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Writer's pictureCass

How to Style the Perfect Family Holiday Photo Outfit: A Complete Breakdown

The holiday season is right around the corner and that means Family Holiday Photos are sneaking up too! With this being one of the busiest times of year for families the last thing I want my clients worried about is what to wear during their sessions. I have created a breakdown for colours, textures and patterns that they can use to style the perfect outfit for their Holiday Family Photos.


Colours


With all photo sessions the golden rule for colours is to wear neutral colours; which are, but not limited to Cream, Beige, White, Greys (light to dark), Brown, Navy, Camel, Taupe, Olive, Blush and Black. Wearing these colours gives a timeless look to the photos and neutrals tend to look good on everyone. Once the temperature drops I start recommending clients wear Earth Tones over Neutrals!


What are Earth Tones? They are colours that are found like the name says within the Earth aka mainly found in nature. Some colours fall under both Neutral and Earth like Black, Brown, Beige, White and Olive. Colours that I feel are mainly Earth Tones are Blue (light to dark), Red (light to dark), Grass and Moss Green, Burnt and Pumpkin Orange and even some Purples.  Wearing earth tones will also portray a timeless look but go very well with the darker settings of the weather leading into the holiday season.


What about wearing the "true holiday colours" the deep rich reds, greens and blues? Well they are called Jewel tones and when I see them they scream Christmas and Holidays. Just like how Neutral and Earth colours overlap Earth and Jewel tones overlap as well. Jewel tones are what we see in birthstones. Ruby Red, Garnet, Emerald Green, Amethyst (deep Purple),

Pearl, Sapphire and Topaz.


The best tip for outfits is start with a neutral base then add earth or jewel colours to it. The benefit of using a neutral base is that all colour groupings are balanced by neutrals and those colours mix well with others without feeling over powering. Mixing the colour groupings together for outfits will not only create a visually stunning outfit it will also help you portray the feeling you are hoping for whether it be more muted or full out Holly Jolly.




Textures


For outfit textures there are so many to choice from for your photo session. Every texture gives off a different look and feel but the comfort level of you and your family is so much more important than the look!! Please never wear or place your child in a texture that is uncomfortable the comfort level of all those taking part in the session will come throw in the photos.


Textures that are great for holiday sessions are Cotton, Linen, Knits, Wools and Suede. Again focus on the comfort level of the clothing vs the look as if the item is comfortable the more likely you will wear it again or might already own and love.


Textures do not just have to be on shirts, pants or dresses they can also be incorporated throw hats, scarves and foot wear.


Patterns


I feel that many are like me and when they think of patterns for holiday sessions plaid is the go to pattern. Many feel that you cannot mix plaids but I think you can IF you do it in right way!


What is the right way to mix plaids? Use the opposite size and matching colour guides this will make mixing plaids super easy and not look overly busy.


The opposite size guide is just like it sounds for mixing plaids if one plaid pattern is big and the other plaid pattern needs to be small.


The matching colour guide is again very easy to follow when mixing plaids both plaid patters should have one matching colour; two is great but anything more then that I find it to matchy matchy.


These guides do not just apply to mixing plaids but mixing plaids, strips, dots and even florals. (see my daughters headband is a strip but still flows with her outfit as there is both red and white in the strip pattern)


For clothing items with sayings and logos they are cute but they can easily date your photos and can also make them look cheaper so try to stick with non saying or logo items.


I hope this breakdown helps in creating the perfect look for your Family Holiday Photo Session and I cannot wait to see many of you soon!


xoxo

Cass

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