MENU
ABOUT ME
SEE MY WORK
CONTACT ME
PIN
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
    • MATERNITY SESSION
    • FAMILY SESSION
    • NEWBORN SESSION
  • PORTFOLIO
Animal House Photography Logo
  • INVESTMENT
  • 2025 Fall Family Sessions in Huntsville Alabama
  • Home for the Holidays
  • BLOG

Holiday Wardrobe Look-Book: A Guide to Dressing for the Season

Monday, December 01, 2025 | By: Animal House Photography

Share

Christmas time is here! Lights, gift shopping, choirs, nostalgic music, and of course, the many pictures you'll be in throughout the season.

But what do you wear to look effortlessly put together in those holiday pictures? Look no further. This is your one-stop-shop for how to put together the perfect outfit - or even family outfit! - throughout the month of December.

Let's get started!

Colors

Coordinate Instead of Matching

In order to look both polished and candid (yes it's possible!) consider outfits that work together to paint a picture. As tempting as it is to put everyone in a red shirt and call it a day, these outfits reduce the visual interest of your photos. 

Personal style allows each person to present themselves uniquely and ensures they feel comfortable in the pictures. So instead of wearing matching outfits, try...

Choosing a Color Palette

One easy way to coordinate outfits is to choose a color palette that evokes the vibe you want in your pictures.

Want that traditional plaid and candy cane look? Think bright reds and vibrant greens, like the Classic Holiday palette below.

Prefer a more muted look? Choose natural golds, creams, and grays like those in the Minimal Neutrals palette.

Winter Jewel colors are going to work well for a darker, more romantic atmosphere.

Start With Mom

Choose one person to build your outfits around. Usually this is mom but can really be anyone whose outfit has some visual interest (more on that later). As you plan the complete look, refer back to that central outfit as the one that every other outfit needs to coordinate with.

Three watercolor squares in red, green, and yellow with Classic Holiday text overlay.
Three watercolor paint swatches in earth tones with the text Minimal Neutrals.
Three watercolor swatches in blue, red, and green with the text Winter Jewel overlaid.
Collage of various fabric textures in different colors and patterns.

Adding Visual Interest

Visual interest means that your images don't look flat. Instead, they look inviting and full of depth. They look like you could step into them, feel them, smell them, fully exist in their world. 

Texture and layers add dimension to your images and ultimately make them feel more tangible to the viewer.

Texture

Think about items of clothing or fabric that make you look a second time. A chunky fuzzy sweater. A knit blanket made with thick yarn. A burlap table runner. A lace dress. A velvet couch. Linen curtains with sun filtering through. These items all add texture to your photos.

Layers

Layering can be about stacking textures or using patterns alongside solid colors to draw the eye. For Christmas, plaid is a great choice as a layer within your completed family wardrobe. You could add a chunky, neutral sweater over a button up shirt for an elevated men's outfit. 

Lay out the pieces of your outfits together so you can see how they mesh before you finalize your choices!

Below is a great example of layering texture, pattern, and colors together to create a cohesive family wardrobe.

Close-up of four different textured fabrics: blue denim, red plaid, white knit, and red ribbed fabric.
A family of four smiling and posing at a front door, decorated for the holidays.

Putting it All Together

Now that we have some basic building blacks, let's put them all together and create a few family wardrobes!

Green and red knit patterns, a blurred gold light background, and green festive pajamas with holiday motifs.
Three watercolor squares in red, green, and yellow with the text Classic Holiday overlaid.
Family decorating holiday cookies in a bright kitchen, surrounded by festive decorations and ingredients.
Four fabric patterns: floral, solid teal, knitted cream, and red plaid.
Watercolor swatches in blue, red, and green with Winter Jewel text overlay.
A family sitting on a cozy bed with two kids, a cat, and festive decorations in the background.
Collage of various fabrics: teal, green knit, denim, beige, and tan textures.
Overlapping watercolor squares in gold, gray, and beige with the text Minimal Neutrals.
A couple kisses while standing with two smiling children in front of a stone fireplace adorned with decor.
Collage of various textures: black fabric, silver sequins, red velvet, bokeh lights, blue denim, and white knit.
Abstract design featuring square shapes in neutral tones with the text Minimal Neutrals and decorative splatters.
A family with children in festive attire gathers around a Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments.

Get to it my friend!

Now that you are armed with knowledge about putting together the perfect outfits, step out into the holiday season with confidence. Take pictures of your fabulous selves - or just attend your holiday events with style.

And if you want more information about how to dress for pictures, what to expect, or even photography information generally, check out some other blog posts HERE.

Happy dressing!

Woman holding a camera with a signature overlay, promoting photography services in Huntsville, Alabama.

Leave a comment

Leave this field empty
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Submit

0 Comments

Previous Post

Related Posts

A woman in orange pants teaching a dog to stand on hind legs in a grassy park.

Your Complete Guide to Authentic Branding - and Why it Matters to Your Business

November 24, 2025

A family sit together at a Thanksgiving table outdoors.

At-Home Thanksgiving Activities Your Kids Will Love

November 23, 2025

Woman holding decorated golden bell with pine branches and berries; two star wreaths on wall behind her.

Your ULTIMATE Huntsville Holiday Guide: What's Happening in Huntsville this Holiday Season

November 17, 2025

A family of five stand together in an open field. One of the daughters sits on her father's shoulders with her arms stretched out.

How to Take Beautiful Candid Family Photos (and Avoid Meltdowns in the Process)

November 10, 2025

Archive

Go

Stay Connected

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly

View Receipt View Submission
Sign up for our newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly

View Submission
Leave this field empty

EXPLORE

home about blog  

LOOK

portfolio investment photographers  

LEARN

maternity family newborn  

CONTACT

say hello 843-901-9178 huntsville, al  
© Animal House Photography
Crafted by PhotoBiz
CLOSE
Animal House Photography Logo
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
    • MATERNITY SESSION
    • FAMILY SESSION
    • NEWBORN SESSION
  • PORTFOLIO
  • INVESTMENT
  • 2025 Fall Family Sessions in Huntsville Alabama
  • Home for the Holidays
  • BLOG
  • PHOTOGRAPHY MENTORSHIPS
  • CONTACT ME
  • Headshot and Branding Mini Marathon
ABOUT ME
SEE MY WORK
CONTACT ME
PIN