Each year, without fail. I get emails from clients asking about their outfits and if what they are planning to wear will work. A good chunk of the time they are nailing it! I know that looking your best for Christmas photos is important, so I made this post to help you with it. You can see some of my client’s past looks in this Oak Atelier mini session from 2021, or this very popular Christmas mini session at Studio HTX blog from 2020. All of these sessions look amazing and all of these clients did something different! Let’s talk about what to wear for your Christmas portraits so you feel your most confident this year.
What to Wear for your Christmas Portraits
Have you thought about rocking a sequined gown, tulle skirt or Jimmy Choo shoes but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your Christmas portraits. If you don’t want to add a new permanent piece to your collection, a lot of my clients love Rent the Runway since you don’t have to spend a lot to get a stunning outfit.
What to Wear for Those who Want to Look Feminine
Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when in a studio or outdoor setting. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well, but feel less formal. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the feminine presenting bodies, but I will say that lately an elegant power suit looks gorgeous and classy in a formal setting.
Fabrics I am loving for Christmas photos are velvet (talk about capturing well) and satin (its shiny look just eats up the camera screen) if you are doing a more formal look for your photos. If you are going for a more casual look, dark wash jeans and a sweat are cozy and gorgeous. I also love a nice checkered plaid with dark wash jeans. It says Christmas, winter and cozy all in one! Lastly is accessories, and there are so many ways you can do this. If you are wearing solid colors, a scarf with plaid or checkered squares around your neck looks beautiful. Depending on your hair or neckline, earrings and/or a necklace. And I would highly recommend getting your hair and makeup done professionally to finish off the look. It will make a big difference in your photos! 
What to Wear for Those who Want to Look Masculine
From James Bond to Don Draper, people wanting to look masculine look most striking in well-tailored dress pants and shirts. When pants and shirts fit well, it looks crisp and not sloppy. Remember in Clueless when Cher is bemoaning the guys at her school for wearing such ill fitting jeans? It’s the same for photos, it is obvious when clothes don’t fit. Solid shades of gray, navy or a lighter blue shade are a strong complement to most outfits, whereas pinstripes tend to distract the eye.
If you want to look more casual, khaki pants or dark wash jeans look great, especially if paired with a cream sweater like Chris Evans wore in Knives Out. Honestly, masculine presenting people in sweaters is seriously good looking!! I am sad we live in the South and can only reasonably wear sweaters 3 days of the year. I also love layers for men. They look great on camera and it’s worth those 20 minutes being warm for photos. Adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, you could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. 
How to Pick Colors
When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting jewel tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of maroon, deep green and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments, and especially complements a studio setup.
Coordinating those Colors
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.” You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. So if you’re wearing a deep green dress, gold earrings and nude heels (green being your dominant color), then your partner could wear a white button down shirt with gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe a green pocket square. Since partner one is wearing the pop of color, the second partner is reflecting that color with adding a few touches of your color palette.
Ending Thoughts
In the end, I want you to feel comfortable and confident for your photos. If you don’t love velvet and the color green, that’s ok. If your kids find certain textures to be too much for them, don’t wear them. Instead focus on having everyone coordinate. These sessions are supposed to showcase your family where they are, so if someone in your group is having an off day, know that the photos will still turn out. 
Reserve Your Date
Needing beautiful Christmas photos? Ready to take the next step with me? I love that for you! Fill out the form below! And I will be in touch within 24 hours of your inquiry, can’t wait to get to know you and your family.
Love my work? Want me to capture you and yours? Let’s talk!! It’s easy, my email address is Christine@swishnclick.com. Let’s have a heart-to-heart, get excited about the possibilities of your wedding or session and come up with a plan that is uniquely you! I want to hear from you!
