Christmas Photo Outfit Ideas for the Whole Family

• Red and green. Does it get more iconic than this combo? (No, it doesn’t!) Keep things feeling sophisticated by sticking to darker shades of the two colors, such as deep wine red and forest green.
• Red and black. For a bit of drama — or for more formal photos — red and black is a fail-safe combination. Bonus points for incorporating the two colors in plush textures like velvet.
• Red and silver. This is another color palette that works great for more formal photos. Just be sure to keep silver as an accent color to keep things from looking space-agey.
• Red and white. As another classic palette, there are plenty of ways you can twist red and white to fit your aesthetic. Think crisp ruby red and bright white for a candy-cane effect, or go more muted with cranberry and cream for a softer look.
• Red and denim blue. Jeans are absolutely welcome in the family Christmas photo! When paired with a festive red, shades of denim are a casual way to capture your family’s holiday spirit.
• Maroon and khaki. Maroon and khaki work well with muted tones, but will bring a bit of cheer to an otherwise subdued palette. This color combination is especially beautiful for an outdoor family photoshoot with some fall foliage in the background.
• Red and gold. Pair red with gold accents for an elegant touch. Parents could wear red while children wear outfits with gold detailing, creating a harmonious blend.

• Green and black. Like with red and black, this dramatic palette works best for more formal family photos and when you can incorporate luxe velvet or wool pieces.
• Green and khaki. For an earthy, forest-inspired take on the colors of Christmas, pair deep green with shades of brown and khaki.
• Green and cream. Pairing deep forest green with mostly cream outfits is a great way to add some holiday-inspired richness to a neutral palette. Or, you can keep things soft and ethereal by opting for a trendy sage and cream color palette.
• Green and burgundy. Another twist on a classic holiday pairing — look for pieces in patterns like plaid that weave the two colors together for a more modern take.
• Monochrome greens. Layering different shades of green is a low-effort way to create a pulled-together look that still feels dynamic. Layer sage, olive, and forest in cozy fabrics like wool, knit, or fleece. Mixing textures is key — otherwise, the look can fall flat. Think: a chunky olive cardigan paired with a forest green beanie and soft sage corduroys.
• Green and navy. This one’s a preppy classic for a reason. Forest green and navy make a polished, wintry pair that looks great in any setting — city, country, or a snowy cabin. Try a navy blazer with a green knit underneath, or pair dark denim with a pine-colored sweater. It's effortlessly timeless and easy to pull from your everyday wardrobe.
• Green and warm metallics. Cool greens love a little warmth. Add antique gold or brass tones through jewelry, buttons, or belt buckles to elevate your look without overdoing it. Think: a forest green dress with gold drop earrings, or a hunter green flannel layered under a coat with brass hardware. It’s a subtle way to bring festive energy into the mix.

• Navy blue and yellow gold. Liven up deep, dark blue by incorporating accents of gold and rich yellow. This color palette is especially perfect if you plan to take your photos in the late fall, as it will help the vibrant colors of the foliage feel cohesive.
• Pale blue and cream. This soft, airy palette works beautifully for holiday photos you’ll want to display all year long. In colder regions, pale blue adds a wintry, snow-dusted feel—while in warmer or beachy locations, it brings a breezy, coastal vibe that still feels festive. As photographer Laura Michele puts it, “cream and gold with a little sparkle look festive without overdoing it. Pale blues and creams also look really lovely for holiday sessions.”
• Dusty blue and gray. For a casual, urban-inspired take on holiday photos, go for a palette of dusty blue (ideally in the form of lighter-wash denim jeans) and gray. To keep things interesting, look for gray pieces with textures like knit, suede, or velvet.
• Navy blue and warm brown. For an unexpected, but still classic, take on a holiday color palette, go for a combination of deep blue and warm, nutty browns. This palette should be easy for everyone to pull off using their existing wardrobe, and it works for just about any shoot location.
• Blue on blue. With so many shades of blue, why choose just one? If you plan to take your photos with a busier backdrop, direct your family to pair jeans with another shade of blue for an easy, cohesive look.
• Blue and silver. Pair blue with silver accessories or accents for an elegant and icy appearance. Consider metallic silver shoes, jewelry, or belts to complement the blue tones.

Color selection is vital for a harmonious photo! You can emphasize a single color (like red) to pop across outfits or opt for a diverse palette. If you go for a unified color, ensure it complements everyone; if you choose a color palette, make sure everyone in your family is able to commit to it.

You can also use color to spotlight certain family members. For example, if you want to show off a newborn, wrap them in a festive swaddle or dress them in a more vibrant shade than the rest of the family.

You can’t go wrong with neutral Christmas outfits on photoshoot day. Neutrals like cream, tan, black, and grey won’t clash with your photoshoot location and are easy for everyone to coordinate. Plus, they’ll keep the focus firmly on your family—and not on your clothes.

