Christmas photo of grandma and grandchild with Kate White Christmas Kitchen Backdrop for Photography

21 Outfit Tips for Your 2023 Family Christmas Photoshoot

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and that means you'll soon be scrambling to get your family Christmas photoshoot on the calendar. This is one of those times when you'll want to pull out all the stops for your family photo or family Christmas card, but with so much to consider — from color palettes to patterns — it can be hard to know where to begin.

You only get a handful of holiday photos with your family members each year, so it's important that you make the most of it. And as you're planning your best Christmas family pictures, consider using some of these tips to get a look that's perfect for you:

Tip 01:  Put on Santa suits and hats

photo of little girl wearing Christmas hats with Kate Christmas Backdrop Brick Wall Door & Xmas Trees Designed By JS Photography

Kate Christmas Backdrop Brick Wall Door & Xmas Trees Designed By JS Photography

If you're going with a Santa suit, make sure that it fits well. It's better to have it tailored than buy one off the rack. Complete the Christmas photoshoot outfits with a matching hat. Also, don't forget to have the beard trimmed, so it looks more natural when you take family photos with your kids.

Tip 02: Christmas sweater

boys' Christmas photo with Kate Christmas Pine Tree Farm Path Backdrop for Photography

Kate Christmas Pine Tree Farm Path Backdrop for Photography

Choose sweaters that tend to fit loosely but also have long sleeves, which can be perfect for keeping warm on chilly days. If you're going with this outfit tip, make sure that you find a cozy pair of pants or jeans to complete the look!

Tip 03: Get comfortable with a pajama outfit

photo of boys wearing pajamas with Kate Hot Cocoa Backdrop Christmas Gingerbread Vintage Wood for Photography

Kate Hot Cocoa Backdrop Christmas Gingerbread Vintage Wood for Photography

One of the most important things to consider when picking a pajama outfit for Christmas portraits is the colors you want to use. If you're going for a more festive feel, choose Christmas pajamas or jammies with symbolic colors like red, green, and yellow. If you're going for a more subtle look, try neutrals like black, brown, and white.

Tip 04: Opt for a chic winter look

boy and girl Christmas photo with Kate Christmas Tree Wreath Backdrop Snow Winter Designed by Emetselch

Kate Christmas Tree Wreath Backdrop Snow Winter Designed by Emetselch

A good starting point might be a down jacket, a furry hat, warm boots, and some heavy leggings or jeans. You might also want to add a scarf or a belt to complete this Christmas photoshoot idea. Keep in mind that you will need to adjust your outfit depending on the temperature — if it is cold outside, you might need to remove some of your layers for the best photos.

Tip 05:  Dress up as your favorite movie characters

girl's Ailsa-look Christmas photo with Kate Winter Ice Frozen Snow Castle/Christmas Backdrop Designed By Jerry_Sina

Kate Winter Ice Frozen Snow Castle/Christmas Backdrop Designed By Jerry_Sina

Start by thinking about the character's wardrobe. What are they usually wearing? What colors are popular with that character? What patterns?

Then try to find an outfit that closely matches the character's personality and style.  For example, if the character is always up for a good time, try something festive and lively. If the character is shy and scared, go for something more subtle and comfortable.

Tip 06: Be silly with “Elf on the Shelf” onesies

girl's Christmas photo with Kate Christmas Trees Window Backdrop Designed by Chain Photography

Kate Christmas Trees Window Backdrop Designed by Chain Photography

Begin by cutting out a square of fake fur that will fit inside the onesie exactly. Make sure that the fur is big enough so that it covers your entire body, but not so big that it looks bulky or tacky. Then stick the fake fur onto the front of the onesie using adhesive letter ornaments.

Make sure that the letters or ornament are big enough to be seen from a distance but not too big that they take away from the Elf on the Shelf look.

Tip 07: Wear festive floral prints

boys' Christmas photo with Kate Christmas Backdrop Indoor Cupboard for Photography

Kate Christmas Backdrop Indoor Cupboard for Photography

Choose a print that you love and pair it with something neutral like black or gray. You can also choose to wear accents like sparkly earrings or a Christmas hat to really bring the print to life.

Tip 08: Choose a classic black and white ensemble

photo of a girl holding a fluffy bear with Kate Christmas Retro Background for Photography Designed by Chain Photography

Kate Christmas Retro Background for Photography Designed by Chain Photography

Make sure the color palette is balanced and complementary, so you can create a variety of different looks with just one dress. If you want to add some extra punch to your outfit, consider wearing a simple hat. This will add a touch of glamour and style to your your selfie or family photo session.

Tip 09: Go with a traditional red and green outfit

sibling's Christmas photo in the kitchen with Kate Christmas Kitchen Backdrop White Wall for Photography

Kate Christmas Kitchen Backdrop White Wall for Photography

The combination of red pants or a skirt with a green top is perfect for the holiday season! You can also wear red pants with a white shirt or dress to balance the lookout. Another option is wearing a white dress with green tights underneath it.

For men, you can always try wearing red jeans with a green shirt underneath them or even just a simple black shirt paired with jeans if you are feeling more casual about things!

Tip 10: Choose a solid color

little girls' photo with Kate Christmas Tree Elk Brick Fireplace Backdrop Designed by Emetselch

Kate Christmas Tree Elk Brick Fireplace Backdrop Designed by Emetselch

Choose something that will really stand out. When choosing your outfit, make sure to consider your skin tone and the colors of your accessories. A few colorful accessories can really bring out the colors in your outfit and add an extra layer of vibrancy to your family portraits.

