Have a winter-themed family photo shoot coming up and feeling lost on what everyone will wear in the cold weather? This blog post will give you a clear direction to go with your outfit planning!
Simplify planning your winter photo session outfits by using one of four simple “themes” to pull together everyone’s outfits: (1) Cozy Neutrals, (2) Neutrals + Bold Jewel Tones, (3) Plaid Accents, & (4) Whites, Silvers, and Blues. We’ll explain each one and provide visuals in this blog post.
First: Download Your FREE Family Photo Session Planner Printable
Winter Photos Outfit Theme #1: Cozy Neutrals
Neutral Color Options:
Neutrals are a no-fail option. They’re timeless, won’t clash, and let everyone’s personality shine without competing with bright colors.
Plus, they’ll look just as good on your walls in five years as they do now.
Maybe Dad’s in a chunky knit sweater, Mom’s layered in a soft scarf, and the kids have wool hats that make you want to squish their cheeks.
This look works beautifully with white snow or pine trees as a backdrop.
Wondering where to buy these items? Old Navy is a wonderful resource and almost all examples on this blog post are from there. Even if the shopping links below are sold out, simply search for items like these (Sweater Dress, Men’s Sweatshirt, Boy’s Boots) etc on the Old Navy website and you’ll find what you need!
Winter Photos Outfit Theme #2: Neutrals + Jewel Tones
If neutral colors feel too safe, rich colors like jewel tones are a great choice! Think forest green, deep sapphire, mulberry, or rich ruby red—colors that stand out against a backdrop of neutral pieces.
Picture Mom in a sweater dress with a red scarf, Dad in a forest green sweater and vest, and the kids in ruby sweaters or colorful hats (bonus points for matching mittens).
Jewel tones add visual interest and pop against white snow, creating a vibrant look for your winter family pictures.
Winter Photos Outfit Theme #3: Plaid Accents
Plaid in winter just feels right, doesn’t it? It’s cozy and adds visual interest without overwhelming the whole family.
Not everyone needs to be wearing plaid–it will just accent a backdrop of neutrals.
- Start with neutral tones for everyone
- Add plaid flannel shirts or scarves on a couple of family members. Make sure the plaid pieces don’t clash with each other. An easy print to go with is Buffalo Check.
- A step further is to take the colors in the plaid and have family members wear pieces in that color to further pull everything together.
Whether you’re at a tree farm or wandering through streets lined with twinkling lights, plaid is a great way to stay festive while keeping your family’s outfits cohesive.
Plus, it’ll never look dated.
Winter Photos Outfit Theme #4: Whites, Silvers, and Blues
For a magical, frosty vibe, go for a palette of whites, silvers, and blues. These winter weather tones feel serene and timeless, especially with a snowy backdrop.
Think Mom in a cozy light blue sweater layered with a silver scarf, Dad in a sleek gray coat, and the kids in different shades of white with blue—maybe a cute knit hat or scarf for extra warmth. Mixing textures is key: wool, velvet, faux fur, sequins, or metallics for that frosted effect.
This is the perfect time to embrace icy tones for a winter family photo shoot that feels both elegant and effortless.
It’s subtle, timeless, and adds just the right amount of sparkle to your photos.
Video Overview of What to Wear for Winter Family Photos Outdoors
Layering Tips for Winter Photoshoots
Layering is essential for staying warm during an outdoor photo session and creating visible layers that add depth to your photos.
- Start with Basics: A neutral turtleneck or long-sleeve tee is a good idea as a base.
- Add Dimension: Combine different textures like wool, denim, and cashmere for extra warmth and style.
- Stick to a Palette: Choose main colors like earthy tones or neutral colors with one or two accent shades.
- Incorporate Outerwear: A winter coats like classic camel coats can tie everything together.
The best part? Layers give you flexibility. Take off a scarf, open a jacket—suddenly you’ve got variety in your photos without needing a full outfit change.
Accessorizing Ideas for Family Photos in Winter
The right accessories can bring your family’s outfits to life:
- Hats and Scarves: A patterned scarf or bold knit hat adds personality while keeping everyone cozy.
- Boots: Practical for winter months, ankle or knee-high boots are a great way to complete your look.
- Subtle Coordination: Similar scarves or hats on two family members can create a cohesive look without being too matchy.
Accessories are the easiest way to elevate your next photoshoot while keeping the whole family warm and stylish.
We hope you enjoyed these family photoshoot outfit ideas for outdoors in the winter! Which one do you think you’ll go with? Let us know in the comments!
Related Reading:
- What to Wear for Family Photos (General Tips!)