Picture Perfect: 5 Ways to Style Your Family for a Special Holiday Photo -

Well…somehow, we reached November! I love Thanksgiving, but I am happy to be heading toward the end of the year. Unfortunately, I was MIA the past couple weeks due to being ill, but I feel much better and I have my sights set on ALL things holiday like decorating, shopping, baking and cards. My husband and I (and our pups) send out a photo card for Christmas each year. In earlier years, I searched through hundreds of photos looking for one with all of us, or spent hours designing a card with multiple photos so each of us could be included.

christmas holiday photo card coordinating outfits picture — I’m a total dog mom!

A few years ago, I started taking a photo specifically for our card and it was amazing. I did not have to search through tons of photos and we were all in one together. You can definitely have a friend or family member take a photo at your home or elsewhere, but SO MANY photographers offer mini sessions around the holidays. This is a great way to get some fresh photos at a discounted cost and to support small businesses. They usually have a cute Christmas setup too!

It can be time consuming to coordinate outfits for the whole family whether you are posing in pajamas at home or sequins in a studio. Check below for a few style ideas that you are MORE than welcome to mix, match, and steal. If you don’t like the particular outfits, maybe a style or color scheme will catch your eye!

Pajama Party

My husband and I always get matching pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve, and one year we even wore them for our Christmas card photo. I love this idea for a comfy and easy photo at home. You can memorialize decorating the tree, or enjoy some hot cocoa. The pajamas are also perfect to use for Christmas Eve and/or Christmas morning.

Walmart (very affordable)

Men (sizes S to XXL)
Women (sizes S to 3X)
Youth (sizes XS 4/5 to XL 14/16)
Toddler (sizes 18 months to 5T)
Infant (sizes 3 months to 12 months)
Pet (sizes S/M and L/XL)

Kohl’s (big and tall men’s option, more style choices for kids)

Men (sizes S to XL)
Men’s Big and Tall (sizes L tall to 4XB)
Women (sizes XS to XXL)
Youth Pants (girls sizes 7-16)
Youth Nightgown (girls sizes 4-16)
Youth Pants (boys sizes 10-20)
Toddler Nightgown (sizes 2T to 4T)
Toddler Pants (sizes 2T to 4T)
Infant Option (matches, but not part of this specific set, sizes 12 months to 24 months)
Pet (sizes S/M and L/XL)

Matching pajamas are super popular this year, and there are a TON of cute options. I specifically included those above because of the size and style options (plus affordability). Here are some other great options:

Old Navy (including maternity options)
Hanna Anderson (SUCH cute prints)
Kohl’s (other available styles and prints)

Cozy and Casual

If you want to keep it comfortable (but maybe pajamas aren’t your thing!), you can mix and match comfy sweaters, cozy pullovers, and casual button ups. These pieces will be complementary in photos, but aren’t too “matchy”.

Adult

Quarter Zip Sweater (men’s sizes S to XXL, color shown here is dark molasses)
Quarter Zip Sweater (big and tall men’s sizes, color shown here is dark molasses)
Rib Knit Midi Dress (women’s sizes XS to XXL regular, plus a tall option)
Plaid Shirt (men’s sizes S to XXL, plus slim options, color shown here is red navy plaid)
Plaid Shirt (big and tall men’s sizes, color shown here is red navy plaid)
Mushroom Swing Dress (women’s sizes XS to XXL regular, plus some petite and tall options)
Textured Sweater (women’s sizes XS to XXL regular)
Twill Shirt (men’s sizes S to XXL, color shown here is burgundy gray gingham)
Fair Isle Sweater (women’s sizes XXS to 2X, plus petite and plus options)
Fair Isle Sweater Maternity (women’s sizes XXS to 2X)
Mock Neck Sweater (women’s sizes XS to XXL regular)

Youth

Side Tie Jumpsuit (girls sizes XS to XXL, including plus options)
Navy Button Up (boys sizes XS to XXL, including plus options)
Cable Knit Sweater (girls sizes XS to XXL, including plus options)
Shawl Collar Pullover (boys sizes XS to XXL)
Corduroy Skirtall (girls sizes XS to XXL)
Printed Sweater (girls sizes XS to XXL, including plus options)

Toddler and Infant

Shawl Collar Pullover (sizes 12 months to 5T)
Pullover Hooded Sweater in Oatmeal (sizes 12 months to 5T)
Pullover Hooded Sweater in Burgundy (sizes 12 months to 5T)
Deer Dress (sizes 4 months to 4T)
Chambray Bodysuit (sizes 0 to 24 months)
Utility Pocket Thermal (sizes 12 months to 5T)
Corduroy Overalls (sizes 3 months to 24 months)

Here are some additional options from local boutiques that would match the pieces above. They are all cute but the sizing is not always as inclusive.