Tip 11: Be simple with a neutral color scheme

girls making food with Kate Christmas Kitchen Backdrop White Wall for Photography

Kate Christmas Kitchen Backdrop White Wall for Photography

If you are going for dressed down, you can choose to wear a sweater or cardigan over your dress. For dressing up, you can choose to wear a dress that has an A-line or empire waistline and a suit for men.

Tip 12: Experiment with silhouette cuts and shapes

babies' Christmas photo with Kate Christmas Tree Backdrop for Photography

Kate Christmas Tree Backdrop for Photography

Pinstripes and striped trousers are staples of any Christmas occasion. But if you want an edgier look, you can try a diamond cutout. You can also wear a dress with large checks or plaid pants with a matching jacket for an extra cute look that is sure to make everyone smile!

Tip 13: Santa hats and elf hats are always a safe choice

family Christams photo with Kate Christmas Door Backdrop Winter Snow Bright Lights for Photography

Kate Christmas Door Backdrop Winter Snow Bright Lights for Photography

The hat should be big enough to fit over your head. If the hat is not big enough, it will likely look ridiculous and not realistic. You can pair it with any outfit of your choice — from casual to formal look.

Tip 14: Get crafty and DIY Rudolph costumes

boy's photo with Kate Winter Christmas Train Backdrop Snow Designed by Chain Photography

Kate Winter Christmas Train Backdrop Snow Designed by Chain Photography

The red nose and red cap with antlers make it a great choice for a Christmas pictures. You can also choose to wear black pants or skirts instead of red ones depending on what works best for everyone in your family.

Tip 15: Choose a silver and gold color scheme

girl's Christmas photo with Kate Christmas White Fireplace Backdrop for Photography

Kate Christmas White Fireplace Backdrop for Photography

Silver and gold colors look best together when they are used in small doses. Its color scheme may just be in the form of jewelry. To make sure that your outfit comes together nicely, choose colors that are complementary but not too similar colors.

Tip 16: Think outside of red and green

family Chritmas photo with  Kate Christmas Pine Tree Farm Path Backdrop for Photography

Kate Christmas Tree Farm Path Backdrop for Photography

If you are looking to wear brighter colors, try opting for greys, pinks, and oranges. These tones will add a lot of brightness and life to your family photos, making them look festive and inviting. But if you prefer not to stand out too much, go for cool blues, grays, and greens.

Tip 17: Accessorize wisely

little girl's photo with Kate Christmas Snow And Sunshine Outside Window Backdrops for Photography

Kate Christmas Snow And Sunshine Outside Window Backdrops for Photography

Do not limit your family photo outfits to headbands, belts, and scarves. Try incorporating seasonal accessories, such as fake snowflakes and snowman ornaments, festive bows, and other lace accessories, to make your family photo holiday-worthy.

Tip 18: Try out vintage Christmas outfits

girls' Christmas photo with Kate Christmas Tree Backdrop for Photography

Kate Christmas Tree Backdrop for Photography

This could include a traditional Victorian dress or something more modern like a fur coat and boots. You may also try on high-waisted or flared trousers or skirts to elongate the leg and accentuate the hips, choose a fitted top with a v-neckline or lace collar, and wear Christmas shoes with a pointed toe and a high heel.

Tip 19: Explore textures

sibling's Christmas photo with Kate Christmas Backdrop Indoor Cupboard for Photography

Kate Christmas Backdrop Indoor Cupboard for Photography

First, start with a basic outfit that you can dress up or down with different textures. This will help you get a feel for what textures work best with your style. Next, add accessories that have texture (like tights or colorful socks). This will help you mix and match textures to create more varied looks.

Tip 20:  Have fun with classic holiday themes

little girl's photo with Kate Xmas Backdrop Christmas Garden with Lights Designed by Emetselch

Kate Xmas Backdrop Christmas Garden with Lights Designed by Emetselch

You may use props like Christmas trees, Christmas lights, Merry Christmas signs, poinsettias, snowflakes, and candy canes as part of your outfit. Also, you may try adding a Christmas decoration or garland to your hair or accessorize with festive earrings shaped like Christmas ornaments.

Tip 21: Use pieces with symbolic meaning

Think of your grandmother's ring or a necklace that has meaning for each person in your family.

Invoking a sentimental connection to one's family for Christmas is the perfect backdrop for a beautiful Christmas photo!

brother and sister Christmas photo with Kate Red Christmas Truck Backdrop Designed by Mandy Ringe Photography

Kate Red Christmas Truck Backdrop Designed by Mandy Ringe Photography

Perhaps your grandmother's ring or a necklace passed down from your great-grandmother could serve as the central focus of your holiday look. Add gorgeous festive accessories like Christmas garlands, Christmas cookies, and Christmas stockings to create a fabulously festive feel.

Conclusion

Holidays are a time for celebrating with the whole family. If you have got a big family, then Christmas vacations are a special time when you can feature everyone in your Christmas family photoshoot. Family Christmas photoshoots are a quintessential part of the modern holiday season. They serve as an opportunity to bundle up your loved ones and capture the joy of the season.

No matter what you decide to wear or not wear, just make sure that you have fun with it and create cherished and funny Christmas memories in the process. But, just because it’s called Christmas photography does not mean it has to be on Christmas Eve — you may even have one now.

If you like this article, please share it! Be sure to join our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Katebackdrops/ to share your ideas! You can also receive free articles, updates as well as discounts information from https://www.katebackdrop.com/ and our FB Group.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.