup outfit for toddlers

It’s the little details that make your photos feel polished.

You’re Ready for Beautiful Holiday Photos!

Choosing outfits doesn’t have to be stressful — with a simple color palette, cozy textures, and timeless pieces, your holiday photos will look warm, natural, and perfectly you.

If you ever need personalized outfit ideas or want me to help you build a color palette for your session, I’m always happy to help!

XO, Courtney