The holiday season is officially upon us, and for many families, that means it’s time to start planning for the annual Christmas family photo! As a stylist and content creator, I always get excited when October rolls around because it’s when the requests for family photo outfit advice start flooding in. There’s something so special about capturing this time of year with your loved ones, and what you wear plays a big part in creating that perfect holiday card image.
Gathering my own family of seven kids, plus spouses and grandkids, is no small feat. But recently, we managed to get everyone together for a quick photoshoot. The goal? To capture genuine joy without anyone looking like they were dragged out of bed before sunrise! If you’re feeling overwhelmed about planning your family photo outfits, don’t worry – you’re not alone, and I’m here to help.
To take the stress out of choosing the perfect attire, I’ve put together four distinct family outfit ideas. These are designed to suit various styles, photo locations, and even different stages of life. Whether you’re looking for flowy dresses that are flattering post-partum or waist-defining outfits to showcase your summer fitness before the holiday indulgences begin, I’ve got you covered. Let’s be real, while the photos are supposed to be about the kids, when it comes to choosing the picture for the Christmas card, I’m definitely scrutinizing my own appearance first! Kids can look adorable even mid-tantrum, but for us adults, the right outfit and angle are crucial. So, I’ve curated these holiday card outfits with you in mind, focusing on different moods and aesthetics to ensure everyone in the family looks and feels their best.
family holiday photo inspiration
Let’s dive into the outfit ideas to inspire your Christmas Family Photo Outfits planning:
Look 1: Earthy & Effortless Charm
family holiday photo ideas
If your family photoshoot is set in a natural, outdoorsy location like an open field, a forest, or even a farm, this “Earthy & Effortless” look is ideal. I adore the relaxed and organic feel of this style, while still maintaining a polished and put-together appearance. The key to this look is embracing warm, muted tones and comfortable fabrics. Think browns, creams, olives, and burnt oranges.
For her: Consider a flowy maxi dress in a solid earthy tone or a subtle floral print. Natural fabrics like linen or cotton blends work beautifully. Ankle boots or comfortable flats complete the look.
For him: A casual button-down shirt in a solid color or a subtle plaid, paired with chinos or dark wash jeans. Leather boots or loafers enhance the relaxed yet stylish vibe.
For little lady: A sweet dress in a complementary earthy tone, perhaps with delicate details like lace or ruffles. Boots or Mary Janes are perfect footwear choices.
For mini man: A button-down shirt or a soft knit sweater in a coordinating color, paired with chinos or corduroy pants. Sneakers or boots work well for active little ones.
This color palette and style creates a warm, inviting, and timeless feel for your christmas family photo outfits, perfectly complementing natural outdoor settings.
Shop the Look (Inspired Options):
Her:
Him:
Little Lady:
Mini Man:
Candid family Christmas photo with everyone wearing coordinated earthy toned outfits outdoors, showcasing natural and relaxed style.
Look 2: Classic & Cool Casual
family holiday outfit ideas and color scheme ideas
If you’re aiming for a fantastic family photo with a more laid-back and casual vibe, this “Classic & Cool” look is your go-to. This style is all about effortless chic and comfort, perfect for busy families juggling kids and photoshoot stress. A flowy maxi dress is a fantastic choice for mom – it’s comfortable, flattering, and forgiving, which is always a bonus when you’re managing a family photoshoot!
For her: A flowy maxi dress is the star of this look. Choose a solid color or a subtle print in a comfortable fabric like jersey or rayon. Sandals, flats, or even stylish sneakers keep it casual and cool.
For him: A classic polo shirt or a casual button-down in a solid color, paired with chinos or jeans. White sneakers, like Converse or similar styles, add a cool and contemporary touch.
For little lady: A cute and comfortable dress or a stylish top and skirt combo. Sneakers, sandals, or ballet flats are great footwear options.
For mini man: A polo shirt or a casual tee, paired with shorts, chinos, or jeans. Sneakers are the perfect choice to complete this cool and casual ensemble.
