The holidays are just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about holiday mini sessions! These quick, fun photo sessions are perfect for capturing the festive spirit of your family, but figuring out what to wear can sometimes be overwhelming. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be! In this post, I’ll walk you through some simple outfit ideas that work beautifully for holiday mini sessions, whether you're into traditional holiday colors or prefer a more neutral palette. Plus, I'll share how to use a little shimmer to enhance your look and why your outfit choices are key to the overall success of your session.
Let’s dive in and get your family looking picture-perfect for those holiday photos!
Traditional Holiday Colors: Reds, Greens, and Golds
When we think of holiday mini sessions, reds, greens, and golds instantly come to mind—and for good reason! These classic holiday colors bring warmth, joy, and that festive vibe we all love during the season. When dressing your family, consider incorporating these colors in a way that feels cohesive but not too matchy-matchy.
For example, Mom could wear a deep red sweater dress while Dad complements with a forest green button-up. The kids can play with both colors—one in a plaid dress featuring reds and greens, and the other in a cozy green knit sweater. Gold accents like jewelry, shoes, or even a gold headband can add a touch of sparkle without overpowering the look.
If you’re going for this traditional route, try to balance the bold colors with neutral pants or shoes. This helps the outfits feel festive but still natural. After all, you want your family to stand out, not blend into the holiday décor.
Neutrals: Timeless, Chic, and Easy
Not every family gravitates toward bold holiday colors, and that’s perfectly fine! Neutrals can create a timeless and sophisticated look that works beautifully for holiday mini sessions. Think shades of cream, gray, beige, and soft browns, paired with a hint of metallics or shimmer to keep it festive.
A great family combination might include a cream cable-knit sweater for Mom, Dad in a charcoal henley, and the kids in soft beige or gray outfits. These colors look stunning against both indoor and outdoor backdrops and won’t clash with any holiday-themed props. The key is to vary the textures to add depth to the look—think cozy knits, wool coats, or suede boots.
Don’t forget about little touches like scarves, hats, or tights for extra layers of warmth and style! Neutrals are also incredibly easy to mix and match, so you can coordinate everyone’s outfits without much stress. If you’re not sure where to start, my studio wardrobe offers a selection of beautiful neutral-toned pieces that photograph like a dream!
Adding Subtle Shimmer: Just the Right Amount of Sparkle
Want to make your holiday mini session outfit ideas a little more special without going overboard? Adding subtle shimmer is the way to go! Metallic accents or fabrics with a hint of sheen can elevate your look and give it that extra festive feel without feeling too "costume-y." A little sparkle can make a big impact when done right.
For instance, Mom could wear a soft cream dress with a gold shimmer cardigan, giving her outfit a sophisticated glow that reflects the holiday season without being overwhelming. Dad’s look might feature a shirt with subtle silver thread detailing, adding a touch of festive flair without distracting from the family as a whole. For the kids, a dress with a bit of sparkle or a shimmery bow tie can add charm and playfulness to the ensemble. These small details help create photos that feel festive and timeless.
In my studio wardrobe, I have a few lovely pieces with just the right amount of shimmer that won’t detract from the timeless feel of your family photos. It’s all about balance: a little sparkle can go a long way in making your photos pop while still keeping things classy. If you’re considering adding more shimmer and shine for a holiday party or festive gathering, you can also check out these 23 Party Outfit Ideas to Wear to Your Next Big Event. These ideas will help you carry that subtle sparkle into other holiday occasions, keeping your look polished and event-ready.
The key is to embrace subtle, eye-catching elements that feel special and festive but won’t overwhelm your overall look. Whether you’re incorporating a metallic accent or wearing a piece from my curated wardrobe, the goal is to ensure your holiday photos shine without losing that timeless quality you’ll want to cherish for years to come.
Why Choosing the Right Outfits Is Essential
It’s easy to think that clothing is just a small part of your holiday mini session, but the truth is, what your family wears plays a big role in the overall success of the photos. The right outfits can bring harmony to the images, while clashing or overly busy outfits might distract from the true stars of the show—your family.
When planning your holiday mini session outfit ideas, think about how the colors, textures, and styles will look together in a photograph. Do they complement the background? Are they comfortable enough for your kids to move around in? Do they reflect the holiday spirit without feeling forced? The answers to these questions can make or break your session.
Ultimately, choosing the right outfits ensures that the focus remains on your family and the love you share. When everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, that confidence shines through in the photos, making them all the more memorable.
Ready to Plan Your Holiday Mini Session Outfits?
Dressing your family for holiday mini sessions doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you go for traditional holiday colors, timeless neutrals, or just a touch of shimmer, the most important thing is that your outfits make you feel comfortable and festive. If you're looking for more inspiration or need a little extra help, feel free to browse my studio wardrobe—it's filled with curated pieces designed to make your family photo experience easier.
I hope these holiday mini session outfit ideas gave you some inspiration for your next family photo session! Have any other tips or favorite outfit combinations? I’d love to hear about them! Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how you’re planning to dress your family this holiday season.
Michele is a Minneapolis-based family photographer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in relaxed and natural holiday mini sessions. Her focus is on helping families feel comfortable and look their best, offering styling advice and a curated studio wardrobe to make outfit planning easier. Michele’s approach is all about capturing authentic family moments in a simple, timeless way that reflects each family’s unique personality.
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