What To Wear For Your Christmas Portrait Session in Surrey (2026 Guide)
For Families & Children
Christmas portrait sessions are about more than festive outfits – they are about creating timeless images that feel elegant, warm, and beautifully cohesive for years to come. Choosing what to wear plays a huge role in how your final portraits will look and feel, especially when displayed in your home or used for Christmas cards and gifts.
If you’re booking a Christmas Portrait Session in Surrey or Hampshire, this guide will help you style your family in a way that feels refined and effortless.
Think Coordinated, Not Matching
Aim for coordination through colour and tone rather than exact matches.
Choose a colour palette of 3-4 shades and build each outfit around those tones. This keeps the look harmonious while allowing everyone’s personality to shine through.
Elegant Christmas Colour Palettes
- Deep red, cream, and gold
- Forest green, beige, and ivory
- Navy, grey, and soft white
- Burgundy, charcoal, and champagne
- Winter white with subtle metallic accents
Avoid overly bright or neon shades – they can reflect onto your skin.
Choose Luxurious Textures
Texture photographs beautifully, especially in Christmas Portrait Sessions.
So consider incorporating:
- Cashmere knits
- Wool coats
- Velvet dresses or bows
- Satin ribbons
- Faux fur trims
- Corduroy trousers
- Chunky scarves
- Soft tulle skirts for little ones
These fabrics catch the light in a flattering way.
Keep Patterns Minimal
Subtle patterns can work, but large prints or logos tend to date quickly and pull attention away from faces. Christmas portraits are meant to be timeless, not trend-driven.
If you would like a pattern, go for:
- Small checks
- Fine stripes
- Delicate florals
- Textured knits
Avoid bold graphics, large branding, or novelty Christmas jumpers.
Dress for the Setting
In Surrey and Hampshire, my Christmas sessions take place in styled indoor studio environments or elegant outdoor winter locations.
Indoor Studio Portraits
- Lighter fabrics
- Dresses or smart shirts
- Loafers, ballet flats, or bare feet for younger children
Prioritise Comfort for Children
Children photograph best when they feel comfortable. Choose outfits that allow movement and avoid anything itchy or really tight.
Helpful tips:
- Try outfits on a week before
- Bring a backup top or dress
- Avoid brand-new shoes that haven’t been worn in
- Keep accessories simple
Happy children create natural smiles – and that is far more important!
Accessories: Less Is More
Accessories should enhance your outfit:
Beautiful options include:
- Velvet bows or headbands
- Delicate jewellery for parents
- Neutral hair clips
Avoid large novelty items, flashing lights, or oversized props. The focus should always remain on connection and expression.
Finishing Touches
A polished look doesn’t require heavy makeup.
- Neutral or soft glam makeup
- Fresh haircuts one to two weeks prior
- Tidy nails in neutral shades
- Light powder to reduce shine if needed
For the Dads coming, a neatly trimmed beard or clean shave always looks good.
What to Avoid
Try to avoid:
- Large logos or slogans
- Neon or fluorescent colours
- Busy novelty prints
- Ill-fitting clothing
- Athletic wear or hoodies
- Matching identical outfits head-to-toe
The Goal: Timeless, Not Trendy
Your Christmas portraits will likely be displayed in your home, gifted to family, and revisited every year. Choosing classic clothing ensures the images feel just as great in ten years as they will this Christmas.
Join the waitlist for my 2026 Christmas Portrait Sessions and be the first to secure your spot before they sell out HERE
Follow me on Instagram for the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/photography___by___zoe/
Lots of love
Zoe xxx
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