This “Classic & Cool” style is versatile and timeless, ensuring your christmas family photo outfits are both stylish and comfortable for everyone involved.
Shop the Look (Inspired Options):
Her:
Him:
Little Lady:
Mini Man:
Candid family moment during a Christmas photoshoot with everyone in coordinated classic casual attire, highlighting natural interactions and relaxed style.
Stylish family in casual Christmas outfits posing against a white wall, showcasing the versatility of the classic and cool look for indoor or outdoor photos.
Look 3: Dressy and City Chic
family holiday outfit ideas for a dressy look
This “Dressy and Dapper” look is perfect for the city-loving family. If you’re planning an indoor photoshoot, a studio session, or an outdoor shoot in an urban environment, this style will make a sophisticated statement. I’m a big fan of army green – it offers a subtle nod to Christmas while feeling modern and fresh when paired with grey.
For her: A chic turtleneck paired with high-waisted trousers creates a flattering and confident silhouette. Consider luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk blends. Statement earrings and heels elevate the look.
For him: A tailored blazer in grey or charcoal, worn over a button-down shirt or a turtleneck. Dress pants or dark wash jeans, and dress shoes or loafers complete this dapper ensemble.
For little lady: A stylish dress in a rich jewel tone or a sophisticated neutral, perhaps with details like sequins or ruffles. Dress shoes or boots and elegant accessories add to the dressy feel.
For mini man: A button-down shirt or a dressy sweater, paired with dress pants or chinos. A blazer or vest can add extra polish. Dress shoes or loafers are the perfect finishing touch.
This “Dressy and Dapper” style is all about sophistication and confidence, making it ideal for creating elegant and memorable christmas family photo outfits.
Shop the Look (Inspired Options):
Her:
Him:
Little Lady:
Mini Man:
Elegant family Christmas photo in dressy attire, posing indoors with sophisticated and coordinated outfits.
Look 4: Fancy & Festive Tradition
family holiday outfit ideas for a fancy and festive look
If you’re a traditionalist at heart, this “Fancy & Festive” look is perfect for your family Christmas photos. A white shirt paired with a high-waisted skirt is a timeless combination that always looks elegant and flattering. To keep it fresh and modern, I’ve incorporated grey accents instead of classic black, giving a contemporary twist to traditional holiday attire.
For her: A crisp white blouse paired with a high-waisted skirt in a festive color like burgundy, emerald green, or navy. Heels or dressy flats and delicate jewelry complete the polished look.
For him: A white dress shirt paired with charcoal grey pants or chinos. A blazer in charcoal or navy adds a touch of formality. Dress shoes or loafers are essential.
For little lady: A white blouse or dressy top paired with a skirt in a festive color or a classic plaid. Dress shoes or Mary Janes and hair accessories add to the festive charm.
For mini man: A white dress shirt paired with grey pants or chinos. A charcoal blazer or vest mirrors dad’s look and adds a touch of sophistication. Dress shoes or loafers are ideal.
This “Fancy & Festive” style is a beautiful way to embrace tradition while still looking modern and chic in your christmas family photo outfits.
Shop the Look (Inspired Options):
Her:
Him:
Little Lady:
Mini Man:
And for those who love the matching pajama look, you can find luxurious matching pajamas here (as seen in the photo above) and soft, cozy versions that are often on sale here.
My final piece of advice for your family Christmas cards is to prioritize your face in the photos! We often spend so much time focusing on getting the kids to cooperate and smile that we end up talking or looking away in many shots. Just relax, have fun, and definitely bring snacks – dry snacks are best to avoid any sticky messes! If you find inspiration from these christmas family photo outfits ideas, whether it’s a skirt, dress, color palette, or anything else, please send me your photos! I truly love seeing your family photoshoots come to life. We’re planning our own Christmas card photoshoot for the first week of November, and my goal is to get them sent out by the end of November – fingers crossed they won’t still be on my desk come New Year’s Eve!
