So, we both know the real stress of the season isn’t the gifts, the food, or even the travel. It’s figuring out what everyone should wear for the holiday card photo. I’ve lived this.

I’ve bribed kids, wrangled a reluctant partner, and changed outfits at the last minute because the shirt I loved somehow turned neon on camera. Ever been there? Yeah, I thought so.

If you want your holiday card to look coordinated without feeling like a cookie-cutter Pinterest ad, I’ve got you. I pulled together 19 holiday card family outfit ideas that feel stylish, warm, and totally photo-ready.

And yes, I tossed in a little humor because you probably need a laugh if you’re planning a family photoshoot in cold weather.

Let’s pick your vibe.

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1. Classic Red + Neutrals

Nothing feels more holiday-ready than bold red mixed with soft neutrals. I go for this combo when I crave something timeless but not too formal.

Try:

• Red dresses with beige coats
• Neutral sweaters with red scarves
• Khaki chinos + red sweater

It screams festive without screaming at your eyeballs.

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2. Winter Whites

I love the clean look of winter white outfits. Ever wondered why they look so good? They brighten everyone’s skin tone and feel effortlessly fancy.

Try cream sweaters, off-white coats, and cozy cable knits. It’s basically a snowy dream, minus the frostbite.

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3. Shades of Green

You can’t go wrong with green. Deep emerald, sage, and forest tones make your family photos look cohesive without trying too hard.

Mix:

• Emerald dresses
• Forest sweaters
• Sage accessories

If someone tells you green isn’t festive enough, just smile politely.

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4. Plaid Party

I once dressed my family in matching plaid. My partner claimed we looked like a lumberjack boyband, but we got tons of compliments, so I call that a win.

Try mixing:

• Neutral plaid dresses
• Plaid button-ups
• Solid knits to balance

Bold plaid adds charm faster than you can say peppermint cocoa.

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5. Navy + Gold Accents

Navy feels sleek and fancy. Gold accessories elevate it without turning your pics into a disco. You can thank me later.

Try:

• Navy dresses or sweaters
• Gold earrings, belts, or shoes

Navy photoshoot outfits never fail.

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6. Burgundy + Black

I love burgundy with black because it looks rich and classy. Somewhere between elegant and mysterious.

Try:

• Black jeans + burgundy top
• Burgundy dress + black blazer

IMO, you can’t mess this one up.

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7. Matching Pajamas

Yes, I said it. Matching PJs. Kids love them. Adults tolerate them. Photos end up adorable.

Try:

• Buffalo plaid
• Evergreen prints
• Classic stripes

Trust me. Future you will frame it.

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8. Metallic Highlights

A touch of shimmer adds holiday flair. You don’t need full glitter (unless you’re into that).

Add:

• Metallic skirts
• Silver sweaters
• Shiny accessories

Shine lightly. You’re festive, not a disco ball. Hopefully.

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9. Elegant Black + White

I love the simplicity of black and white outfits. Clean, classy, impossible to mess up. If you ever change your mind about outfit colors last-minute, go here.

Mix:

• Black coats
• White sweaters
• Black denim

Neutral combinations let your faces shine.

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10. Neutral + Leather

This combo looks chic without feeling staged. Leather adds texture and personality.

Try:

• Tan sweater + leather jacket
• Black leather skirt + cream turtleneck

Because you can look cool and coordinated at the same time.

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11. Jewel Tones Mix

Jewel tones like ruby, sapphire, and emerald work beautifully together. They look fancy and vibrant without clashing.

Try:

• Sapphire sweater
• Emerald coat
• Ruby scarf

Stunning every time.

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12. Rustic Browns

Warm, earthy browns give your photos that cozy cabin feel. Who doesn’t love feeling like they belong in a fireplace commercial?

Try:

• Brown boots
• Camel coat
• Chocolate sweaters

Add a mug of cocoa if you want extra charm.

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13. Denim + Knits

If your crew hates dressing up, this combo works perfectly. Denim feels casual. Knits look cozy. Everyone feels comfortable.

Try:

• Blue jeans
• Chunky knits
• Neutral scarves

Comfort first. Smiles later.

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14. Navy + Cream

This palette feels sophisticated but still winter-friendly. I used navy with cream last year, and the photos looked like a holiday magazine cover—minus the models, obviously.

Try:

• Navy sweater
• Cream dress
• Beige scarf

Navy + cream keeps everyone looking polished.

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15. Bold Red Plaid

Red plaid always brings a festive spark. Use it subtly so it doesn’t dominate.

Try:

• One plaid dress
• Plaid ties
• Neutral base layers

Balance matters.

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16. Sweater Weather

Sweaters add instant cozy energy. You can choose muted colors or bold ones—totally up to your vibe.

Consider:

• Cable knits
• Fair Isle patterns
• Soft turtlenecks

You can swap colors easily without losing the look.

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17. Forest + Beige

I love mixing forest green with beige. It feels earthy, calm, and fresh.

Try:

• Forest coat
• Beige knit
• Green scarf

This works outdoors beautifully.

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18. Burgundy + Navy

Burgundy and navy look bold together. These colors photograph beautifully because they’re deep and rich.

Try:

• Navy top
• Burgundy cardigan
• Navy pants

You can mix different textures to keep things interesting.

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19. Casual Cozy Layers

Sometimes you just want to keep it relaxed. Cozy layers look great and let everyone feel comfortable.

Try:

• Layered coats
• Sweaters
• Boots

Comfort > stress. Always.

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Quick Tips for Choosing Holiday Card Outfits

Keep It Comfortable

Kids smile more when they feel comfortable. Adults do too. Tight shoes never make for good photos. I learned that the hard way.

Coordinate Colors

You don’t need everyone in the same shade. Think colors that complement each other. That way, no one looks like they got lost on the way to a different event.

Mind the Background

If you shoot outdoors, consider the scenery. Snow, green trees, or rustic barns work well with bold colors. Indoors? Neutral walls love jewel tones.

Add Texture

Textures like knits, velvet, wool, and leather make your photos feel rich and layered. They add depth without overcomplicating things.

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FAQs

Do We Need to Match?

Nope. You just need to coordinate. Matching can look cute (hello, flannel fam), but coordinating looks more natural.

What About Shoes?

Stick to neutrals or tones that match your outfits. Shoes show up more than you think.

Can We Wear Prints?

Yes. Just keep them subtle so they don’t overpower the picture.

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Final Thoughts

Holiday card family outfits don’t need to stress you out. You can keep things simple, cozy, or glamorous—whatever matches your vibe. The key is to coordinate colors, mix textures, and dress everyone comfortably enough that they’ll actually smile. These 19 holiday card family outfit ideas give you tons of directions to explore, from classic winter whites to bold jewel tones.

At the end of the day, you’re capturing a moment. You’ll remember the laughter, the chaos, and the weird faces someone made between shots. Honestly, those memories beat any perfectly planned photo.