What to Wear for Christmas Family Photos in Dallas, TX
Let me guess: you have your session booked, you are genuinely excited, and then it hits you. What to wear for Christmas family photos?
I hear this from almost every family, and honestly, I think the wardrobe question stresses people out more than anything else about photos. The good news is that it does not have to be complicated. After photographing families through countless holiday sessions, I have learned what works beautifully in photos and what tends to fall flat. So let me take this one off your plate.
Here is everything you need to know to feel confident, cohesive, and completely camera-ready for your holiday session.
Start with a Color Palette, Not a “Look”
The most common wardrobe mistake families make is trying to match. When everyone is wearing the exact same color in the exact same shade, it can look a little flat and stiff in photos. Instead, think about coordinating. Pick two or three colors that look great together and let each person wear something within that palette.
For holiday sessions, a few color families that always photograph beautifully:
Traditional Christmas: Red, forest green, and ivory. The classic. Nothing else needed.
Wintry and cool: White, soft grey, and icy blue or silver. Think winter wonderland rather than Christmas tree. Very different feel, still unmistakably holiday.
Warm and cozy neutrals: Cream, oatmeal, and tan with velvet or plaid texture doing the holiday work. No bold color needed. The richness comes from the fabric, not the palette. Very popular for Christmas cards right now.
Black, white, and one pop: Everyone in black and white, with one intentional accent piece in red or green. A red dress on a little girl, a plaid scarf, a green sweater. Very editorial and modern.
Velvet and champagne: Champagne, gold, and cream with velvet textures. Glamorous, warm, and very holiday without a single red or green piece in sight.
What to Wear: Mom
You are likely the one putting the most thought into this, so let us start here. A few things that photograph beautifully on moms:
Flowy midi dresses or skirts in textured fabrics like velvet, linen, or jersey tend to look stunning. The movement they create in photos adds so much life to the images. If you prefer pants, tailored wide-leg trousers in a neutral paired with a cozy sweater or blouse in your palette color is equally gorgeous.
Avoid anything with a large logo, very busy pattern, or extremely bright color that will pull the eye away from your faces. And whatever you choose, make sure you feel comfortable and like yourself in it. I always tell my clients: wear something you would feel confident in if you ran into a friend at brunch. That confidence comes through in every single image.
What to Wear: Dad
Dads often need a little more direction here (no offense to the dads). The easiest formula is a well-fitted button-down in a neutral or complementary color, chino pants in tan, navy, or grey, and clean shoes. If the palette calls for it, a plaid flannel is a great casual option that still reads holiday-friendly.
The key for dads is fit. A shirt that fits well will always look more polished in photos than an expensive shirt that is too loose or too long. And as a general rule: no athletic wear, no graphic tees.
What to Wear: Kids
Little ones are where things get fun. For babies and toddlers, soft, textured pieces photograph especially well because they add visual interest without competing with their precious little faces. Think smocked dresses, linen rompers, velvet overalls, or cozy knitwear.
For older kids, coordinate them with the family palette but give them something they feel comfortable in. A child who is physically uncomfortable in their outfit will tell you about it repeatedly throughout the session, and that stress shows up in photos. If your little one hates anything tight around the neck, skip the button-up. Comfort wins.
One practical tip: dress the kids last. Get everyone else ready first, get in the car, and put the kids in their outfits right before you walk in the door. This is one of those things that sounds small but genuinely saves the session.
Textures and layers are your best friend when deciding What to Wear for Christmas Family Photos
Holiday sessions are the perfect opportunity to lean into texture. Velvet, cable knit, linen, lace, and plaid all layer together in a way that adds so much richness to photos. You do not need every single person wearing layers, but having a few textured pieces in the mix makes a noticeable difference.
Avoid fabrics that are too shiny or reflective, like satin, because they can create unflattering glare under studio lighting. Matte fabrics almost always photograph better.
What to Avoid
A few things that tend not to photograph as well:
Neon or very saturated colors that clash with your palette. Very bold patterns or logos that pull focus away from faces. Clothing with words or graphics across the chest. Overly matchy outfits where everyone is in the exact same piece (even in different sizes). And anything that does not feel like you. If you put on an outfit and feel stiff or self-conscious, those feelings will show up in your photos. Trust your instincts.
A Note on Shoes
I know shoes can feel like an afterthought, but they do show up in photos more than you might expect. Simple and coordinated is always the safest choice. Clean white sneakers, leather loafers, Mary Janes, ankle boots, ballet flats. Avoid anything too flashy or distracting, and make sure little ones are wearing shoes that go on and come off easily because I promise at least one child will lose a shoe at some point.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you are feeling overwhelmed, start with one statement piece, usually mom’s outfit, and build outward from there. Pick two or three colors from her look, and use those as your family’s palette. You might be surprised how quickly it all comes together once you have that anchor piece.
And if you are a client of mine, I am always happy to give outfit feedback before your session. Just send me what you are thinking and I will let you know if it will work well on camera.
About Your Photographer
Hi, I’m Nino Thresher, a Dallas maternity, newborn, and family photographer specializing in natural light photography and relaxed, connection-focused sessions. I work with families across Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, Highland Park, University Park, and surrounding North Texas communities, creating timeless images that preserve this season of life. If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to hear from you.
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