A Cozy Guide to Color, Texture, and Layers

This weekend Edmond is covered in a blanket of snow and it has me thinking of the best outfits to wear for a winter session. There is something about winter studio sessions that feels a little magical. Maybe it’s the soft light, or maybe it’s the calm that comes when you step inside from the cold. Or maybe it is the way a neutral studio makes your family the main character in the story you will one day pass down.

Whatever it is, your wardrobe plays a big part in how your images feel! The right colors and textures can elevate your session without adding any extra work to your planning.

Let’s build outfits that feel warm, effortless, and winter ready!

Start With a Cozy Winter Palette

Think of your color palette as the foundation of your session. You want everything to feel connected, soft, and easy on the eyes.

Here are a few palettes that always photograph beautifully in the studio:

Neutrals that feel like a cup of warm chai: cream, ivory, oatmeal, soft gray
Muted tones with a quiet kind of charm: sage, dusty blue, soft mauve, muted cranberry
Deep tones that add richness: navy, wine, forest green

Neutrals keep things classic. Muted colors feel lived in and lovely. Deep tones add depth that gives the whole gallery a warm winter glow.

A little tip. When dressing the family, keep everyone in the same color family. You get cohesion without the matchy matchy look.

Let Texture Do the Talking

Texture is where winter styling really shines. In studio light, texture shows movement and soft shadows. It adds the kind of depth that makes your portraits feel cozy without screaming winter.

Think sweaters with character. Dresses that have a bit of movement. Fabrics that look soft even from across the room.

Textures that always work well:

• Chunky knits
• Velvet
• Linen
• Corduroy
• Tulle
• Lace
• Wool cardigans
• Quilted vests

Texture tells the story without overpowering the scene. It is the quiet detail in your photos that adds so much interest to your image!

Layers Add Warmth and Dimension

Layers are your best friend in winter studio portraits. They create dimension without adding bulk and help outfits look complete.

A few layering ideas:

• A long cardigan over a simple dress
• A linen button down under a soft sweater
• A quilted vest for older kids or dads
• Tights, knee socks, or textured headbands for little ones
• A lightweight neck scarf for moms who love a polished touch

Choose layers that move. Save the heavy jackets for the parking lot.

Keep Patterns Soft and Simple

Patterns are like spices in a recipe. A little is just right. Too much can take over the whole dish.

Small florals, narrow stripes, and quiet prints work well and when intentional, can be used all together.

Big plaids or bold graphics can compete with the connection in your images. If one person does wear a bolder pattern, let everyone else anchor it with solids or textured fabrics that tie back to your main color.

A Few Things to Avoid

There are a handful of styling choices that can distract from the feel of your images. None of these are bad in real life. They just pull attention in photos.

Try to avoid:

• Bright reds that reflect onto the skin
• Super bold tones
• Logos
• Deep blacks that can flatten in the studio
• Whites from different brands with competing undertones

If you are choosing whites or creams, shop within the same brand. Your final gallery will look cohesive without any sneaky undertone surprises!

Outfit Ideas for Everyone

For Moms

• A sweater dress in a soft neutral
• A velvet wrap dress
• Tailored pants with a textured blouse
• A linen midi dress with a cardigan

For Dads

• A henley with a quilted vest
• A simple sweater and chinos
• A button up with a knit pullover layered on top

For Little Girls

• Velvet dresses
• Tulle skirts with soft sweaters
• Knit jumpers
• Corduroy pinafores with tights

For Little Boys

• Knit sweaters with chinos
• Corduroy pants or overalls
• Henleys with a cardigan

A Few Final Prep Tips

• Lay everything out and snap a quick picture to see how tones work together.
• Steam outfits the night before, because wrinkles are not fun to edit.
• Pack a backup outfit for young children.
• Wear something you feel confident in. Confidence photographs better than any texture or color ever will.

Want Help Choosing Your Outfits?

Your winter studio session should feel relaxed and warm. When your wardrobe feels thoughtful and simple, your family naturally becomes the heart of the image. These are the photos that feel just as meaningful years from now as they do today.

If you want a second set of eyes on your outfits or help pulling everything together, I’m always happy to help. You can learn more about winter session availability here.

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!