CHRISTMAS SESSION STYLING GUIDE

Dress for the Moments You'll Treasure Forever

Choosing outfits for family photos doesn't have to be stressful! The goal is to create a cohesive, timeless look that allows your family's love and connection to be the focus.

This guide is filled with simple tips to help you feel confident and camera-ready for your Christmas session.

START WITH A COLOR PALETTE

Choose 2–4 coordinating colors and build everyone's outfits around them.
Beautiful holiday colors include:
• Cream
• Ivory
• Warm White
• Beige
• Camel
• Taupe
• Chocolate Brown
• Forest Green
• Sage
• Burgundy
• Deep Red
• Soft Gray
• Black (in moderation)
These tones photograph beautifully and complement most Christmas setups.

COORDINATE, DON'T MATCH

Instead of dressing everyone in the exact same color, coordinate your outfits using complementary tones.
For example:
Mom — Cream knit dress
Dad — Forest green sweater with tan pants
Daughter — Burgundy velvet dress
Son — Cream sweater with brown pants
A coordinated wardrobe creates depth, balance, and a timeless look.

START WITH MOM


One of the easiest ways to style the whole family is to choose Mom's outfit first.

Then coordinate everyone else's clothing around those colors.

Flattering options include:

• Sweater dresses

• Midi dresses

• Knit dresses

• Long skirts with sweaters

• Neutral heels or ankle boots

Choose something you feel beautiful and comfortable wearing.




STYLING FOR DADS


Keep it simple and classic.

Great options include:

• Knit sweaters

• Quarter-zips

• Henleys

• Button-down shirts

• Chinos

• Dress pants

Avoid athletic wear, graphic tees, basketball shorts, or overly bright sneakers.




STYLING FOR GIRLS


Soft fabrics and timeless silhouettes photograph beautifully.

Ideas include:

• Velvet dresses

• Knit dresses

• Tulle skirts

• Cardigans

• Tights

• Hair bows

• Mary Jane shoes

• Neutral boots

STYLING FOR BOYS


Keep it classic and comfortable.

Try:

• Knit sweaters

• Button-down shirts

• Corduroy pants

• Chinos

• Suspenders

• Loafers

• Neutral boots

Family of four in red and green Christmas outfits posing with holiday wreaths on white wall backdrop.
Family of four in holiday attire poses under a Christmas wreath with joyful moments sign on white wall.

ADD TEXTURE

Texture brings warmth and depth to your photos.

Consider incorporating:

• Knit

• Velvet

• Wool

• Corduroy

• Linen

• Cashmere

Mixing textures adds visual interest without overwhelming your images.




DON'T FORGET THE SHOES

Shoes are often visible in your portraits.

Choose footwear that complements your outfits, such as:

• Dress shoes

• Neutral boots

• Ballet flats

• Mary Janes

• Loafers

Whenever possible, avoid athletic shoes, Crocs, flip-flops, or shoes with bright colors and large logos.




KEEP ACCESSORIES SIMPLE

Accessories should complement your outfit—not distract from it.

Consider:

• Delicate jewelry

• Hair bows

• Scarves

• Neutral hats

• Suspenders

A little goes a long way.




WHAT TO AVOID

For the most timeless images, avoid:

✗ Neon colors

✗ Large logos

✗ Graphic t-shirts

✗ Busy patterns

✗ Matching everyone in the exact same outfit

✗ Wrinkled clothing




BEFORE YOUR SESSION

✔ Arrive dressed and ready.

✔ Steam or iron your clothing beforehand.

✔ Remove phones, keys, and bulky wallets from pockets.

✔ Bring a lint roller if you're wearing dark clothing or bringing a pet.

✔ Pack snacks and water for little ones if needed.

✔ Most importantly—relax and enjoy your time together!




REMEMBER...

Your photos are about more than perfectly coordinated outfits.

They're about the laughter, hugs, tiny hands, genuine smiles, and the memories you create together.

Come ready to love on your family, and I'll take care of the rest.



I can't wait to capture your Christmas memories! 🎄🤍