So you're booked for Christmas minis, and now comes the big question: what in the world is everybody going to wear?
I get asked about outfits more than just about anything else before holiday sessions, and I completely understand why! Getting the whole family dressed for pictures can feel like a lot, especially when you're trying to find something everyone will actually wear. But it really doesn't have to be complicated. Once you have a few colors picked out, the rest starts coming together. Here's what I usually tell my families in Fayette and around West Alabama when they're planning their Christmas outfits.
Start With One Outfit You Love
One of the easiest ways to plan family outfits is to start with just one piece you really love. Maybe it's your dress, your daughter's outfit, or a sweater you've been wanting an excuse to wear. Whatever it is, start there and pull colors from it for everyone else.
That way, you're not trying to put together four or five completely different outfits at the same time. You already have a starting point, and you can choose pieces that work together without everything looking exactly the same.
Coordinate, Don't Match
I tell my families this all the time: everybody does not have to wear matching red plaid for Christmas pictures! When everyone is dressed exactly alike, it's harder to see the little differences between each person, and sometimes the photos can feel a little too put together.
I much prefer outfits that coordinate without matching. Choose a few colors that look good together, then let everyone wear different shades and textures. Mom could wear a deep green dress, dad could wear a cream sweater, and the kids could have a mix of green, cream and warm brown. Everything still looks like it belongs together, but everyone gets to have their own look.
Christmas Mini Session Outfit Ideas
If you're not sure where to start with colors, here are a few combinations I love for Christmas pictures. You can keep things traditional or go with something a little softer, depending on what feels like your family.
Classic Christmas
Deep green, burgundy and cream. You still get those traditional Christmas colors, but they feel a little softer than bright red and green. I love how these colors photograph together.
Soft and Cozy Neutrals
Ivory, oatmeal, camel and warm brown. I love this combination for families who want their Christmas pictures to feel a little more timeless. These colors look just as pretty framed in your home in July as they do in December.
Winter Blues
Dusty blue, navy, cream and a touch of gray. If traditional Christmas colors aren't really your thing, this is such a pretty alternative. It still feels like winter without having to wear red or green.
Warm and Rich
Burgundy, rust, mustard and denim. If you love the warmer colors of fall, you don't have to put them away just because it's Christmas. These shades work really well together and still feel right for the season.
Pop of Red
Mostly cream and neutral tones, with one or two people wearing a red sweater or dress. I love this if you want a little Christmas color without having everyone dressed in red.
Textures and Layers Make the Photos
Something I always encourage families to think about is texture. Even if everyone is wearing pretty similar colors, mixing different fabrics helps the outfits look more interesting in pictures. A soft sweater next to a velvet dress or a little corduroy jacket can make such a difference.
A few textures I love for Christmas minis:
Chunky knit sweaters and cardigans
Velvet dresses, bows or headbands
Corduroy pants and jackets
Soft flannel, worn as a layer instead of the whole outfit
Wool coats and peacoats
Lace or tulle for the little girls who love a twirl
I also love having a few layers to work with. A cardigan over a dress, a jacket over a sweater, or even a scarf you can take off gives us a little variety without having to change clothes. And if you've lived in Alabama long enough, you know the weather here can be all over the place! Layers make it easier to keep everyone comfortable whether it's chilly or surprisingly warm.
What to Avoid
There are a few things I usually recommend leaving out when you're planning outfits:
Big logos and graphic tees. They tend to draw your attention away from everyone's faces.
Busy patterns on everyone. One patterned piece can look really pretty, but when everyone has a different pattern, the outfits start competing with each other.
Neon or very bright colors. These can reflect onto skin and become the first thing you notice in the picture.
Light up or noisy novelty sweaters. They're fun for Christmas parties, but they can be a little distracting in family pictures.
Anything uncomfortable. If something is itchy, too tight or constantly needs adjusting, it's probably not the best choice. And little ones will definitely let you know when they don't like what they're wearing!
Dressing the Kids
If you're having trouble deciding where to start, try picking the kids' outfits first. Little dresses, sweaters, bow ties and cardigans are all adorable for Christmas pictures. But more than anything, I want them to be comfortable. They need to be able to move around, sit down and just be kids. Some of my favorite pictures happen when they're not worried about what they're wearing.
A couple of quick tips from experience:
Have them try everything on before the session day. That way, you'll know ahead of time if a collar is scratchy or something doesn't fit quite right.
Bring a backup shirt for the littlest ones. You just never know when a snack or spill might happen!
Dress them last, right before you leave, so their outfits have a better chance of staying clean.
Don't Forget the Shoes and Little Details
Don't forget to think about shoes! They show up in more pictures than you might expect. Boots, booties, simple loafers and little Mary Janes are all great choices. If possible, I'd avoid really bright sneakers that stand out from the rest of the outfit.
And don't feel like you have to go out and buy a bunch of accessories. Sometimes the little things you already have are the most meaningful. A hair bow, a favorite stuffed animal, grandpa's old hat or a cozy blanket can be sweet additions. Just keep things simple so the pictures still feel like your family.
A Few Last Tips Before Your Session
Lay everyone's outfits out together on the bed or floor and take a picture. It's an easy way to see if the colors and patterns work well together before session day.
Iron or steam everything the night before.
Think about hair and nails a few days ahead so you're not rushing the morning of.
Bring a small bag with wipes, a lint roller and a brush.
And please don't feel like everything has to be perfect. I know getting everyone dressed, ready and out the door can be a whole production, especially with little ones. But once you're there, I want you to enjoy being together. Christmas minis are short, and I'd much rather capture your family laughing, hugging and loving on each other than have you worrying about a piece of hair being out of place. Those little moments are the ones I love getting to photograph.
Booked for Christmas Minis? I Can't Wait to See You!
This year's Christmas minis are fully booked, and I'm so excited to see everyone! If you're already booked and still trying to decide between a couple of outfits, feel free to ask me. I'm always happy to help you figure out what will photograph well together.
If you missed Christmas minis this year but still want family pictures for the holidays, I'd love to talk with you about a full family session! We'll have more time together, more opportunities for different groupings and even room for an outfit change. Whether you're in Fayette, Jasper, Tuscaloosa or Birmingham, you can reach out here and tell me a little about your family.
Lindsey
Lindsey Marie Photography
