The holiday season is almost here in the gorgeous
Hudson Valley!
As a family photographer, I totally understand that choosing the perfect outfits for your holiday photos can be fun but it can also be stressful!
That’s why I’m here! To help you capture the magic of this sweet season, I've curated a guide on coordinating holiday outfits without brewing too matchy-matchy. Instead, these outfits focus on color palettes, textures, and styles that photograph beautifully for the occasion!
Here's 4 Things to Follow When Choosing Outfits
for Your Holiday Photos:
Looking for more outfit styling tips? Download my FREE style guide HERE.
1. Choosing a Color Palette.
Reds and Greens:
This is the most traditional holiday palette. These classic colors make you feel the spirit of the season and look amazing against the Hudson Valley's wintery backdrop or an indoor set of holiday decor.
Neutral Elegance:
This is one of my favorites! Neutral tones like creams, grays, and soft whites give your photos a sophisticated, light + airy and timeless look that compliments any home decor or holiday greeting card.
Metallic Accents:
Incorporate a touch of gold or silver for sparkly flair that catches the light and adds a touch of sparkle and elegance to your family's portraits.
2. Textures: Adding Depth + Visual Interest
Cozy Sweaters: Not just for warmth! Add cozy knitted sweaters or scarves for a warm and inviting texture that not only keeps you warm during an outdoor photoshoot but also adds visual interest to your entire look!
Velvet Touch: Velvet dresses or accessories can bring such a luxurious and gorgeous texture to your outfits.Velvets create a beautiful contrast against the natural surroundings and add a beautiful subtle texture to your photos.
3. Styles that Complement, Not Compete
Mix and Match: Remember to encourage each family member to express their individual style! We want you to feel comfortable in the outfit you’re wearing while ensuring a cohesive look by choosing a central color or theme. This way, everyone's personality shines through while maintaining the overall feel and look for your photos.
Layering and Depth: Experiment with layers to create depth and dimension in your family's outfits. Layering adds visual interest to your photos and can include vests, scarves, ruffles, corduroy, waffle or ribbed textures. Even jewelry can be a beautiful added layer to an outfit.
Accessorize: Use accessories like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, hats, or belts to accentuate the outfits without overwhelming them. These small details can tie the looks together and add a finishing touch to your outfit!
4. Quick Tips for the Photoshoot
Coordinate but Don't Match: The goal is to choose outfits that compliment each other rather than perfectly matching outfits. The subtle coordination in colors and textures will create an amazing visual impact.
Avoid Too Many Patterns: Be sure to stay away from too many patterns or logos that can distract from your family and the beauty of the Hudson Valley surrounding you. Remember YOU are the central focus of these photos!
A general rule I like to follow is to have more solid colors than patterns. Here's a couple examples:
- Family of 3 = Two family members with solids colors and one family member with a pattern.
- Family of 5 = Three family members with solid colors and two family members with patterns (one parent, one child).
Comfort Matters: Comfort is SUPER important, especially if your session will be outdoors. Layers are the perfect way to be both stylish and keep everyone warm and cozy during the photoshoot.
Your outfits have a HUGE impact on the way your photos look. By taking the time to choose a color palette, add some textures, and choosing styles that coordinate well , you'll have a holiday look that is festive and timeless!
Feel the joy of the season, and let your family's unique personalities take center stage in your holiday photos. Enjoy the holidays in the Hudson Valley!
If you’re looking for more styling tips, download my FREE style guide HERE.
Enjoy the outfit inspiration below + happy memory making!
Does the guy in your life need a little inspiration? Take a look HERE!
