A little guidance to help your family look and feel their best!
When I first started offering Christmas Tree farm sessions, there was something really exciting about doing them in the first week of December! It felt like fall season was over, and the Christmas magic could begin. Except, I’ve realized over the years that the Christmas magic I was hoping for, was NOT outside, in December in Michigan! So, Christmas minis are now in early to mid-November and it’s like that for the comfort for everyone! And to go even further, I only offer sessions in the afternoon because at the time that we would need to be out in the morning for good sun, it is far too cold and wet! After all, I really don’t want to be responsible for getting your holiday season off on the wrong foot!
One of the questions I get asked most often is, "What should we wear?" Choosing outfits for the whole family can feel like a little bit of a puzzle, but I promise it doesn't have to be complicated!
My biggest recommendation is to keep things classic, cozy, and timeless. You want your clothing to complement the greens of the Christmas trees without competing with the setting. Think warm textures, beautiful neutrals, rich Christmas colors, and pieces that allow everyone to feel comfortable and be themselves.
Here are a few of my favorite tips to help you plan your outfits!
1. Choose a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
Gone are the days when everyone needs to wear the exact same color! Instead, choose 3 to 4 coordinating colors and incorporate them throughout the family.
Some of my favorite color combinations for Christmas tree farm sessions include:
Classic Christmas: Deep reds, forest green, cream, and camel.
Warm Neutrals: Ivory, oatmeal, tan, brown, and soft beige.
Traditional & Timeless: Navy, burgundy, cream, and muted greens.
Cozy Winter: Rust, caramel, chocolate brown, and ivory.
Soft & Natural: Sage, dusty blue, cream, and warm neutrals.
These colors photograph beautifully against the deep greens of the trees and give your images that warm, classic Christmas feel.
A little tip: Lay everyone's outfits out together before your session. This makes it much easier to see how the colors work together and make adjustments if needed. Always feel free to email and message me if you are stuck!
2. Incorporate Different Textures and Fabrics
Texture is one of my favorite ways to add to family photos! When everyone is wearing coordinating colors, different fabrics help keep the outfits from looking flat or too similar.
Think:
Chunky knit sweaters
Cable-knit cardigans
Corduroy pants or dresses
Wool coats
Soft flannel
Linen and cotton
Velvet dresses or bows
Knit scarves and tights
Mixing these textures creates depth and gives your photos that cozy, layered winter look.
3. Don't Be Afraid of a Little Pattern!
Patterns can look beautiful in family photos when used sparingly. A little pattern adds personality and interest, but too many competing patterns can quickly become distracting.
Some patterns that work especially well:
Subtle plaid
Classic tartan
Small-scale florals
I absolutely love a classic Christmas plaid incorporated into a family's outfits! It is festive without feeling overly themed. My recommendation is to choose one or two family members to wear a pattern and keep everyone else in coordinating solid colors or subtle textures.
Patterns to avoid:
Large, busy floral prints
Very bold or oversized plaid
Multiple competing patterns
Tiny, tightly spaced stripes
Large graphic prints or distracting designs
4. A Few Things I Recommend Avoiding
There are a few clothing choices that can be distracting in photographs or simply don't photograph as well as you might expect.
Neon and overly bright colors: Bright neon pinks, oranges, greens, and yellows can reflect color onto faces and skin. They also tend to compete with the natural beauty of the trees.
Large logos and graphics: Shirts with large words, characters, or logos can quickly date your photographs. Simple and classic pieces will stand the test of time.
Shiny or overly reflective fabrics: Satin-like materials, sequins, and some synthetic fabrics can reflect light in ways that are distracting in photographs. A little velvet or subtle holiday sparkle is lovely, but I generally recommend softer, more natural-looking fabrics. Please avoid silk! Silk can be very unflattering when photographed and can be a wrinkle nightmare!
Head-to-toe black: Black can be beautiful in photographs, but wearing too much of it can make the overall look feel a little heavy against the dark green trees. Consider mixing it with cream, camel, burgundy, or other warm tones.
Clothing that doesn't fit comfortably: This is especially important for little ones! Avoid anything too tight, too short, or constantly needing to be adjusted. If your children are comfortable, they are much more likely to relax and enjoy the session.
5. Dressing the Kids:
A few things to keep in mind when dressing your kiddos:
Layers and textures. Chunky sweaters, cable knits, corduroy overalls, little dresses with tights, and cozy cardigans are some of my favorite looks for children. Not only do they photograph beautifully, but they also help keep everyone warm during those chilly November sessions. The only exception to tights… If you have a toddler, I would avoid tights, tights tend to fall and slip down on little ones and can be awkward when they want to be held!
Let the little ones be little! I absolutely love classic children's clothing. Peter Pan collars, suspenders, knee-high socks, sweater dresses, little bows, and corduroy pants are all adorable choices. Don't feel like everything needs to be overly formal. Sometimes the simplest outfits are the sweetest!
Keep shoes simple. Brown or tan boots, leather shoes, simple sneakers in neutral colors, and classic Mary Janes are great options. Try to avoid brightly colored athletic shoes, character shoes, or anything that draws too much attention away from their outfits.
Be mindful of dresses and skirts. If your little girl loves wearing dresses, go for it! Just make sure they are an appropriate length for sitting, walking, and being picked up. Pairing dresses with tights, bloomers, or leggings is a great option for both comfort and warmth.
Avoid oversized graphics and characters. I know the kids love their favorite characters, but shirts with large logos, cartoon characters, and wording can take away from the timeless look of your photographs. Solid colors, subtle patterns, and classic designs will always photograph better. At Christmas time, you can find a lot of cute, classic options, like if your little guy loves trucks, you can easily find classic sweaters with a truck, tree, or even puppy on it!
Make sure everything fits! This might sound obvious, but avoid clothing that is too big, too long, or constantly falling off shoulders. Oversized sweaters can be cute, but sleeves covering little hands or pants that need constant adjusting can become distracting during your session.
One last thing: Let them have a little personality! If your son insists on wearing his favorite bow tie or your daughter has a special pair of boots she loves, sometimes those little details are what make the photographs feel like YOUR family. I want your children to look like themselves, just a little dressed up for Christmas!
6. Most Importantly, Be Comfortable and Be Yourselves!
My biggest piece of advice is not to overthink it. These photographs are about your family, your children, and this season of life. I want you to look back at these images years from now and remember how little your children were, how much they loved Christmas, and how special this time together was.
Choose clothing that feels like you, allows you to move comfortably, and makes you feel confident.
You don't need perfectly coordinated outfits or an elaborate wardrobe. I guarantee you have everything you need in your closets at home! Very rarely, do you HAVE to go out and buy new outfits! A few thoughtfully chosen pieces, a beautiful setting, and your favorite people are all you need.
I can't wait to see you at the tree farm!
