Family Christmas Photo Outfits: What to Wear
Family Christmas Photo Outfits: What to Wear for Santa, Tree Farm & Studio Minis
Your holiday session is officially on the calendar (cue the Christmas playlist and peppermint mochas 🎄). And now comes the question every mom asks (channel your inner Grinch here) “But what will I wear?!” Family Christmas photo outfits can feel like quite the feat, especially during the holidays when everyone’s schedule (and wardrobe) is a little extra.
The good news? You don’t have to overthink it. Whether you’re meeting Santa in the studio, wandering through rows of evergreens at the tree farm, or joining me for our cozy holiday minis, I’ve rounded up my best outfit tips and ShopMy links to make it simple and stress-free.
And if I helped style your session this year, you may even recognize a few familiar pieces linked below!
Table of Contents
Santa Sessions & Classic Christmas Magic
Tree Farm Sessions – Cozy, Casual & Candid
Studio Holiday Minis – Elevated & Timeless
Family Christmas Photo Outfits Made Simple
Santa Sessions & Classic Christmas Magic
Think traditional, timeless, and full of nostalgia. The kind of images you’ll still love decades from now.
Color Palette: rich reds, creams, forest greens, and soft neutrals always photograph beautifully. Plaid accents are perfect for kids.
Texture Tips: opt for cozy knits, corduroy, or velvet. Avoid overly sparkly fabrics that reflect light or bold logos that distract from the moment.
For the Kids:
- A classic plaid dress or neutral pinafore for girls
- Corduroy overalls, suspenders, or a sweater + chinos for boys
- Add bows, knee socks, or Mary Janes to finish the look
Family Example:
What I love about the family below are the accents of red! In her headband, his plaid button-down peeking out beneath a green sweater, and even in her shoes. Those small touches tie everything together without overpowering the scene. When it comes to wearing red for your Santa session, think accent, not competition. You want your outfit to complement Santa’s suit (not blend right in or compete for attention). Deep cranberry, burgundy, or muted reds photograph beautifully and pair perfectly with Santa’s classic bright red. Santa sessions are also a great opportunity to lean into the greens, golds, and neutrals of the season!
Want more Santa outfit inspiration? Check out these two favorites:
Tree Farm Sessions – Cozy, Casual & Candid
Tree farm photos have a certain magic to them. Leading towards cozy knits, a cool breeze, and that nostalgic scent of pine. These sessions are made for connection and laughter, so your outfits should feel comfortable and effortless.
Color Palette: earthy neutrals, forest greens, navy, and touches of cranberry or rust.
Style Notes:
- Layer! Think flannels, scarves, and sweaters.
- Coordinate, don’t match. Mix patterns and textures for visual interest.
- Avoid bright reds (they can cast color) and stick to muted tones for balance.
Family Example:
I just adore the colors in the images below. Each family chose a slightly different palette, yet everything blends seamlessly with the Christmas tree farm backdrop, letting your eye go straight to what matters most: the love and connection between them! That’s exactly what you want your outfits to do: complement the setting, not compete with it. When colors and textures work together, your photos have that subtle, effortless feel that draws you in without you even realizing why!
Add cozy accessories like hats or blankets to bring movement and warmth to your photos and to keep everyone comfortable if temps dip.
Studio Holiday Minis – Elevated & Timeless
If you prefer a clean, polished look with a hint of festive flair, the studio is your best friend. Studio lighting captures texture and tone beautifully, so these sessions are perfect for more refined holiday portraits.
Color Palette: Think classic reds or cozy neutrals — winter whites like ivory or champagne, deep evergreen, or muted metallics (a hint of shimmer is welcome!).
Style Notes:
- Choose elevated fabrics like linen, velvet, or satin.
- Keep prints simple or go solid for a modern, heirloom look.
- Add texture — tulle, lace, or ruffles photograph beautifully.
Family Example:
With this sweet family below, I love how they shopped from the same clothing line for their children. That small detail made all the reds and whites work together beautifully. Some whites photograph cooler with a hint of blue, while others lean warm and ivory. A simple styling hack? Buy within the same brand! It keeps tones consistent and makes your outfits look effortlessly coordinated, even if everyone’s wearing something different.
These sessions are where “less is more” really shines. Simple styling lets your family connection take center stage.
Family Christmas Photo Outfits Made Simple
No matter which session you have, the goal is simple: keep it classic, comfortable, and your family!
You don’t need to overthink it, just choose tones and textures that complement each other and reflect your family’s personality. And remember, I am happy to help with wardrobe guidance when you book with me!
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Hey there! I’m Haley Kinzie, your go-to Family and Newborn Photographer in Oklahoma City and Edmond. I’m all about serving families who want a relaxed yet fun experience while capturing their beautiful moments. Whether you’re celebrating your first pregnancy, soaking in those tender newborn snuggles, or cherishing the chaos of little ones, it fills my heart with joy to tell your family’s unique story through stunning images. My mission? To deliver a gallery you’ll treasure for years to come! Want to see more of my work? Check out my Instagram! Ready to learn more about me or inquire about a session? Let’s chat!
