As a Sudbury-based wedding and family photographer, I get asked about outfit coordination constantly, especially as we head into the holiday season. Christmas photos are such a treasured tradition for so many families, and I want to help you feel confident and look absolutely stunning in your holiday portraits this year.

Over the years I’ve learned exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to Christmas photo outfits. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about dressing for your holiday photo session.

Start with a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits

Let me start by addressing the elephant in the room: please, please don’t feel like everyone needs to wear matching outfits! Gone are the days of everyone showing up in identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, I always encourage my clients to think about a cohesive color palette that complements each other without being too matchy-matchy.

For Christmas photos, you have so many beautiful options. Classic combinations like deep reds, forest greens, and creamy whites never go out of style. I also love rich jewel tones like burgundy, emerald, navy, and gold. These colors photograph beautifully and feel festive without being overly themed.

Here’s my favorite approach: choose 3-4 colors that work well together, then have each family member incorporate those colors in different ways. Maybe Dad wears a navy sweater, Mom wears a burgundy dress, the kids wear cream with pops of green, and so on. This creates visual harmony while still letting everyone’s personality shine through.

Consider Your Location and Background

This is something many people don’t think about until it’s too late! Where you’re taking your photos should absolutely influence your outfit choices. Here in Sudbury, we’re blessed with gorgeous natural settings, from snow-covered forests to beautiful urban backdrops.

If we’re shooting outdoors in a winter wonderland setting, you’ll want outfits that stand out against the white snow and neutral trees. This is where those rich, saturated colors really shine. Deep reds, hunter greens, burgundies, and navy blues create stunning contrast against snowy backgrounds.

Planning an indoor session or photos by a Christmas tree? Think about what colors will complement rather than clash with your surroundings. If you have a traditional green tree with colorful ornaments, neutrals with pops of color work beautifully. For a white or flocked tree, you have more freedom to go bold with your color choices.

I always recommend that my clients send me a photo of their location or let me know where we’re shooting so I can give personalized advice. It makes such a difference in the final images!

Texture and Layers Are Your Best Friends

One of my absolute favorite things about winter photo sessions is the opportunity to incorporate cozy textures and layers. This is where your outfits can really come to life and add visual interest to your photos.

Think about incorporating different fabrics and textures within your color palette. A chunky knit sweater paired with a flowing chiffon skirt creates beautiful dimension. Velvet, corduroy, cable knits, faux fur, and wool all photograph gorgeously and add that cozy holiday feeling to your images.

Layers also give you flexibility during your session. A cardigan, blazer, or vest can be added or removed to change up the look. Scarves are wonderful accessories that add color, texture, and warmth. Plus, if you’re doing outdoor photos in Sudbury’s chilly December weather, those layers serve a practical purpose too!

For the littlest ones, don’t be afraid of cozy rompers, suspenders, or adorable knit accessories. These details make children’s outfits extra special and add to that precious holiday charm.

Patterns: How to Use Them Wisely

Patterns can be tricky, but when done right, they add so much personality to your photos. My golden rule? One or two people in patterns maximum, and keep everyone else in coordinating solids.

If you want to incorporate patterns, think subtle rather than bold. Small-scale patterns like tiny florals, delicate plaids, or thin stripes work much better than large, busy prints that can be distracting in photos. Fair Isle or Nordic-inspired patterns are perfect for Christmas photos and add that cozy holiday vibe.

Make sure any patterns you choose include colors from your overall palette. If you’re working with burgundy, cream, and forest green, a plaid shirt that incorporates all three colors can be the perfect anchor piece for your family’s look.

And here’s a pro tip: avoid logos, large text, or character prints. These date your photos and can be distracting. You want the focus on your beautiful faces, not on branding or cartoon characters.

Dress for Comfort and Confidence

I cannot stress this enough: you need to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. If you’re constantly tugging at your outfit, worrying about something being too tight, or uncomfortable in heels, it will show in your photos.

This is especially important for children. Yes, that fancy velvet dress is adorable, but if your daughter is going to be miserable and fussy because it’s itchy or restrictive, it’s not worth it. Choose outfits that allow kids to move, sit, and play naturally during the session. Some of the best shots I capture are candid moments of families interacting and laughing together, and that’s hard to do if anyone is uncomfortable.

