How to Coordinate Family Outfits for Holiday Photos in 5 Easy Steps
Start with a simple color palette, then build each family member's outfit around those colors instead of trying to match everyone exactly. This creates a coordinated, timeless look that keeps the focus on your family rather than the clothing.
One of the questions I hear most from families is:
"What should everyone wear?"
Finding one outfit is easy.
Finding outfits for five people that all look beautiful together feels much harder.
The good news is that coordinating outfits isn't about buying matching sweaters anymore. The best family portraits use complementary colors, different textures, and a little planning.
Here's the exact process I recommend to every family before their holiday portrait session. Doing this, you will know exactly what to wear for family holiday photos.
This family chose a warm, neutral color palette with soft creams, charcoal, and gray, allowing each person to wear something unique while still creating a beautifully coordinated look. Notice how subtle textures, simple patterns, and complementary tones add depth without distracting from the family's connection. Thoughtful wardrobe planning like this helps create timeless family holiday portraits that will look just as beautiful years from now.
Step 1: Choose a Color Palette (Not Individual Outfits)
Most people start shopping for Mom's outfit first.
Instead, start with your colors.
Choose 3–5 colors that work well together.
For traditional Christmas portraits, beautiful palettes include:
Burgundy
Forest Green
Cream
Khaki
or
Deep Navy
Camel
Ivory
Evergreen
or
Dusty Rose
Cream
Olive
Brown
These colors give everyone flexibility while still looking coordinated.
Where can you find color palettes?
You don't have to invent one yourself.
Great places include:
Pinterest (search "Christmas color palette")
Canva Color Palette Generator
Coolors.co
Adobe Color
Interior design inspiration
Clothing websites with styled collections
Save one palette and use it as your shopping guide.
Step 2: Dress Mom First
Mom usually becomes the visual anchor of the portrait.
Find something you genuinely love wearing.
Choose clothing that:
fits well
flatters your shape
makes you feel confident
complements your chosen colors
Flowy dresses, fitted midi dresses, elegant sweaters with skirts, and tailored jumpsuits all photograph beautifully.
Avoid tiny patterns, neon colors, and busy graphics.
Once Mom's outfit is chosen, everything else becomes much easier.
Step 3: Build Everyone Else Around Mom
Now choose outfits that coordinate—not match.
Think of each family member as using different amounts of the same colors.
Example:
Mom
Burgundy dress
Dad
Khaki pants
Cream sweater
Burgundy tie
10-year-old daughter
Pine green dress
Burgundy bow
6-year-old son
Cream sweater
Khaki pants
3-year-old son
Burgundy sweater
Khaki pants
Notice that no two people wear exactly the same thing.
The colors repeat naturally throughout the family.
That creates balance without looking overly coordinated.
Step 4: Add Texture Instead of More Color
Texture photographs just as beautifully as color.
Consider mixing:
cable-knit sweaters
velvet dresses
linen
wool
suede
corduroy
chunky knits
lace
leather boots
Texture creates depth and keeps portraits looking rich and timeless.
Avoid shiny athletic fabrics whenever possible.
Step 5: Finish the Look with Accessories
Accessories often make the biggest difference.
Think beyond clothing.
Consider adding:
For Mom
earrings
layered necklaces
elegant scarf
fitted belt
heeled boots
For Girls
velvet bows
floral headbands
tights
cardigans
Mary Jane shoes
For Boys
suspenders
bow tie
knit vest
leather boots
newsboy cap
For Dad
watch
leather belt
textured tie
sport coat
boots
Accessories should complement the outfit without becoming the focus.
Shoes Matter More Than Most People Realize
Many families spend weeks choosing clothing...
...and then everyone arrives wearing sneakers.
Shoes appear in far more portraits than most people expect.
Choose footwear that fits your style while matching the overall color palette.
Beautiful choices include:
leather boots
loafers
ballet flats
dress shoes
ankle boots
Avoid:
running shoes
flip flops
brightly colored athletic shoes
worn-out footwear
Don't Forget Hair
Hair is part of the overall styling.
A fresh haircut one to two weeks before your session often photographs better than getting one the day before.
For girls, simple styles photograph beautifully:
soft curls
loose waves
braids
half-up styles
velvet bows
seasonal headbands
Lay Everything Out Before Session Day
One of my favorite tricks is creating a flat lay.
Lay every outfit on a bed or floor.
Include:
shirts
pants
dresses
shoes
accessories
jackets
hair bows
jewelry
If one color feels too dominant, you'll notice immediately.
This simple step helps prevent surprises on session day.
A Few Things to Avoid
Try to avoid:
everyone wearing exactly the same color
large logos
cartoon characters
neon colors
tiny busy patterns
wrinkled clothing
athletic shoes
clothing that doesn't fit properly
Classic styles almost always produce timeless portraits you'll still love years from now.
Professional Styling Doesn't Have to Be Stressful
Choosing family outfits doesn't have to feel overwhelming.
Start with a beautiful color palette.
Build one outfit at a time.
Repeat colors throughout the family.
Add texture.
Finish with thoughtful accessories.
When everything works together, your family's personalities become the focus—not the clothing. At this point, getting natural smiles in photos becomes second nature.
At my Glendale photography studio, I'm happy to help families coordinate outfits before their holiday portrait session. During your planning consultation, we can review clothing ideas, discuss color palettes, and make sure everyone feels confident before picture day.
