Your Ultimate Christmas Photo Style Guide: What to Wear for Festive Family Portraits
11/06/25
The holiday season is here — twinkle lights, cozy textures, and that magical feeling that only comes around once a year. If you’re planning family photos, your outfits are just as important as the smiles you’ll be capturing. A thoughtful wardrobe helps create timeless images that you’ll treasure for years to come.
I’ve put together a Christmas photo style guide in Canva to make it easy for families (and couples!) to plan their looks while keeping things cohesive, festive, and full of personality.
1. Pick a Color Palette
Start with a few colors that complement each other without feeling too matchy-matchy. Classic holiday combos like:
- Warm neutrals + greenery – Think latte, caramel, olive, and cream
- Red & gold accents – Perfect for cozy, traditional vibes
- Soft winter tones – Dusty sage, muted blues, and warm whites
Having a palette makes choosing clothing, accessories, and even props a breeze.
2. Mix Textures and Layers
Layering adds depth and interest to your photos. Some ideas:
- Chunky knits, soft scarves, or cozy cardigans
- Velvet or corduroy for a touch of elegance
- Subtle prints like plaid or stripes that won’t overwhelm the photo
Texture is what makes your portraits feel rich, warm, and intentional.
3. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Instead of everyone wearing the exact same color, choose complementary shades and let each family member’s personality shine. For example:
- Mom in a soft cream sweater
- Dad in a warm olive button-up
- Kids in cozy reds or neutral tones
This approach keeps your images dynamic and natural.
4. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Hats, scarves, statement earrings, or even a festive pair of socks can make your session feel extra special. Just don’t overdo it — you want the focus on the people and the love they share.
5. Choose Outfits You’ll Feel Confident In
The best photos happen when you feel comfortable and like you. Don’t sacrifice your personal style for the sake of “holiday-perfect.” Stick to pieces that make you feel confident, cozy, and ready to laugh, play, and snuggle in front of the camera.
6. Bonus: Use My Canva Style Guide
To make it even easier, I’ve created a visual Christmas style guide in Canva with outfit ideas, shoppable links, and palette inspiration. Whether you’re dressing your little ones, your spouse, or your whole family, it’s designed to take the guesswork out of holiday photos.
[View the Christmas Style Guide]
Closing Thought
Your Christmas portraits should capture the love, warmth, and magic of the season — and the right wardrobe makes all the difference. With a little planning and these tips, you’ll have cohesive, festive images that feel effortless, joyful, and timeless.
If you’re ready to capture your family’s Christmas magic this year, I’d love to chat about booking your session!
[Book Your Christmas Mini Session Here]
