Planning outfits for Christmas family mini sessions can be so much fun, and it’s a great way to capture those timeless family memories! For 2024, holiday trends are leaning towards a mix of classic and modern vibes, with rich textures, layered patterns, and warm, cozy color schemes. Here are some tips and ideas to help you coordinate:
1. Choose a Color Palette
- Classic Red and Green: Traditional but timeless, red and green with neutrals like cream or beige give a nostalgic Christmas feel. Add pops of gold or silver for an elevated look.
- Modern Neutrals: If you want something more understated, consider tones like ivory, tan, and camel with muted greens. Dusty blue or blush pink accents can add softness.
- Jewel Tones: Rich colors like deep emerald, ruby red, or sapphire blue add a vibrant, luxurious feel to holiday photos.
- Warm Earth Tones: This color palette includes rust, burgundy, mustard, and forest green for a cozy, nature-inspired look.
2. Plan Outfits for Each Person
Avoid “matching” everyone in the same outfit. Instead, have each person in complementary colors within the chosen palette:
- Parents: Moms might wear a textured dress (like knit, velvet, or lace) paired with knee-high boots and cozy accessories. Dads can go for fitted sweaters, plaid shirts, or henleys in coordinating colors, layered with jackets or cardigans.
- Kids: For children, use coordinating outfits with cute details like suspenders, cardigans, or holiday-inspired patterns. For older kids, simple but coordinated clothing (like a nice button-up shirt or a dress) keeps things looking cohesive but not overly “matchy.”
3. Incorporate Different Textures
- Velvet, knit sweaters, faux fur, corduroy, or even leather add depth and make photos more visually interesting.
- Mixing textures—like a wool sweater with a velvet dress—creates a cozy holiday aesthetic.
4. Add Small Patterns and Layers
- Patterns: Opt for small, classic patterns, like plaid, herringbone, or Fair Isle sweaters, to give a festive feel without overpowering the image.
- Layers: Layering adds dimension! Think scarves, hats, vests, or shawls. A plaid scarf over a solid sweater is an easy way to create visual interest and stay warm.
5. Accessories and Footwear
- Hats and Scarves: Soft beanies, scarves, or headbands for kids can add a cozy vibe.
- Shoes: Boots (ankle, knee-high, or Chelsea) work great and look cohesive in holiday pictures. Avoid sneakers unless they’re simple and neutral.
6. Consider the Backdrop
If your mini session backdrop has holiday decorations or a specific color scheme, coordinate with (but don’t exactly match) those colors. For example:
- Rustic Christmas backdrop: Plaid patterns, earthy tones, and vintage textures work well.
- Minimalist holiday setting: Lean into neutrals with a pop of red or green.
- Snowy setting: Darker colors or vibrant jewel tones stand out beautifully against white.
7. Stay Comfortable and Keep Weather in Mind
If the shoot will be outdoors, make sure everyone is dressed warmly enough! In cold climates, layering with stylish coats and gloves can be both practical and fashionable.
Sample Outfit Ideas
- Mom: Deep red velvet dress, cream cardigan, and knee-high boots. Dad: Dark green sweater, beige chinos, and leather boots. Son: Plaid button-down shirt, tan pants, and a cozy beanie. Daughter: Cream knit dress with a maroon cardigan and tights.
- Mom: Camel knit sweater, black jeans, and ankle boots. Dad: Light gray cardigan, white shirt, dark jeans, and boots. Son: Red plaid shirt, dark jeans, and sneakers. Daughter: Forest green dress with white tights and ballet flats.
With these tips, your outfits will coordinate beautifully without feeling overly uniform, letting everyone’s personalities shine while still capturing that festive holiday spirit.