What to Wear for Your Christmas Family Photos

If you’ve booked a Christmas shoot with me in Hertford or Ware, there’s a good chance you’re now wondering what on earth everyone should wear. It’s often the bit that causes the most stress, usually the night before, with someone point blank refusing to wear the jumper you bought specially! So here are my tips for getting it right without it taking over your whole week.

I’ve also made a short video with my top tips and some real outfit ideas from Next, H&M, Zara and Primark that suit each of this year’s mini shoot backdrops. Tap any outfit while it’s on screen to see it in the shop, or scroll down for the full list.

1. Coordinate, don’t match (unless it’s pyjamas!)

You don’t need everyone in identical outfits. In fact, identical outfits can look a little stiff. Pick two or three colours that go nicely together and share them across the family. Creams, deep reds, forest greens and soft browns all look lovely at Christmas and sit really well with twinkly lights and trees.

The exception is matching Christmas pyjamas, which are more about fun than fashion. If you’re doing matching PJs, go all in. The kids love them and they look brilliant in photos.

2. Think about where the photos are being taken

At my Christmas mini shoots in Hertford this year there are two brand new backdrops, and each suits a slightly different look:

• The Snowy Lantern Arch is soft, light and wintry. Cream, oatmeal, gold, sage and silver look dreamy against the snow.
• The Cosy Log Cabin is rich, warm and cosy. Berry red, forest green, chestnut brown, cream and navy all sit beautifully with the wood and the wreath.

Wearing one outfit for both? A cream knit with a pop of red or green works on each.

If you’re having an at home shoot (I come to families all around Ware and Hertford), have a quick look at your decorations, your tree, and the room it’s in. If your decorations are all whites and silvers, softer, lighter colours will look calm and cosy. If it’s full of reds and golds, deeper tones will tie everything together nicely.

3. Skip big logos and bold patterns

Chunky knits, cord, velvet, a little dress with a bit of sparkle… plain colours and soft textures always photograph beautifully. Big logos, slogans, cartoon characters and busy prints tend to pull your eye away from faces and clash with the scenery, so I’d leave those in the drawer if you can. A festive jumper is still fine, it’s Christmas! Just go for a simple one rather than a big character or slogan.

4. Comfort comes first, especially for little ones

A happy toddler in a comfy jumper will make a much better photo than an unhappy one in a scratchy party dress. Make sure everyone can sit, kneel and move about easily, and check there’s nothing too tight or itchy before the day. If it’s a brand new outfit, a quick test run at home is worth it. And as it’s usually pretty chilly by late November, bring warm coats for getting there and back. They can come off for the photos.

5. Don’t forget about feet

Shoes are easy to forget, but they’ll be in plenty of the photos, especially when the kids are sat on a sledge. Clean, comfy shoes are best: smart boots or little slippers look lovely. At home, cosy socks or bare feet are perfect, particularly with pyjamas.

6. Pack a spare (and a change if you fancy two looks)

It’s always worth packing a spare top in case of snack-time spills. If you’re coming to a mini shoot and want two different looks, say smart outfits and then pyjamas, bring them along. There are bathrooms at the scout hut in Hertford you can change in. Just remember the change happens within your 20 minute slot, so keep the second outfit simple and quick to get into.

7. Grown-ups count too

It’s so easy to spend ages planning the kids’ outfits and then grab whatever’s clean for yourself. You’re in these photos too! Wear something you feel good in. Your children will love looking back at these one day just as much as you will.

Shop the looks

Here are all the outfit ideas from the video in one place. Do mix and match with what you already have at home. You definitely don’t need to buy anything new.

Snowy Lantern Arch

• Next: Cream Cable Knit Crew Neck Jumper (ages 3–16, £15–£20)
• Primark: The Edit Wool Blend Jumper & Knit Trousers Set in oatmeal (ages 1–12, £16)
• Next: Ivory Bow Embellished Mesh Occasion Dress (ages 3–16, £32–£38)
• H&M: Cable-Knit Cotton Jumper in white (£14.99)
• Zara: Corduroy Barrel Trousers in ecru (£22.99)

Cosy Log Cabin

• Next: Green Velvet Skater Dress, also in red (ages 3–16, £17–£22)
• H&M: Tulle-Skirt Velour Dress in dark red (£12.99)
• Zara: 100% Wool Cable-Knit Jumper in red (£39.99)
• Zara: Corduroy Balloon Trousers in brown (£14.99)
• Primark: The Edit Cashmere Blend Cardigan in burgundy (ages 1–12, £11)
• Primark: The Edit Corduroy Gilet in brown (ages 1–12, £12)

Outfit ideas only, not sponsored. Prices checked 9 October 2026 and may change.

Don’t overthink it

The photos people love most are hardly ever about the outfits. They’re about everyone being together, having fun and looking like themselves. If you’re unsure about anything, just drop me a message and I’ll happily help.