Now that we are in November, my phone is ringing more and more with calls and bookings for Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday portraits, in my studio, in my clients' homes and outdoors. And very often, the first thing we talk about is clothing.
For me, the most important decision before a holiday session is the feeling you want. Do you want to be casual and cozy, more elegant and timeless, or festive with a fun holiday theme? Once we know that, choosing the outfits becomes so much easier.
To help you picture each style, I created these outfit inspiration boards with AI. They are not real clients, just ideas to get you started.
Holiday outfit ideas for the whole family, from cozy sweaters to velvet and matching pajamas. Inspiration board created with AI.
Casual and cozy
Jeans with sweaters or shirts is always a great choice. You can wear matching tops, or complementary colors that look beautiful together without being exactly the same. Festive colors like red and green are lovely, or you can choose neutral colors like cream, beige, camel and denim if you would like to use your pictures all year round and print something for your wall.
We live in Florida, and I know it is warm most of the year. We still try to put the sweaters on, even if it's hot, at least for a little bit during the session. It is so worth it for the pictures.
Casual holiday outfit ideas with jeans: cozy sweaters, loafers and a bandana for your dog. Inspiration board created with AI.
And because we live in Florida, shorts are perfect too, especially for beach and outdoor sessions. Linen shirts, polos and light dresses with shorts look relaxed and comfortable, and still very put together. Choose long pants or shorts, whatever feels more like your family.
Warm weather holiday outfit ideas for Florida: linen shirts, polos, shorts and sundresses in ivory, burgundy and navy. Inspiration board created with AI.
Coordinated, not matching: soft brown tops and blue jeans for this family, their two dogs and their horse. Yes, I photograph horses too!
Elegant and timeless
Elegant portraits are perfect for families who love a classic, traditional look. Last week I photographed a beautiful family in their backyard, all dressed in white and light blue, and it was so lovely.
Soft, neutral colors like white, ivory, light blue, champagne and beige match many home interiors, not only in Florida. They are a wonderful choice if you have another home somewhere else, or if you would like to gift a portrait to another family member.
And if you still want a little holiday touch, we can always bring out a Christmas hat or quickly put on a sweater for a few extra pictures.
Elegant holiday outfit ideas in ivory, velvet, emerald and champagne. Inspiration board created with AI.
White with black against the bougainvillea: simple, elegant and timeless, with their two Labradors.
Festive and fun
If you love the holidays, let's celebrate! Matching pajamas, plaid, velvet, red and green, and of course a festive bandana or bow tie for your dog. This style looks amazing on my holiday sets in the studio.
Festive holiday outfit ideas: plaid, matching pajamas and velvet. Inspiration board created with AI.
Matching holiday pajamas for the whole family, and one very happy pup, in front of my snowy winter set in the studio.
Buffalo plaid, a red truck, two happy dogs and a bunny. Festive and so much fun.
Plain clothes? Your holiday card can still be festive
If you choose neutral, non-holiday clothing, you can still have a beautiful holiday card. When you design your card, the holiday elements can be added in the design, so the same pictures work for your card now and for your walls all year.
My favorite tips
Decide your style first: casual, elegant or festive.
Coordinate your colors instead of matching exactly.
Choose neutral colors if you would like art for your walls all year.
Bring a sweater or a holiday accessory for a few quick extra looks.
Don't forget your dog: a bandana or a bow tie is the easiest holiday touch.
Not sure what to wear? Call me and we will plan it together. You can also read What to Wear for Holiday Photos in Florida and Holiday Portraits in the Studio or on Location.
Holiday dates are filling quickly, in the studio, at your home or outdoors. Call me at 561.307.9875 to book your holiday family and pet photo session.
Vasi Siedman is an award-winning local photographer and the owner of Vasi Studio, creating pet, family and business portraits in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Juno Beach and Palm Beach.