“Most clients want to enjoy their photos in their home—not just on holiday cards. It’s a good idea to choose colors you’ll love year-round.” — Laura Michele, Photographer

Striking the right color balance in your photo is crucial; an excess of colors can lead to visual clutter. “Stick to a scheme of three colors that also complements the location,” recommends photographer Annika Smith. “For example: denim, white, and tan—or green, tan, and blush. This way, no one is too matchy, but everyone goes together.”

Gingham is a safe choice, especially when featured in charming holiday dresses for young girls. If you're leaning towards a neutral black and white (or black and cream) palette, gingham adds a touch of interest to prevent things from feeling overly plain.

Is there anything more timeless than plaid for Christmas? It's one of those rare patterns that allow for mixing and broader use. Consider subtle, small-scale plaid or houndstooth blazers for men, matched with larger checks for women. Just ensure you maintain a restrained color palette to pull off this look!

Paisley might be an unconventional pick for Christmas photos, yet it's a timeless choice. Opt for a formal touch by integrating paisley in the ties or pocket squares of those wearing suits. Additionally, paisley adds a charming touch to brocade or velvet dresses for women.

For polka dots, a subtle approach works best. Consider delicate details like polka dot-adorned black tights, headbands with small dots for babies, or dresses featuring tone-on-tone dot patterns.

Stripes don’t have to scream sailor or candy cane. Opt for tone-on-tone ribbed tops, pinstripe trousers, or sweaters with barely-there stripe textures. It keeps things clean and modern, while adding just enough interest to catch the eye in photos—especially when working with a mostly solid color palette.

Yes, florals can work for Christmas—just think moody, not springy. Look for prints with dark backgrounds like navy or black, accented with wintery touches (tiny red berries, cream blooms, soft green leaves). These patterns add a romantic vibe and pair beautifully with deep, wintry hues.

To successfully incorporate patterns into your holiday photo wardrobe, follow these dos and don’ts.

• Do: Look for patterns that subtly incorporate accent colors within your broader color palette.
• Don’t: Put everyone in clothing that features the exact same pattern. (Unless you’re only dressing children or are opting for a photo in matching Christmas PJs!)
• Do: Let men wear patterns! It can be tempting to reserve patterns for female family members, but don’t forget to highlight the boys in your life by putting them in patterns like plaid or herringbone.
• Don’t: Incorporate too many patterns in your wardrobe. If you’re new to patterns, stick to just one — for the advanced pattern mixers, we suggest sticking to two to keep things from becoming visually cluttered.

Additional considerations for planning your indoor photoshoot outfits:

• Don’t forget the shoes! Even if your family usually kicks off their shoes the second they come into the house, it’s a nice idea to skip the bare feet for your holiday photo. If you’re going the PJ route, opt for cute matching slippers or fuzzy socks. For any other outfit, think about what shoes will look natural with what you’re wearing.
• Keep cozy accessories to a minimum. Bundling up in beanies and scarves is an iconic look for outdoor Christmas photos, but it can look a bit forced when indoors.

The card’s design will have an impact on what photos you can use and the outfits you can wear. A quick look through Christmas card designs can help give you an idea for your attire.

If you’re more drawn to ornate designs, you may want to choose simpler family photo outfits to balance the whole look of the card (and vice versa). Know that you want gold foil on your card? Incorporate some gold jewelry into your Christmas clothes to tie the photo and design together.

Planning ahead will give you more design options to choose from at the end. The little details will make all the difference.

Of all our family Christmas photo outfit ideas, this is the easiest to execute because you don’t need to worry about finding pieces in the same exact shade for everyone to wear. That said, black and white photos don’t mean you can ignore your wardrobe altogether. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Fair-skinned complexions are best contrasted with darker clothing, while darker complexions are brought out by wearing lighter colors.
• To avoid glowing like a ghost in a picture, refrain from stark contrasts of dark and light. This means saying no to black tops with pure white pants unless you don’t mind your legs looking like toothpaste.
• To really pull off this Christmas photoshoot idea, you will want the color of your outfits to have some tonality. Tones are crucial to creating depth in black and white photos. If everyone wears the same shade of black in a dark environment, the post-editing process to add depth will take much longer to fix.

Though outfits often do the heavy lifting when it comes to creating a cohesive look for your family holiday photo, they aren’t the only way to get a coordinated look. Here are a few easy ways to help your family look more put-together in your Christmas photo.

