With my Christmas mini photography sessions just around the corner, one of the most common questions I hear is, “What should I wear for the session?” To help you feel prepared, I’ve put together some ideas on choosing outfits that capture the magic of the season, look beautiful on camera, and make your photos feel uniquely personal and timeless.

Define Your Style and Theme

Before diving into specific colours and styles, think about the overall look and feel you want for your Christmas portrait. Are you drawn to a classic holiday look, something modern and sleek, a rustic feel, or perhaps a glamorous vibe? A cohesive theme helps set the tone for your photo, and it also simplifies wardrobe choices.

When selecting outfits, aim to coordinate rather than match exactly. Complementary tones create a harmonious look, while giving each person’s unique style a chance to shine. Whether you’re in ugly Christmas jumpers or formal wear, having a unified theme will make your portrait look polished and put-together.

Choosing the Perfect Colour Palette

Colours play a huge role in setting the mood for your photo. Here are some popular palettes for Christmas portraits:

Traditional Christmas Colours: Reds, greens, golds, and whites never go out of style for holiday portraits. These colours capture the classic feel of the season and look especially festive in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Winter Neutrals: For a more subdued and serene vibe, consider creams, greys, soft blues, and taupes. These colours give a cosy winter feel and complement any snowy or frosty landscape beautifully.
Jewel Tones: If you’re looking for a rich, luxurious palette, jewel tones like deep emerald, navy, burgundy, and metallics are ideal. These shades add warmth and depth, perfect for an elegant holiday look.

To enhance the overall look, try to coordinate with your surroundings as well. Think about whether your portraits will be taken indoors by a Christmas tree or outdoors in a local Sussex park, and adjust your colour choices to complement the setting. You can message me before the mini sessions and I can let you know the colours of the backdrop

Texture and Fabrics that Pop

Textures add dimension to your portraits and make your outfits stand out on camera. Some festive textures and fabrics that look great in Christmas photos include:

Velvet, Cashmere, and Wool: These rich fabrics add a cosy yet polished touch and work well for both formal and casual portraits.
Knitwear: Sweaters, cardigans, and scarves not only look comfortable and inviting but also add that classic winter warmth.
Sparkles and Metallics: Sequins, sparkly accessories, or subtle metallic details bring a hint of holiday cheer without overpowering the photo.

If you’re planning an outdoor shoot, layers are a great choice. A jacket or cardigan not only keeps you warm but also adds another layer of texture.

Coordinating Outfits for Families and Couples

For families and couples, coordinated outfits make portraits feel unified without looking too "matchy." Try these tips for a cohesive look:

Mixing and Matching: Stick to one colour palette but vary shades and textures among family members. For example, one person could wear a red sweater while another wears a deeper burgundy.
Avoid Bold Patterns: Plaid and simple patterns can look festive, but be cautious with anything too busy, as it can distract from the main focus – your faces!
Reflecting Personal Style: Give each person room to express their personality within the theme. Whether it's a child’s playful accessory or a unique scarf, these touches can add charm to the final photo.

Accessories and Props for a Festive Touch

Accessories can add a festive flair to your portrait, but it’s best to keep them minimal to avoid distracting from the main subjects. Here are a few ideas:

Festive Scarves, Hats, or Jewellery: These little touches add a cosy and seasonal feel. Simple holiday-themed accessories like a Santa hat, if appropriate, can be fun for young children.
Props Like Blankets, Mistletoe, or Pets: A cosy blanket or a sprig of mistletoe can add personality and playfulness to your portraits. Including your family pet, if they’re comfortable on camera, also adds warmth and authenticity.

Comfort and Practicality: Key to Natural Smiles

Looking comfortable in what you’re wearing will come through in your photos, so keep practicality in mind. Here are some tips for staying both stylish and comfortable:

Dress in Layers: Sussex winters can be chilly, especially if your shoot is outdoors, so dressing in layers helps keep everyone warm and happy.
Choose Movable Outfits: This is especially important for children. Opt for clothes that allow for easy movement, as it helps with natural poses and expressions.
Avoid Anything Too Trendy: While it’s tempting to go for the latest styles, timeless choices ensure your photos will look fresh and relevant for years to come.

baby dressed as an elf, photo taken by a sussex portrait photographer for christmas mini session

Last-Minute Preparation Tips

A little prep goes a long way in making sure everything goes smoothly on the day of your shoot. Here are a few last-minute tips:

Try Outfits in Advance: Have everyone try on their outfits beforehand to ensure a good fit and comfort.
Plan Outfits Early: Deciding on a colour scheme and coordinating outfits ahead of time helps avoid last-minute stress.
Check the Weather: If your portrait session is outdoors, look at the forecast and have a backup plan or alternate outfit options if needed.

Conclusion

A Christmas portrait is a beautiful way to celebrate the season and capture meaningful memories. With the right wardrobe choices, you’ll feel comfortable, confident, and ready to embrace the festive spirit.

Ready to book your Christmas portrait session? Contact us to secure your spot and let’s make this holiday season one to remember. Whether you’re looking for cosy family portraits or an elegant couple’s shoot, we’re here to make your holiday vision come to life.

Book now