For moms especially, I want you to wear something that makes you feel beautiful. Don’t save that dress, wear it now! These photos capture your family as you are in this moment, and that’s something to celebrate. Choose fits that flatter your body type and make you feel confident.

Footwear Matters More Than You Think

Shoes might seem like a small detail since many Christmas photos are more close-up or mid-length shots, but they can make or break your overall look and comfort level.

For outdoor sessions in Sudbury’s winter conditions, this is crucial. You’ll likely be walking through snow, so practical footwear is important. Beautiful boots can absolutely work with your outfits! Leather boots, stylish winter boots, or even duck boots can look great and keep you comfortable. Just make sure they coordinate with your color palette.

For indoor sessions, you have more freedom. However, I still recommend breaking in new shoes before your session. There’s nothing worse than beautiful photos where you can see the discomfort on someone’s face because their shoes are killing them.

And for the littles? Soft-soled shoes or those adorable moccasins photograph beautifully and keep tiny feet comfortable during the session.

Accessories

Accessories are where you can really have fun and add personality to your Christmas photos! These finishing touches can elevate your outfits from nice to absolutely stunning.

Scarves are wonderful for adding color, texture, and that cozy winter feeling. Hats and beanies work great for outdoor sessions and add a playful element. For a more dressed-up look, statement jewelry can be gorgeous, just avoid anything too sparkly or reflective that might cause glare issues in the photos.

For kids, little accessories like suspenders, bowties, headbands, or hair bows are adorable. Just don’t go overboard—you want these to enhance the outfit, not overwhelm it.

One accessory I love suggesting for families is incorporating something meaningful. Maybe everyone wears a special piece of jewelry, or you bring along a vintage ornament that’s been in the family for generations. These touches add sentimental value to your photos.

What to Avoid

Let me share some common mistakes I see so you can avoid them:

First, avoid neon colors or anything too bright and saturated. These can photograph strangely and don’t have that timeless quality you want for photos you’ll treasure for years.

Skip the all-black outfits for Christmas photos. While black is sophisticated and slimming, it can be too dark and heavy for the festive, warm feeling of holiday portraits. If you love black, use it as an accent color rather than the main color.

Be cautious with pure white. It can wash out in photos, especially against snowy backgrounds. Cream, ivory, or off-white are better choices that still give you that light, bright look without the harshness of pure white.

Avoid overly trendy pieces that will date your photos. You want these images to feel timeless so you can enjoy them for decades to come.

Planning and Preparation Tips

Now that we’ve covered the what, let’s talk about the how. Here’s how I recommend preparing for your session:

Start planning your outfits at least two to three weeks before your session. This gives you time to shop if needed and doesn’t leave you stressed at the last minute. Lay everything out together and take a photo with your phone to see how the colors and styles work together.

Try on all outfits before the session day. Make sure everything fits well, is comfortable, and doesn’t need any last-minute alterations. This is especially important for kids who might have grown since you last checked!

Steam or iron everything the day before. Wrinkles are distracting in photos and can create unflattering shadows. Hanging your outfits up the night before ensures they’re ready to go.

Have a backup plan for weather. If we’re doing outdoor photos, have an indoor-appropriate option ready just in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

Don;t forget to use your family photos for holiday gifts!

Trust the Process and Have Fun

Finally, I want to remind you that the most important element of your Christmas photos isn’t your outfits—it’s the love and connection between your family members. I’ve photographed families in perfectly coordinated designer outfits who looked stiff and uncomfortable, and I’ve photographed families in simple jeans and sweaters who absolutely glowed with joy.

Your outfits should enhance your photos, not be the focus of them. When you feel good in what you’re wearing and you’re relaxed and enjoying the session, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when I capture those genuine smiles, those tender moments, and that authentic connection that makes your photos truly special.

Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident about choosing outfits for your Christmas photos! Remember, I’m always here to help my clients with outfit coordination. When you book a session with me, we’ll have a consultation where we can discuss your vision, your location, and any specific concerns or ideas you have. Don’t forget my guide to choosing a family photographer!

Here in Sudbury, we have such gorgeous settings for holiday photos, and I can’t wait to capture your family’s joy this Christmas season. Whether you’re planning an outdoor session in the snow or a cozy indoor shoot, thoughtful outfit choices will help ensure your photos are everything you’ve dreamed of.