• Take candid shots. No matter what your Christmas outfits look like, natural interactions often look better in snapshots than stiff, formal poses.
• Wear flannel. The best family Christmas photo outfit ideas are often the simplest. Your entire crew in jeans and flannel shirts will look quaint and cozy, indoors or out.
• Gather ‘round the fire. Christmas mantel decorations are often the first to go up and the most elaborate. Whether you’re in matching outfits or not, your family will look more festive with this as a backdrop. Displaying photos of Christmases past on the mantel can add a fun sense of the passage of time to your cards.
• Find a new perspective. One of our fave tips for taking great family photos is to try out different angles and points of view. An overhead shot of the kids playing on the floor could be whimsical. A shot of the family on a staircase taken from below makes for a fun sense of elevation.
• Keep it fun! Posing for photos can quickly turn into a battle of the wills, especially with small children. Getting everyone to participate in an activity can alleviate the tension and yield some excellent action shots. A snowball fight, game of charades, or dance party could add movement and joy to any Christmas picture outfit ideas you have. No matter what you wear for Christmas photos, the smiles they elicit are the best gift for everyone.

Some of the best shots happen mid-twirl, mid-laugh, or mid-snowball toss. Flowy skirts, a walking shot with linked hands, or tossing leaves into the air can turn a posed photo into something candid and joy-filled.

“Everyone feels a little camera shy at first, so I like to start with movement—walking together, smiling at each other. It helps everyone relax and feel more natural in front of the camera.” — Laura Michele, Photographer

Whether you’re shooting in front of a fireplace, a Christmas tree, or a snowy outdoor scene, make sure your outfits don’t blend into the background. Contrast is your friend—choose colors that pop and complement the setting.

A little beauty prep can go a long way in helping your photos look polished without feeling overdone. Start with a matte or semi-matte finish on skin to help minimize shine, especially if you’ll be under bright lights or shooting outdoors in direct sun. Think natural, soft glam—enhancing features rather than covering them up. Add definition with a bit of bronzer or blush, and don’t forget brows and lashes for that extra pop in photos.

Sometimes life and the holidays can throw a million things at you, and your family Christmas photo outfit ideas are the last thing on your mind. No need to worry, though. Here are some quick and easy Christmas photoshoot ideas:

• Get double the use out of photos from past events. Since you are more likely to dress up for events, special occasion photos from your wedding, maternity shoots, or children’s birthdays are great resources for finding well-dressed pictures of your family together. Upcycle those moments into 2025 Christmas cards!
• When in doubt, use your feet to bail you out. Even plans for matching outfits can end up as a mess — zippers come undone, hats cover faces, and children refuse to wear what you bought them. Skip over those potential hazards and speed up your photo taking with a snap of your family’s shoes or feet. It’s easily accessible, and it’ll undoubtedly stand out from a sea of faces. Add your pet in a cute Christmas outfit at the center of your feet for some additional fun.
• Jump on the benefits of technology. Do you have the perfect spring or summer family photo, but want it to feel more like winter? Although a bit unconventional, Photoshop is great for changing the colors of existing outfits — quickly bringing in the holiday spirit.

This newfound knowledge is a great opportunity to turn what may seem like a chore into a creative brainstorming session. Providing your family with the power to choose what to wear in your Christmas photos will make them feel like their opinion matters. You can either work with individuals to pick out their Christmas outfits or establish a color palette for them ahead of time and set them loose. If someone isn’t quite ready to determine their own creative direction, put together two Christmas outfit choices and let your partner or children have the final say.

Ultimately, the most important thing when choosing your family picture outfits this Christmas is that they honestly reflect who you are. Aim to first capture the pure joy and essence of your family. If that’s your priority, your family’s genuine smiles will make your outfits match perfectly.

Ideally, give yourself at least 2–3 weeks to plan, shop, and try everything on. That gives time for any last-minute swaps, shipping delays, or unexpected toddler opinions. If you're coordinating a big group, send out a color palette or sample photos early to avoid outfit overlap or clashing looks.

Start with a shared color palette—like neutrals with pops of red, or earth tones with forest green. Assign a “base” outfit to each person (e.g., jeans and a sweater), then build around that with varied textures, accessories, or accent colors. If all else fails, matching socks or scarves are a great unifier.

Not at all! In fact, it's often better if you don't. Coordinated doesn’t mean carbon copy. Choose colors that complement each other and stick to a vibe—like cozy cabin, winter glam, or casual chic. The goal is harmony, not uniformity.

Shiny fabrics, distracting logos, and overly bulky layers are best left out of the frame. You’ll also want to steer clear of super-trendy pieces that might feel outdated next year. Keep it classic, cozy, and camera-friendly.

Keep it simple and stress-free—bowties, wreath collars, or soft headbands are often all you need. Make sure your pet is comfortable, has a treat or toy nearby, and gets a few test shots before the full shoot starts.

Deep, warm hues like burgundy, mustard, rust, or navy pop beautifully against natural backdrops. In snowy scenes, jewel tones and warm neutrals offer great contrast. Avoid white or green if you’re worried about blending in too much.

It happens! But it’s good to remember that holidays are all about sharing joy. Give each person a little creative freedom within the chosen color palette, or let them add a personal accessory. A happy, relaxed family will always look better in photos than one dressed to perfection but visibly annoyed.