What to wear during your holiday family photo shoot
When it comes to taking a family photo, there is no better time than during the holidays. Everyone is together, happy and feeling festive. In addition, you could even use the photo as your yearly holiday card. Yet taking a family photo isn’t always easy.
Some people tend to stress about what to wear for the picture. They want to look flattering and fashionable, but also timeless. You’ve probably heard quite a few do’s and don’ts. Here is what you need to know about dressing for your family’s holiday photo shoot.
Black is always in
You can never go wrong with black. Solid-colored clothing is always a good idea for taking photos because they draw attention to the faces of the subjects, not the clothing. Outlandish prints and colors take away from the people in the photo and make it hard to focus.
Also, black is slimming and classic. Your photographer will be able to contrast the background with a light color to make the photograph pop. If your photo is not being taken by a professional, be sure that your background or any other color in the picture isn’t black.
Stray away from trendy
Sure, the latest high-end looks from the runway are fun to wear. But if you’re going to be taking a photo that will be hung in your family’s home, you will want something timeless. A black or white blouse is always a safe bet for tops. If the photo is a full-body shot, black or gray dress pants are always a good idea. Both of these items should be staples in your wardrobe. That way, you can throw them on for any important event and look great.
Choose simplistic patterns
If you don’t want to opt for a solid color, patterns can work. However, they must be the right kinds of patterns. Overwhelming color combinations and intricate prints can look gaudy in a photograph. Instead, spring for a classic pattern like polka dots, stripes or paisley. Try to keep the colors subdued with earth tones like dark greens or browns.
Make sure your clothes fit
Everyone wants to look flattering in a picture, and it’s all about how your clothes fit. You definitely don’t want something that is too big or too small because the flash from the camera is going to catch that. When ordering items online, be sure to check the size chart for measurements. If you’re still unsure, it’s always a good rule of thumb to look to see if the clothing has any customer reviews. Sometimes previous buyers will add their two cents such as, “true to size” or “runs big” to help guide you in the size department.
If you have found the perfect outfit, but it still doesn’t fit just right, take it to you local tailor. They can make it fit to flatter your body perfectly.
Color coordinate
Sure, you may have your perfect outfit, but what about the rest of the family? Depending on what kind of look you’re going for, color coordination is always a great idea. That doesn’t mean you and your loved ones have to completely match. However, finding colors that mesh well together will make your photographs even better. If you all have clothes that are starkly different in color, it will make the photo look messy.
Take practice photos
The last thing you want is getting your pictures developed and realizing that your blouse was too sheer or too low cut. Eliminate this issue by taking full body shots in the clothes you plan on wearing. That way, you won’t have to worry about any “oops!”
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Comments (107)
Birdiebee
I am a very casual dresser so love the while top.
colleen long
I love the “make sure your clothes fit”. Fit is by far the most important thing to look for in an outfit!
Tammy Woodall
I really like the classic Black Dress. It’s Classy and Elegant, but not over the top.
Rust
Good guidelines, and I agree with all of them. Classic always works.
Deb E
I always like to know the background colors or what’s available for a background, and that affects my outfit as well.
Karen Glatt
Very good tips. I love the idea of practice photos and coordinating colors. The black dress is so pretty.
shelly peterson
I really need to get family photos done. These tips are going to help me prepare and plan for them.
Elena
Great tips. Thanks for sharing
Deb E
I just got one of those instant cameras (still waiting on the film to arrive) and think an instant pic would be great to snap before you go get an expensive portrait done, especially if it’s one on canvas that you’ll have forever. Instant feedback on what you all look like!
shelly peterson
It can be hard deciding on what to wear for photos, thanks for these great tips.
Cami valenzuela
Such awsome tips. I like to see pics of the old times and see who gave into the style trends lol
Rosie
I would have gotten everything wrong – I wouldn’t have thought black or practicing etc. yikes I’m glad I saw this!
Karen Glatt
I like the Black dress. It is a good one to wear over the Holidays, and i like the splash of sparkle.
Elena
I like to wear solid colors
Cynthia R
I like the color coordinating piece of advice, I always notice when family pictures color coordinate and I think it is so cute!
Dana Rodriguez
Great tips. I am a big fan of a bit of sparkle.
colleen long
Oh my gosh I never thought to take practice photos, such a great idea!
