I’ve had lots of you asking for Christmas Card outfit tips! Be sure to check out the list I posted last year. But if that’s not enough…I’ve come up with 9 more tips for looking positively awesome on this year’s card. Most of the gorgeous photos in the list below aren’t mine. Click the image for the source. I had a blast looking through so many stunning images from fabulously talented photographers all over the web.
1. Layers
Christmas is in the winter. So unless you live in a warm place, or are trying to do a warm-wishes theme for your Christmas photo–I advise dressing appropriately for the season. Layers are a great way to give your photos the feel of winter without stating the obvious with outerwear and accessories {more on those things in a bit.}
Layers also give you the opportunity to incorporate color and texture into your photographs in a low key, intimidating way. A neutral cardigan easily tones down a bright color. A collared shirt under a sweater instantly brings class to an otherwise rowdy boy. Layers can also give you something to do with your hands…hold the scarf, put a hand in a pocket, rest your fingers along your lapel.
2. There’s a wide variety of neutrals
My basic rule for photos is this: be neutral. You’ll never go wrong if you keep your whole family in a neutral zone. But sometimes we can get stuck thinking that neutral only means black, white, brown and gray. While those are neutrals, there is practically a rainbow of other neutrals that you can use. An easy formula is to anchor your clothing in those mainstay neutrals, then add in one of these other color-neutrals. And even if you opt for all gray, brown, oatmeal, and tan…you still don’t have to look boring! Neutrals are awesome and timeless.
Blue is a very neutral base. This is why just about everything looks good with jeans. Blue rarely clashes, looks good with every skin tone and is always a safe choice for photos. Just stick to soft, light, and denim shades and steer clear of anything vibrant that will steal the show.
Other neutrals you can use include yellow, green, and every shade of brown known to man kind. Like with the blues, keep your color choices on the muted, dull side and away from bright, neon and vibrant. You can mix all the neutrals I’ve mentioned here {and I’m sure there are more that I forgot} or just use one of the more colorful neutrals in your photos. Totally up to you.
3. Thread a color or pattern
If you want to go a little bolder add some brighter color. This is a way your family can look unified without looking uniformed. And no one wants to look uniformed in their Christmas portraits. Red is a classic Christmas color to weave through your images…but you can do it with any color under the sun, or with a similar patter–for instance adding bits of plaid or stripes throughout your clothing….just don’t over do it because you start to clash.
Keep in mind that the color doens’t all have to be in the same place on each person. This idea board does a good job of showing how mustard can run through everyone’s clothing without being uniformed.
4. Outerwear
I loooove this image. Love it! I could only find it on Pinterest…and the original source is a little foggy. It may have been original to Matt Clayton Photography–but the site says it no longer exists there. At any rate, this is an awesome photo taken by a talented photog.
These folks are nailing the outerwear thing. The key is creating photo-pretty outerwear. Don’t dress exactly how you would for a day of sledding or a long time outdoors. You won’t need your ski mask and snow pants. Instead, use elements of outerwear to accessorize your outfit. It’s not too hard. I promise. For instance, instead of pulling your scarf over your nose and zipping your coat up to your chin (which hides both your gorgeous face and your cute outfit underneath)–leave your scarf loose and your jacket unzipped. Instead of putting a hat on and pulling your hood up for a lot of warmth, only do one or the other.
The other tip I have for outerwear is to remember that Christmas photos aren’t necessarily realistic. You’ll only be outside for a short time–so adding just a splash of outerwear (like boots, hats, gloves or vests) over your outfit gives the impression of Christmasy-wintery vibes without taking the parka thing too far.
5. Accessories
Accessories are a fun way to winter up your Christmas photos. I’m a big fan of adding hats, scarves, mittens and ear muffs to your outfit. It’s pretty much the only time of year that this kind of accessorizing is appropriate. And if you are wanting a nice, cozy look–you’ll never go wrong with boots! {Just keep in mind that not all boots are created equal. Classic snow boots, riding boots and work boots look great in photos…but the marshmallowy kind with cartoon characters on the side look a little tacky.}
6. Dogs
Lots of my clients bring their pups to the family Christmas session. If you bring your dog…and if your dog {or cat} will tolerate it, I highly suggest adding some Christmas cheer to their attire as well. {See the dog in #4}.
7. Babies
Since our sessions will be outdoors this year–I suggest bundling your baby up well. I will never insist that you compromise safety for a good photo. And besides…this is the one season and the one age in your child’s life that they can pull off wearing a fuzzy snow suit in the family portraits. If weather isn’t a concern, I suggest snug fitting clothes that won’t bunch up or cover your little one’s face when held or if they slouch down.
{Charleen C Photography}
8. Fabric choices
Choosing warm, textured fabrics will give your photos a cozy look. You’ll never go wrong choosing flannel for your Christmas photos. Chunky knits, nubby sweaters, and other fabrics with texture will add interest and dimension to your images.
9. Going classy
This year is a great time to take your photos to a classy place. Since we will be using vintage cars–we’ll have a nice, classy background too! Some times it’s fun to dress up and Christmas is a great time to do it. If you decide to go classy with your photos basically anything you wear will look great. Just make sure your whole family is committed to the same level of dressy {we don’t want one in a ball gown and the other in a sun dress}. Add some jewelry or a nice coat for a special touch.
