What to Wear For Festive Family Photos: Flattering, Photogenic Styles

There’s an excitement about getting ready for holiday family photos. Choosing a theme, finding the right setting, and of course, selecting festive and coordinating outfits. Unless you’re planning on a family pajama photo, choosing the best holiday portrait outfit can take more effort than you’d expect. 

But we know the holiday season can be busy enough, so we’ve got you covered with tips for finding the right coordinated attire, including how to look and feel your best by choosing a dress with photo-friendly textures, patterns, and fabrics. 

Select textures that show up well on camera.

We appreciate all bodies, but also recognize that while some women prefer to show off their figure, others prefer a more modest approach. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of how your fabric shows up in group photo angles and lighting, whether in-studio or outdoors. 

Avoid textures like ruching, which can add unflattering highlights, or outfits that are too bulky and create an unwanted boxy effect. And maybe pass on materials that are likely to wrinkle, like linen, so your style stays fresh as you move through your session—sitting, standing, chasing toddlers, you know the deal. Instead, opt for velvets for a festive touch or our classic wrinkle-free fabric in your preferred fit. (Find your fit here!)

Be picky about patterns.

If you are the kind of person who prefers bold patterns and that’s part of your personality, well, you do you, of course! Otherwise, some patterns are easier to coordinate with your family than others. Solid hues are classic, but also plaids, color blocks, or a repeating abstract or floral pattern (made subtle-yet-striking with an accessory like a scarf or cardigan) are all easy to align with your family’s overall color scheme.

Consider the setting.

Indoor or outdoor? With Santa or with the family pup? On-site at a rustic farm or in the studio with a backdrop of an elf workshop? Knowing your setting’s vibe, color scheme, and availability of bright natural lighting or warm studio lighting can all affect the outfits you choose for you and your family. If you’re outdoors on a chilly day, it makes sense to layer up or try a warmer fabric. If you’re taking a more formal photo, opt for jewel tones that are easy to mix and match. And if you do decide on an outdoor shoot that includes the family dog, especially those mischievous ones, you’ll dig our easy-care fabric that ensures any excited-yet-dirty paws don’t leave their mark.

Above all, be you.

Part of the joy of family photos is looking back years later and recalling heart-warming memories, personalities of little ones who’ve grown, certain looks you enjoyed at that time that may have evolved over the years, and the like. That’s why it’s important to feel authentic and wear clothes that not just create an aesthetic, but shape a memory. Whether your authentic look is classic, colorful, sparkly, or subtle, your comfort and confidence will show through if you remain true to yourself. Not to mention, you’ll have an outfit you’ll want to wear over and over—stylish and sustainable!