🎄 What to Wear for your Christmas Mini Sessions in Pittsburgh, PA

Every year as I plan my own family photos, I find myself wondering what everyone should wear. I usually end up finding my dress first, and then styling my boys in coordinating outfits! These days, majority of my shopping is done online (and let's be real, it's either during nap time or late at night when the rest of my family is asleep). Finding the right outfits makes a big difference in how your photos look — polished, timeless, and festive without being too matchy-matchy.

I loved wearing this festive dress for our Christmas card photo in 2022

Here are my best tips for styling your family for a Christmas mini session in Pittsburgh, plus outfit inspiration for mom, dad, boys, and girls. All of the items I have included come from my tried and true favorite retailers for family photo outfits!

👗 General Styling Tips for Christmas Photos

• One person in a pattern, everyone else in neutrals. A plaid dress on mom or a little girl is perfect. The rest of the family should wear coordinating neutrals (tan, gray, cream, off-white, sage green). Avoiding black gives photos a lighter and brighter look.

• Add pops of holiday color. Bring in green or red through sweaters, dresses, or accessories.

• Mix textures, not prints. Think cable-knit sweaters, velvet pants, and metallic skirts — cozy, classic, and elegant.

• Coordinate, don’t match. Everyone in the same color shirt looks forced. Instead, choose colors in the same palette.

• Choose your vibe:

  • Pajamas: Cozy and fun, perfect for kids!

  • Dressy: Great for families who want elevated holiday card photos.

  • Cute Casual: A polished but relaxed option that works for everyone.

    
    

👨 For Men

Keep dad’s look classic and simple so it complements, not competes. Stick with solid sweaters, polos, or textured knits.

• Sweater Polo – J.Crew Factory

• Green Sweater – Madewell

• Tan Polo – Madewell

• ABC Trouser – Lululemon (my husband owns these in several colors!)

💡 Tip: Shop men’s holiday staples at Madewell or J.Crew Factory.

👩 For Women

This is a great place to incorporate color or pattern! A plaid dress, a metallic skirt, or a bold Christmas red photograph beautifully.

• Navy Plaid Flutter Sleeve Dress – Red Dress

• Red Crepe Kenzo Dress – Tuckernuck

• Metallic Pleated Skirt – Anthropologie

• Red Plaid Puff Sleeve Dress – Red Dress

💡 Tip: Shop elevated mom-friendly holiday looks at Red Dress or Tuckernuck.

👧 For Girls

Dresses with bow details, velvet, or subtle prints are perfect.

• White Jacquard-Weave Dress – H&M

• Green Holiday Bow Dress – Janie & Jack

• Polka Dot Dress – H&M

💡 Tip: Shop holiday kids’ clothing at Janie and Jack or H&M.

👦 For Boys

Keep it simple: neutral sweaters + festive pants.

• Tan Sweater – H&M

• Green Velvet Pants – Janie & Jack

• Cream Sweater – H&M

💡 Tip: Shop holiday kids’ clothing at Janie and Jack or H&M

💤 Pajama Options

If you want a cozy, playful look — matching pajamas make for adorable Christmas photos!

• Red Plaid Pajamas – Little Sleepies

• Tan Plaid Pajamas – Old Navy

• Navy Plaid Pajamas - Petite Plum

✨ Final Thoughts

The most important thing is that your family feels comfortable and confident. Choose one patterned piece (usually mom or daughter), keep everyone else in neutrals with cozy textures, and sprinkle in red or green for a festive touch.

With the right wardrobe, your Christmas mini session photos will look polished, timeless, and ready for holiday cards or prints.

👉 Ready to book your Christmas mini session in Pittsburgh, PA? Click here to reserve your spot before they’re gone!