Once your Christmas session is on the calendar, outfit planning usually becomes the next thing on your mind.

I completely understand! Finding Christmas photo outfits that everyone feels comfortable in can feel like one more thing to add to an already busy holiday season. Between school events, decorating the house, shopping for gifts, and everything else on your to-do list, figuring out outfits isn’t always easy.

The good news is it doesn’t have to be stressful.

After photographing so many families over the years, I’ve learned that the best Christmas photo outfits aren’t necessarily the fanciest or most expensive ones, they’re the ones that help your family feel comfortable, confident, and connected. When everyone feels like themselves, it shows in your photos.

If you’re getting ready for a Santa session or holiday family photos this year, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite places to shop right here in the Minneapolis area, along with a few styling tips that will help your photos feel timeless for years to come.

A Quick Note From Me

Hi, I’m Ashley, the face behind Yantes Photo! As a Minneapolis family photographer, I strive to help families feel prepared long before they step in front of my camera, and outfit planning is a big part of that.

If you’re still looking for a holiday session or want to book a family session this season, I’d love to chat!

Why Your Christmas Photo Outfits Matter

Your clothing helps tell the story of your family. It sets the overall feeling of your photos without taking attention away from the people in them, and when everything works together, your family’s connection naturally becomes the focus.

When you choose Christmas photo outfits that coordinate well, your images get that classic Christmas feel, instead of just being trendy. Years from now, you’ll still love displaying them in your home or pulling them out when decorating for Christmas.

Picking outfits for photos isn’t necessarily about everyone being in the same shade of red or having matching pants, it’s choosing outfits that work together while letting everyone’s personality shine.

The outfits are only part of the magic! If you’re thinking about booking a Santa session this year, I’d love for you to read Holiday Memories That Last: Why Professional Santa Photos Are a Must. I share why these sessions mean so much to me, what makes them so special for little ones, and how they become keepsakes that families treasure year after year.

What Colors Photograph Best for Christmas Sessions?

Christmas doesn’t always have to mean bright red sweaters and matching pajamas.

Some of my favorite holiday galleries include a mix of soft, classic colors that complement each other beautifully.

Some holiday color combinations I love include:

• Cream, ivory, and oatmeal
• Forest green and evergreen
• Burgundy and deep wine
• Warm camel and tan
• Soft plaid accents
• Dusty blue or navy
• Rich browns and neutral textures

Adding texture through knit sweaters, velvet dresses, corduroy, or wool layers creates interest and adds personality without overwhelming your photos.

I also recommend choosing one person’s outfit first (usually mom’s), then building everyone else’s look around it. This makes coordinating Christmas photo outfits much easier than trying to match everyone exactly.

The Best Boutiques to Shop for Christmas Photo Outfits in Minneapolis

One of the best things about living in the Twin Cities is that there are so many great places to shop, whether you’re looking for boutique pieces or affordable family outfits.

Statement Boutique offers on-trend clothing at prices that feel much more approachable than many higher-end boutiques. It’s a great place to find cozy sweaters, dresses, and layering pieces that photograph beautifully for Christmas sessions.

Proper Minneapolis offers stylish pieces without spending a fortune. They carry fun seasonal styles alongside everyday basics that can easily become part of your family’s Christmas photo outfits.

Pacifier offers beautiful baby clothing, cozy knitwear, and timeless pieces that photograph wonderfully for Christmas sessions. Whether you’re dressing a newborn or an active toddler (up to 18m), you’ll find options that feel sweet without being overdone.

Goodnight Moon Kids stocks beautiful dresses, cozy sweaters, festive rompers, and outfits that look just as lovely in photographs as they do in person. If you’re searching for children’s holiday clothing with a classic feel, Goodnight Moon Kids is another wonderful stop.

Affordable Stores for Coordinating Christmas Looks

You absolutely don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on Christmas photo outfits.

Some of my favorite family outfits have come from everyday stores like:

• Target
• Old Navy
• Gap
• Carter’s
• H&M
• Nordstrom Rack
• Zara

For dads, I usually recommend starting with any of the above recommended stores. They all have great sweaters, flannels, chinos, and layering pieces that photograph beautifully without spending a fortune

The biggest tip I can give you is to shop early, because holiday collections tend to sell quickly, especially children’s sizes.