Cool and Coordinated

A great way to plan outfits for photos is to select one piece you love and then build around that piece. Last year I selected my husband’s mini buffalo check shirt first, and then found coordinating pieces for my dogs and me.

Men’s Sweater (sizes S to XXL)
Women’s Tunic Sweater (sizes XXS to 3X)
Women’s Button Sweater (sizes XXS to 3X)
Youth Plaid Peasant Dress (girls sizes XS/4 to XXL/16)
Youth V-Neck Sweater (boys sizes XS/4 to XXL/16)
Youth Henley (boys sizes XS/4 to XXL/16)
Infant and Toddler V-Neck Sweater (sizes 6 months to 5T)
Infant and Toddler Henley (sizes 6 months to 5T)
Infant and Toddler Ruffle Skater Dress (sizes 6 months to 5T)
Infant Tutu Dress (sizes 0 to 18 months)
Infant Plaid Poplin Outfit (sizes 0 to 18 months)
Red Dog Sweater (sizes S/M, M, and L)

Mad for Plaid

While some of you prefer coordinated colors or just a pop of pattern, some of you might be mad for plaid! This classic print is the perfect way to go if you want the whole family to wear a matching print. I also love this option for a “just kids” photo. It is easy to swap out pieces if you only want some plaid (i.e. some family members can just wear black, grey, or another solid color like the second plaid option below).

Men (sizes XS to 2X)
Women (sizes XXS to 3X)
Youth Button Up (boys sizes 2 to 16)
Youth Skirt (girls sizes 2 to 16)
Youth Leggings (girls sizes 2 to 16)
Youth Dress (girls sizes 2 to 16)
Youth Sweater (girls sizes XXS to XL)
Headband
Pet Collar
Pet Bandana Option
Pet Bandana Option

Men (sizes XS to 2X)
Women (sizes XXS to 3X)
Youth Ruffle Shirt (girls sizes 2-16)
Youth Sweater (boys sizes 2-16)
Youth Tie
Pet Bowtie (sizes XXS to XL)

The majority of these styles are also perfect in plaid!

Glitz and Glam

Some Christmas occasions call for sparkle and sequins! These outfits would make a BEAUTIFUL holiday photo. The kids’ options would also be great for school programs and church services.

Go for the Gold

Men’s Burgundy Velvet Blazer (sizes 34 to 48 short, regular, and long)
Men’s Burgundy Blazer, Big and Tall (sizes 50 to 60 big short, regular, and long)
Men’s Burgundy Blazer with Trim, Big and Tall (sizes 52 to 60 big short, regular, and long)
Women’s Gold Wrap Dress (sizes XS to XL)
Women’s Rose Gold Blouson Dress (sizes 4-18)
Women’s Sequin Top (sizes XS to 2X)
Youth Glitter Fit and Flare Dress (girls sizes 4 to 16)
Youth Sherpa Sweater (boys sizes 4 to 16)
Toddler Sherpa Sweater (sizes 12 months to 5T)
Toddler Tutu Dress (girls sizes 12 months to 5T)
Youth V-Neck Sweater (boys sizes 4-16)
Infant and Toddler V-Neck Sweater (sizes 6 months to 5T)
Infant Jacquard Dress (sizes 0 to 18 months)
Pet Faux Fur Cape (sizes S to XXL)

Back in Black

Men’s Velvet Sport Coat (sizes 34 to 48 short, regular, and long)
Men’s Velvet Sport Coat (sizes 52 to 60 big short, regular, and long)
Women’s Silent Night Dress (sizes XS to XL)
Women’s Ombre Sequin Dress (sizes 2 to 16)
Women’s Cap Sleeve Dress (sizes 14W to 22W)
Women’s Evening Gown (sizes 14W to 22W)
Women’s Finer Blings Dress (sizes XS to XL)
Youth Herringbone Vest (boys sizes XS/4 to XXL/16)
Youth Herringbone Pants (boys sizes 4 to 16)
Youth Faux Fur Wrap (girls sizes XS/4 to XXL/16)
Youth Black Sequin Tulle Dress (girls sizes 8 to 20)
Youth Pink Sequin Tulle Dress (sizes 2T to 10)
Youth Velour Jumpsuit (sizes 2T to 10)
Toddler Herringbone Vest (sizes 12 months to 5T)
Toddler Herringbone Pants (sizes 12 months to 5T)
Toddler Faux Fur Wrap (sizes 12 months to 5T)
Toddler Vest Set (sizes 2T to 5T)
Infant/Toddler Shirt and Pants (sizes 4 months to 4T)
Infant Tulle Dress with Vest (sizes 0 to 18 months)
Pet Collar and Bowtie (sizes S and L)

Our mini session is scheduled for Saturday. What style should we choose this year?

Katie G.