What to Wear for Christmas Mini Sessions: Style Your Family for a Classic Holiday Portrait

Photo session coming up and no clue what to put on your family? Stuck in a clothing crisis? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Your family photos should capture beautiful moments that will be cherished for generations, so let’s make sure your outfits are just as timeless as the memories themselves. Here’s how to style your family for a Christmas mini session that will give you gorgeous, coordinated portraits without the stress!

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The Importance of Timeless Clothing Choices

Family photos are meant to last—these aren’t just snapshots for the moment, they’re images that will likely hang on your walls and could even be passed down to your children and grandchildren. With that in mind, it’s important to choose outfits that complement each other and give the portraits a timeless feel.

Choosing simple, classic clothes will help create images that never go out of style. You’ll want your family to look their best, and the good news is you don’t need to overthink it. I’m here to guide you through the process!

Choose a Color Palette for Effortless Coordination

One of the easiest ways to create a beautiful, cohesive look is by choosing a color palette. This keeps the attention on your family’s faces and personalities, rather than the clothes. Coordination is key—but that doesn’t mean matching outfits for everyone! Instead, aim for a color scheme of 3-4 colors that go well together. Each family member can make it their own by mixing textures, patterns, or accessories.

Here are a few color combinations that work beautifully for Classic Holiday mini sessions:

• Black + grey + a bright holiday color (like gold, red, or emerald)

• Denim/navy + tan/beige + red accents

• Navy/grey + crimson/dark red

When you coordinate, each person stands out as an individual while still contributing to the overall harmony of the photo.

What Not to Wear for Classic Holiday Mini Session

There are a few things to avoid to ensure your images feel timeless and uncluttered:

• Large or very small patterns: Bold patterns can be distracting and overpower the photo, while small patterns don’t always photograph well.

• Texts and graphics: T-shirts with logos or sayings tend to draw attention away from your family and date your photos quickly.

• Too much matching: Identical outfits (like everyone in jeans and matching sweaters) can feel too uniform and stiff. Keep it coordinated but let everyone show their unique style!

Keep Studio Decoration in Mind

In my studio, I’ve created two distinct setups that allow your family’s style to really shine.

One setup features white walls, a white sofa, and a large pine wreath in the background. I keep the decoration minimal to ensure the images are timeless and classic. This neutral, elegant setting works beautifully with coordinated family outfits, especially if you choose a color palette that pops against the white.

The second setup is dark and dramatic, with a deep grey background. Here, bright colors really pop, creating vibrant, lively portraits. I recommend avoiding white or very light colors (like off-white or beige) for this setup, as they tend to blend into the background. Instead, dark clothing on dark backgrounds creates a moody, sophisticated, and painterly feel—perfect for those who want an elegant, timeless look.

Whether you go for cozy, bright outfits or rich, moody tones, both setups are designed to make your family the focal point of these lasting memories.

Consider Clothing Shapes

When choosing outfits, the shape of your clothing is just as important as the color. If you’re plus-size, it’s tempting to cover up with long, baggy clothes, but while they might feel comfortable or look good on the street, they often don’t translate well in photos. Loose-fitting clothes can add extra weight on camera. Instead, opt for pieces with a defined waistline or fitted tops because these create a more flattering silhouette and, combined with the right posing, I can help slim you down for a polished look.

Also, consider longer sleeves (elbow-length or longer), which often photograph better. They reduce the amount of skin showing, keeping the focus on your face and preventing distractions. The goal is to feel comfortable and confident while ensuring your best features are highlighted in the final images!

Final Touches: Hair, Makeup, and Accessories

Don’t forget about the little details! Hair, makeup, and nails play a big part in how polished your family looks. For the adults, consider getting your hair and makeup professionally done. It not only enhances your features but also boosts your confidence for the session.

If you usually skip makeup, even a light tinted moisturizer and a couple of coats of mascara can make a world of difference in evening out your skin tone and brightening your eyes. Fresh, neat hairstyles for everyone, including the kids, are essential. If anyone needs a haircut, plan it for about a week before the shoot.

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Pro Tips for Family Coordination

• Start with the kids’ outfits: Often, it’s easier to pull colors from your children’s clothes and build from there. You can layer other family members’ outfits with similar tones or accents.

• Mix patterns and solids: While too much pattern can be distracting, a nice balance of solids and subtle patterns (like plaid) adds visual interest.

• Pop of color: Use a pop of color in small doses, like on scarves, hats, or accessories. This adds energy to the images without overwhelming them.

• Separate siblings with different colors: Putting siblings in different colors helps separate them visually and adds fun dynamics to the images.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s a Quick Guide!

If all these details feel like too much, just follow these simple steps:

1. Pick 1-2 base colors: Start with something neutral like denim or black, especially for winter sessions. These colors can serve as the foundation for everyone’s outfits.

2. Add 1-2 accent colors: Choose a bright color and a secondary neutral to add depth and interest—like black, grey, white, and red or denim, brown, and emerald.

3. Balance the color palette: Not everyone has to wear every color. Use pops of color in small doses across the family.

Still Need Help? I’ve Got You!

If you’re still unsure or feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. I’m here to help make your family’s Christmas mini session as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, from wardrobe to final photos!

I hope this guide has made you feel more confident in choosing the perfect outfits for your session. Let’s create beautiful memories together that will last for generations.