What Should Dad Wear for Family Holiday Photos?
Dad doesn't need an elaborate outfit to look great in family holiday photos. A well-fitted turtleneck, sport coat, dark trousers, and polished dress shoes create a timeless look that complements the rest of the family's wardrobe without drawing attention away from the moments that matter most. Coordinating colors and classic styles help create elegant portraits your family will love for years to come.
When planning holiday family portraits, most of the attention goes to Mom's dress and the kids' outfits. Then Dad opens the closet and asks, "What am I supposed to wear?"
The good news is that Dad doesn't need an expensive new wardrobe. A few simple choices can make a huge difference in creating polished, timeless family portraits.
At my Glendale studio, I encourage families to coordinate rather than match exactly. The goal is to create a look that feels natural, comfortable, and elegant without anyone standing out for the wrong reasons. When you have your wardrobe all sorted out, book your Glendale area Holiday Photos
Start with the Family Color Palette
Before choosing Dad's outfit, decide on your family's overall color palette.
Some beautiful holiday combinations include:
Maroon, cream, and pine green
Steel blue, dusty blue, and cream
Camel, ivory, and olive
Navy, gray, and burgundy
Chocolate brown, oatmeal, and forest green
Once your colors are selected, Dad's clothing becomes much easier to choose.
Choose Solid Colors Over Busy Patterns
Solid colors photograph beautifully because they keep the focus on your family's faces.
Great choices include:
Cream
Camel
Navy
Charcoal
Forest green
Burgundy
Soft gray
Chocolate brown
Avoid:
Large logos
Graphic T-shirts
Bright neon colors
Loud plaid
Busy stripes
Small texture is wonderful.
Think:
Knit sweaters
Wool
Cashmere
Corduroy
Brushed cotton
These fabrics add depth without becoming distracting.
Sweaters Always Photograph Beautifully
A fitted sweater is one of the easiest ways to elevate holiday portraits.
Excellent choices include:
Crew neck sweaters
Quarter-zip sweaters
Fine knit pullovers
Merino wool
Cashmere
Turtlenecks
Neutral colors work especially well against holiday backgrounds.
Don't Be Afraid of Layers
Layers create visual interest and give portraits a polished appearance.
Ideas include:
Sport coat over a sweater
Button-down shirt with a vest
Sweater over a collared shirt
Wool coat for outdoor portraits
Lightweight blazer
Layers also allow for quick outfit changes without bringing an entirely new wardrobe.
Should Dad Wear a Suit?
Not necessarily.
Unless your family is dressing formally, a business suit can feel too stiff.
Instead, consider:
Sport coat
Dress trousers
Dark jeans
Fine sweater
Chelsea boots
This combination looks sophisticated while still feeling relaxed.
Pants Matter More Than You Think
Choose:
Dark denim without distressing
Khakis
Wool trousers
Chinos
Avoid:
Cargo pants
Athletic pants
Torn jeans
Baggy styles
Well-fitting pants instantly make portraits look more polished.
Shoes Complete the Outfit
Shoes are often visible in family portraits, especially sitting poses.
Great options include:
Brown leather boots
Chelsea boots
Loafers
Dress shoes
Clean leather sneakers (for casual sessions)
Avoid worn athletic shoes whenever possible.
Coordinate—Don't Match
One of the biggest misconceptions about family portraits is that everyone should wear identical colors.
Instead of everyone wearing white shirts and jeans, choose complementary colors.
For example:
Mom: Cream dress
Dad: Camel sweater with dark trousers
Son: Pine green sweater
Daughter: Burgundy dress
Each family member has their own style while still looking beautifully coordinated.
Dress for Comfort
If Dad is uncomfortable, it often shows in the photographs.
Choose clothing that:
Fits well
Allows easy movement
Doesn't require constant adjusting
Feels natural to wear
The goal is to look polished while still feeling like yourself.
Accessories That Photograph Well
Simple accessories can complete the look.
Ideas include:
Leather watch
Wedding band
Brown leather belt
Neutral scarf
Wool coat
Avoid oversized smartwatches if possible, as they can quickly date a portrait.
Common Mistakes Dads Make
Avoid these common wardrobe mistakes:
Wearing athletic shoes
Clothing that's too large
Bright white shirts that dominate the image
Large logos
Wrinkled clothing
Matching everyone exactly
Forgetting to coordinate with the family's color palette
Small adjustments make a surprisingly big difference.
Remember the Goal
Years from now, your family won't remember what brand of sweater Dad wore.
They'll remember how everyone looked together.
Choosing timeless clothing helps your portraits feel just as beautiful decades from now as they do today.
Beautiful family portraits aren't just about clothing. The best images happen when everyone feels relaxed and enjoys the experience together. Here are my favorite techniques for getting natural smiles in family holiday photos, even with toddlers and camera-shy family members.
If Dad—or anyone else in the family—isn't excited about holiday portraits, you're not alone. Many families worry they'll have to drag reluctant spouses or children to the session. The good news is that it doesn't have to feel forced. Read my article on what to do if your family doesn't want holiday photos for practical ideas that help everyone enjoy the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Dad wear jeans?
Yes, as long as they're dark, clean, and free of distressing.
Are boots better than sneakers?
Usually. Leather boots or dress shoes create a more polished look.
Can Dad wear black?
Yes, but softer colors like charcoal, camel, navy, and cream often photograph more naturally with holiday décor.
Should Dad match Mom?
Coordinate rather than match exactly. Similar tones and complementary colors create a more timeless portrait.
Continue Planning Your Holiday Portraits
Indoor vs. Outdoor Holiday Family Photos: Which Is Right for Your Family?
Planning Santa photos instead? Read my Complete Guide to Santa Photos in Los Angeles to learn when to book, what to wear, and how to choose the right Santa experience for your family.