Where to Find Baby and Toddler Christmas Outfits

Over the years of taking family photos, I can confidently recommend that choosing softer fabrics and comfortable styles is always best for little ones. 

When you’re shopping for Christmas photo outfits for babies and toddlers, comfort should always come first. Happy kids make for happy photos, and a soft knit sweater or cozy dress will almost always photograph better than something stiff or itchy that needs constant adjusting.

Pacifier and Goodnight Moon Kids always have beautiful timeless outfits, while the larger more well known stores like Gap, Carter’s, and Target will also have countless comfortable and picture perfect options for all sizes of children. 

Do try to avoid buying outfits that are too big “to grow into.” Clothing that fits well photographs much better, and you’ll spend less time adjusting sleeves, pant legs, and collars during your session.

Tips for Coordinating (Without Matching Exactly)

A big misconception about family photos is that everyone needs to wear the exact same colors.

Instead of matching, I always encourage families to coordinate.

Think about creating a color palette rather than identical outfits. Choose three or four colors that work well together, then let each family member wear something a little different within that palette.

For example, you might combine:

• Cream
• Forest green
• Camel
• Burgundy
• Soft plaid accents

This creates depth and interest while keeping your photos cohesive.

I also recommend mixing textures throughout your family’s Christmas photo outfits. Knit sweaters, velvet dresses, wool coats, corduroy, lace, and denim all add visual interest without making the photo feel busy.

When planning your outfits, try to:

• Dress mom first, then coordinate everyone else around her outfit.
• Avoid putting everyone in the exact same shirt or sweater.
• Add layers like cardigans, scarves, or jackets if the weather allows.
• Choose shoes that complement the outfit instead of drawing attention away from it.
• Lay everyone’s outfits out together before your session to make sure the colors work well together.

Most importantly, choose clothing that feels like your family. You don’t need to dress like someone else just because you saw it on Pinterest.

Ready for your Santa session? If you’re wondering what to expect on session day, be sure to read here for everything you need to know before you arrive.

What to Avoid Wearing for Christmas Photos

Just as there are colors and styles that photograph beautifully, there are a few things I’d recommend leaving at home.

Try to avoid:

• Large logos or brand names.
• Neon colors.
• Busy patterns that compete with one another.
• Athletic shoes (unless they fit the overall style).
• Clothing that wrinkles very easily.
• Everyone wearing the exact same color from head to toe.

When you’re planning Christmas photo outfits, remember that simple typically photographs better than complicated. Classic pieces allow your family’s connection to be the focus, and that’s what you’ll treasure most years from now.

Last-Minute Tips Before Your Santa Session

If your session is only a few days away, don’t panic!

Here are a few things you can do to make sure everything is ready:

• Try on every outfit a few days before your session.
• Steam or iron clothing ahead of time.
• Remove store tags and stickers.
• Pack an extra outfit for little ones, just in case.
• Bring a lint roller if you’re wearing darker clothing.
• Don’t forget neutral socks for children if they’ll be taking shoes off.
• Make sure everyone’s shoes are clean.

The more prepared you are before your session, the more relaxed you’ll feel when you arrive, and your kids will pick up on that relaxed energy too.

Want a behind-the-scenes look? Come say hi on Instagram! I have a dedicated Santa highlight where you can see behind-the-scenes moments, little ones meeting Santa, and all the sweet holiday magic that makes these sessions so special.

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A post shared by Ashley | Minneapolis Family & Newborn Photographer (@yantesphoto)

Bringing Your Christmas Photo Outfits Together

Choosing Christmas photo outfits doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little planning and a few trusted places to shop, you can create a look that feels beautiful, comfortable, and true to your family.

Remember, you don’t have to buy an entirely new wardrobe. Start with one outfit you love, then build everyone else’s look around it. You might be surprised how many pieces you already have in your closet that work beautifully together.

If you’re still unsure about what to wear, I’m always happy to help my families narrow down outfit choices before their session. Sometimes all it takes is sending me a few photos of your options, and together we can create Christmas photo outfits that photograph beautifully and help everyone feel confident.

If you’re ready to plan your holiday photos, I’d love to be part of your family’s Christmas memories this year. Whether you’re joining me for a Santa Experience or a family session, I can’t wait to capture the genuine smiles, cozy snuggles, and little moments you’ll treasure for years to come. And join my newsletter to keep up to date with everything!