What to Wear for Holiday Card Photos

Every year, it sneaks up on me — the holiday photo session. One minute we’re carving pumpkins, the next I’m trying to pull together outfits for the whole family before the photographer starts sending “Are we still good for Saturday?” texts.

And let’s be honest, finding the right outfits for a family photo is no small feat. You want everyone to look coordinated but not identical, festive but not like a Christmas card from 1992. I’ve tried it all,  from plaid overload to full neutrals. And I’ve finally learned the sweet spot: coordinated, timeless, and just a touch elevated.

Here’s how I approach it now.

The Goal: Timeless, Not Trendy

Holiday photos are the ones that stick around. They end up on the mantel, the fridge, the grandparents’ frames, and sometimes… the internet. So you want to love them years from now.

My biggest advice? Skip the gimmicks and trends. Matching pajamas and Santa hats are cute for a cozy Christmas morning photo, but for your main holiday card, aim for something classic. Think neutral tones, soft textures, and layers that photograph well.

If you can imagine your outfit still looking good in ten years, you’re on the right track.

How to Pick a Color Palette That Works

Start with where you’ll take your photos.

• Outdoors? Think earthy tones that blend with the landscape — cream, camel, forest green, or navy always work.
• Indoors or studio photos? Warm neutrals like oatmeal, ivory, or taupe photograph beautifully against bright walls or holiday décor.

I usually choose two main colors and one accent. Something like cream + sage with a hint of gold, or navy + burgundy with a touch of beige.

Here’s my little trick: lay everyone’s outfits out together before the shoot. If your eyes jump to one person’s bright red sweater right away, it’s too much. The goal is harmony,  not hierarchy.

And don’t underestimate texture! Cable-knit sweaters, velvet skirts, corduroy pants, or linen shirts make a photo feel alive without needing loud prints.

Outfit Ideas for Everyone

After a few years (and a few fashion fails), here’s what I’ve learned for each person in the photo:

For Mom:

I always go for something flowy or structured in a soft color. A long-sleeve midi dress in a neutral tone works every time. It looks effortless but photographs beautifully,  especially if there’s movement. Keep accessories minimal: gold hoops, maybe a simple bracelet. And do yourself a favor — test-sit in the outfit before the shoot. Comfort = confidence.

For Dad:

I tell my husband, “You don’t need to overthink it.” A solid button-down or sweater layered over a crisp tee, paired with chinos or dark jeans, looks great. Stay away from shirts with micro-patterns (they can look blurry in photos). Neutral colors like gray, navy, or camel always win.

For Kids:

The key is soft fabrics and layers. I’ve learned that if they’re itchy or uncomfortable, it will show on their faces. I love corduroy overalls, simple knit sweaters, or soft dresses with tights.

I sometimes add a subtle bow or beanie, or hair clip that matches one of our palette colors — just enough to tie the look together.

For Baby:

Keep it simple. A one-piece romper or soft knit set always looks sweet and timeless. Add a neutral blanket or soft toy as a prop instead of bold accessories.

Where I Love to Shop for Holiday Photo Outfits

Here’s where I’ve actually found stylish, comfortable, and well-coordinated pieces that photograph beautifully:

• Tea Collection: I love them for the kids, beautiful quality, and patterns that feel modern yet timeless. Their holiday line always nails it with colors that blend instead of clash.
• Janie & Jack / J.Crew Factory: My go-to for polished, put-together family looks. Think classic plaid dresses for girls, velvet blazers for boys, and elevated neutrals for parents.
• H&M / Zara Kids: Great for affordable, minimalist pieces that fit beautifully in a neutral color palette. Perfect for layering sweaters, cardigans, and simple dresses.
• Hanna Andersson / Posh Peanut: Cozy, high-quality knits and pajamas if you’re doing an at-home or fireplace-style photo session. They have beautiful matching sets that don’t feel forced.
• Amazon (Prime): My last-minute hero. If I realize someone’s missing shoes or I want a last-minute accessory, I can count on quick shipping. I usually search “neutral holiday family outfits” or “velvet dress midi” and filter by Prime for fast delivery.

Color & Pattern Combos That Always Work

If you’re stuck, here are a few foolproof color stories that photograph beautifully:

• Classic Winter Neutrals: Cream, tan, and forest green.
• Elegant Contrast: Navy, ivory, and gold.
• Soft & Romantic: Blush, champagne, and gray.
• Timeless Plaid: Burgundy, cream, and navy (a nod to tradition without overdoing it).

And one of my favorite tricks: mix textures instead of patterns. Pair a knit with satin, or denim with velvet. It adds depth without chaos.

Setting the Mood for Your Photos

The best photos aren’t always the most posed — they’re the ones that capture the in-between moments. The laugh between outfit fixes, the kids dancing in the leaves, the messy hug at the end.

If you’re taking your photos outdoors, schedule them for golden hour (that dreamy light just before sunset). For indoor shoots, open the blinds and embrace natural light.

Bring simple props that feel genuine: a blanket to sit on, a mug of cocoa, or even your family dog. And if your toddler refuses shoes at the last minute? Let it go. Barefoot photos are often my favorites.

Don’t drag along. You probably already know this. Little kids don’t last long, and they don’t post for photos. At least most of them. Let the photographer or grandma wave some toys or something that can grab their attention for a few seconds. That’s enough.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just need everybody to be together in the photo. 

Final Thoughts

Holiday card photos are about capturing connection, not perfection. It’s not about matching outfits or curated smiles.  It’s about the feeling you’ll remember.

So pick outfits that make everyone feel comfortable, confident, and like themselves. Let your style shine in subtle ways — a great texture, a cohesive palette, or that one accessory that pulls it all together.

And don’t forget to take extra photos when no one’s posing. Those unfiltered moments, your little one’s giggle, your spouse’s sideways glance, your family just being together, are the ones you’ll treasure most.

Because in the end, that’s the real holiday magic: your people, your love, and the laughter in between.