What To Wear to Your Christmas Family Photoshoot

I have to say when it comes to Christmas cards, I'm a little bit of a critic. I'm partial to a classic family portrait that becomes a keepsake for the years to come. But whether you like a candid snap on your vacation throughout the summer, or a more organized photoshoot session done over thanksgiving or early December, often the toughest part is getting the family onboard with your vision. Here are 17 outfit ideas to crush your Christmas card this year. 

#1 Blues and White

Cliche or classic? The white top and blue jeans combo can be overdone for sure. Instead of an army of family all in blue jeans and white tops, try some people in white denim, white dresses, or blue shirts. Adding a floral blue dress or other patterns can also help in larger groups. 

#1: Blues, Whites, and Greens

When situating your photoshoot in nature, have a few strokes of green offset the classic combo of white and blue. Don't be afraid to add patterns like stripes, plaid, and florals in order to keep it more dynamic. In large groups, help by determining if it's resort wear, cocktail, casual, or dressy casual can be helpful. 

#3 Dressy Casual; Solid Colors

Instead of focusing too much on colors, choose a dress code. Dressy tops with jeans is what I call dressy casual. Wear t shirts and jeans would be moreso casual. With smaller groups solid colors can look nice and keep the visual focus on the faces. Counter-intuitive though it may be, tighter fitting clothing helps define your body and be more visually flattering in photographs. 

#4 Neutrals

Neutrals are all the rage these days. If you have a closet full of warm creamy whites and light browns, by all means make this your theme. But for those of us who don't have closets full of winter whites and beiges, don't run out to buy them. Stick with items you have and love. 

#5 Sea-foam Tones

Blues, tans, whites, brown, and teal, sage, or sea-foam greens. This is perfect for an ocean inspired photoshoot and gives variance to the classic blue and white combination. Again this family is opting for "sunday best" or "dressy casual." It's a great way to allow some to wear fancier dresses and slacks, but still having some denim and more casual attire that your family already owns and likes to wear. 

#6: High Contrast

Who says you can only wear beiges and browns? For those who can't decide between the neutral and dark tonal ranges, have it all! While black and white striped shirts may give off a little too "beatlejuice" of a vibe, try pairing white sweaters with black pants, or dark blazers over white tops. 

#7 The Little White Dress

It's hard to get away from white in a holiday shoot. For those who are dying to wear some adorable little white dress, try either the high contrast combination of the image above or opt for brown and white combos like this image here. The little white dress can lean "prairie" "beachy" or even "country" depending on styling. 

#8 Darker Tones

Forest and emerald greens, blacks, ruby reds, and greys. The thing to be aware of with this styling is that if you all wear black, it will be hard to delineate bodies in the groupings. Offset this with a bright background like a beach, desert, or golden field. Even one person wearing slacks or lighter pants can help offset the body meshing as well. 

#9: Tartan or Plaid

In smaller groupings you can echo the print from one or two family members throughout the photo. See how this father's blazer alludes to the daughter's dress without it being matchy matchy. 

#10 Muck Boots

Give the classic country girl's "royals off duty" look in muck boots and a riding jacket. Pairing it with a long flowy maxi skirt or dress or else slacks and a "jumper" is an easy way to let nature be the unmistakable main character. 

#11 Casual: Jeans and T Shirts

Sometimes it's more important to be comfortable and ready for the adventure. If your family wants to look and feel relaxed, pick your favorite jeans or shorts and comfiest t shirt. The setting in this case can really pop. Plus you will love snuggling up together in your coziest cottons. 

#12 Sweater and Satin or Silk Skirt 

The Satin dress is having a MOMENT. Many of your girls may have a silky skirt or dress in their closet ready for action. What's great about a satin or silk fabric is that the luminous fabric, catches the light and generally photographs well. Offset the silky fabrics with heavier knits, khaki, or denim. We love how this photo has an edgy boot to give the tie her look to her family. 

#13: Denim on Denim

The Canadian tuxedo should be called upon with caution. Let's not revert back to those awkward family photos of the early 2000s when the whole family of 5 was posing awkwardly atop tree branches, or else referencing Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears VMA looks. Plus denim is a bulky fabrik that ads visual weight. Some of us, don't need to add bulk to certain areas of our bodies we would rather slenderize. BUT we have to admit that done correctly, there is something really all american and western in this denim on denim dress code. I love how the family in this photo is mixing in jean shorts, jean jackets and jean overalls. It's a little bit 90s, but it's also very fun. Plus most of us have lots of denim ready to go in our closet. 

#14: Christmas Reds

Reds are an ever changing target in Christmas trends. One year a bright cherry red is in, the next, a deep burgundy. What's great about a bright pop of color is that even if you aren't sure you LOVE the exact tone of your red Christmas sweater, so much can be done in the world of editing to bring the tone of the red back into the right color space for the vibe of the photo. In big groups, this color can be overwhelming. When incorporating red with a family photo, have a few pops (red lipstick, bows, and red nails on some members), and one or two members wear a classic red. Colors that go great are forest greens, browns, burgundies, and whits and light tones. 

#15 Black Tie

It's giving... happy New Years! go all out in evening wear as if you are off to some fabulous black tie event. Sometimes couples and families can even snag a great family shot at a fancy wedding they attend, but even if that's not the case... I say, dress for the party you want to be invited to. 

#16 Matching Christmas PJs

This is a matter of preference but I'm personally NOT a fan of THE Christmas card image being everyone in their matching PJs in the living room looking kinda busted on Christmas morning. I'm so sorry if this is you, I just think of those awkward teenage years and I second hand cringe from you putting your tweens in those form fitting thermals and bad indoor lighting and SO much of the same pattern on display on everyone's bodies. That being said, there is something iconic about tartan and flannels. This image above is dream worthy in my opinion for the combo of devil may care muck boots and beanies, along with the mix and match family PJ sets. Try the photo outside in the better lighting and styled with a combo of bath robes, sweaters, or hoodies ontop of matching Christmas plaids. 

#17 Hiking Gear

Get your adventure gear on and have a fun outdoorsy photoshoot. I love the look of hiking boots and shorts. Plus it's very helpful to have a backpack of snacks and fun props to pose with.