Cami Valenzuela
I love taking family photos. I am more classin colors. We match but not to much match. Don’t want to look like a big black blob. We add color in there as well.
Deb E
I do like simple accessories like a scarf or nice necklace that isn’t too distracting but adds some glitter to the picture. You can always change scarves easily if they don’t match the color coordination of the family pic.
shelly peterson
taking practice shots can be very helpful.
Karen Glatt
I think the outfits are great to wear for the Holidays, and the White top with jeans and a color of red for the Holidays would be great.
Julie Wood
I love the black dress with the silver necklace. It is so pretty for the Holidays!
shelly peterson
love these ideas! I need to do a family photo.
Karen Glatt
I really like the White Shirt and jeans. It looks nice and casual and a great outfit to wear during the Holidays!
Deb E
I like the family color coordination and think it’s cute if there’s a random Santa hat in the bunch! It shows the family’s sense of humor. I dislike those posed, stuffy pics!
Elena
Love that black dress on the first picture
Kim Henrichs
I do love simplistic patterns myself!
Jennifer Boehme
I learned last year not to wear a pink top also. Photographer had hard time setting camera up.
Deb E
The simple black dress with trim and a long necklace is just my style. I wear a ton of black and love it.
Tina Renee Barker
I love that black is always in because I wear so much of it!
Amy Orvin
I love the wearing all black idea! That first dress is very simple but elegant.
Diana Varela
So many great tips!!!!
Tara
Yes! When in doubt, choose black. It’s universally flattering.
shelly peterson
These are really great tips. I like family photos when every one is color coordinating.
Elena
I love to wear a black dress
Karen Glatt
I like the idea of wearing a nice dress for my Holiday photos. I like wearing my nice red dress with a Holiday pin and earrings and taking a picture with my family! Thanks for the ideas!
Anita L
I have to agree with wearing the color black! There’s nothing better than looking slim and trim during the season when we eat the most! lol Happy Holidays!!
Lily Kwan
These outfits look very nice. Thanks for sharing!
Marnie G (Derrick Todd)
Great tips. Very true — that black is always in. I like that you can either dress black up with extra bling and accessories.
Rita Spratlen
I love black and it is something that can be elegant and simple too. Thanks for the nice ideas. It is hard to choose for things like this!!
Lorina Padgett
Thanks for the good advice. I wear black often with a pop of color. I have learned to turn to the side to look thinner and to always look to the light.
Robin
Since I wear black almost all the time I am so glad that it is always “in” and is a flattering color for photos. Thanks for the tips. Always in style.
annette
Always timeless clothing and ideas!
Yvonne
I love seeing the photos of when people color coordinate…it is beautiful.
mel
Such great advice, timeless and classic looks are always perfect.
Stephanie Mago-Eagle
Can never go wrong with a black outfit or a little black dress.
Jennifer Rote
Great tips. Like the wearing black idea, since that is my go to color.
Matz Smith
I’d go with the Red Hot Mama. Black is so boring even though the bit of sparkle on the Holiday Trim is great and Simply Sensational is party worthy. I like the Spliced too but don’t have the figure for it. I find it somewhat ironic you’re including ‘plus size’, your models are not. Tsk Tsk
Aaron
I agree that black is always a good choice.
Sandra L Hying McFadden
I love dark colors to make my body look slimmer, I don’t like tight fight tops around my stomach area, I love a fitted botice with a empire type waist just to skim my body.
Miranda Sherman
Being I am plus sized I tend to steer clear of patterned prints and love darker colors with tighter fits.
deborah penney
I really like the idea of not wearing what is trending at the time. So, that the picture would be timeless!
K Davis
I always wear black or a dark color. For Christmas photos, I would wear a dark green.
Tammy S Catterton
I use alot of black & red combo for the holidays yet classic & elegant i think thanks
Dorothy Boucher
I love this dress Essentials Colorblock Tunic Sweater
Lisa Aliperti
Can’t go wrong with classic black and then add the sparkle.
Jeanine
We color coordinated on a Family Cruise last summer and used it for our Christmas Cards!
Seyma Shabbir
Love the tip about not wearing trendy. In a few years it may be tacky!
Wendy Forbes
Taking practice photos is a great idea.
ARLENE
sheek
Laura
I love wearing the idea of wearing black for photo shoots. Everyone should already have something in that color, no need to go purchase something new!
DIStherapy
My family loves wearing red for our holiday shoot. Ho ho ho!
Lindsey
I really love the Midnight Velvet boots! I love all boots, I have tons! 🙂
Tammy S Catterton
I love black use colorful accessories with it last photos that were taken were at my wedding in October 2014
Charles-Linda Bradshaw
I learned that black is great to do. I have actually been watching a lot of videos and looking at pictures and notice that now. I never realized it before.
Seyma Shabbir
Great hints! I love the stay away from trendy and color coordinate with the rest of the family!!
mita
Thanks for the Great tips
mita
Loved the article, great tips.
Alison Gibb
These are all great suggestions! I am happy I read this because I always thought wearing black for a photo was not a good thing. Black covers all kinds of issues!
DJ
Great tips! I am really loving that sweater.
Carmela Capano
Great tips for taking family pictures! Loved the article
Mary Gardner
Great tips. I love the ideas of practice photos and coordinating colors.
Stephanie
Great ideas – I love family photo shoots where the outfits blend, but don’t match too much. My sister just took some pictures with her family and everyone had some orange in their outfits. It looked great.
Jeanna
I have been starting to think about what we will wear for our family pictures this year! Great Advice!
rebeccabasset
Thanks for the advice, my Family always takes a Family Picture at Christmas.
Addie F.
I definitely agree with solid colors; too many prints can be confusing! And black is always a classic and traditional choice.
savannah hadden
I am actually going to be getting family pictures taken soon and I was thinking of wearing a black dress with a soft taupe and white floral print!
Jeanine
Coordinating colors on everyone in the picture helps keep it from being “messy”.
Scott Poston
Practice shots are great- I also think of something funny when my picture is taken, it makes my smile look very genuine instead of posed!
rajee
Love to try
Leah
I totally agree with the solid colors advice of very subtle prints!
Jeanine
taking the time to do a practice shot is a great idea!
Lynne
The best tip is to have someone take a few practice photos of you at home using the poses you think you might like to do – something that doesn’t appear to be too low when you are looking in the mirror straight on may have an entirely different look to it if you are sitting and the photographer is standing!
Laura G
I find classic colors and cuts to be the best bet for holiday pictures.
Dianna
Taking practice shots is a must for our family. We can never get everyone smiling at the same time!
I had always thought to shy away from black, but after reading this I see that it can be truly classic.
Cheryl L
Thanks for the great photo tips, wish I would have read them yesterday as I took family pictures on thanksgiving and this would have been great to share with others.
Jeanine
Taking preshots is a great idea!
April Crisafulli
Color coordinating is alot of fun for large families
April Crisafulli
I like the idea of wearing black in photos. It’s neutral and looks great on everyone!
william gossage
I love the style of the black dress
Sandra L Hying McFadden
Thank you for sharing. I do too love black as it is becoming on anyone. One year for our Family photos we all dressed in solid jewel tones and it turned out great!
Ronda Walton
I agree with the choice of black. Our family did the black tops on all the females and white tops on all the guys. The black was slimming,plus a good contrast on all of us blondes. The next picture is suppose to be with all denim shirts, because it’s going to be outside and more casual.
Andrea Troutman
I think the tip about not trying to wear the latest runway trendy styles is a good idea for pictures. Something classic is better for photos.
soha molina
The clothing this retailer carries are very stylish. I like the tips you provided.
Teressa Morris
I always try to wear high contrast colors like black and white, for picture taking.
natasha lamoreux
Great tips! Im not sure if we are doing pictures this year but if so ill use these tips Thanks!
Dana Rodriguez
Great advice! I know color coordination helps.
Courtney S.
Wonderful advice! I love black with gold accessories for holiday photos.
Charles-Linda Bradshaw
I do not like having my picture taken. I did not know about going solid though and making sure clothes fit. Mine are always bigger than what I need.
Lisa Weidknecht
Great tips! Now if I could only get my kids to all smile at the same time, we might have some great holiday photos!
Gina
I love family portraits that are color coordinated. Looks do nice
rochelle haynes
Thanks for the ideas love to try them out
Tammy Shelton
Great ideas for ways to get the best family holiday photos. Thanks!
tammy shelton
Great thoughts on how to get the best holiday family photos! Thanks.
Richard Brandt
Ah, nothing says the holidays like black.
anne
Lovely choices which are classic and good taste.
sharon
i like some of your things but your shipping is too high. will you be having a free ship offer soon?