It’s no secret that I LOVE holiday cards. I love getting them. I love sending them. And, possibly most of all, I love getting our family photos done FOR them.
Today, I’m going to share my foolproof way to style your family for those holiday cards. Sure, you could all match, but I prefer an individual look for each person. Otherwise, holiday cards can become a bit one note. And, if you’re also framing these photos and hanging them, it gets a little creepy if your walls are covered in photos of your entire family dressed exclusively white shirts and denim. Most importantly, friends: you have a fabulous wardrobe, so why not share its awesomeness with others.
Step One: Pick Your Style Star
I always choose one person whose look pulls together everyone else’s look and makes it cohesive. Typically there’s a multicolored pattern on their outfit. This year, my daughter was our Style Star, in this cute little dress purchased on Janie and Jack’s website a few months ago (still available and on sale here):
What I love about this look is that it’s special but not too formal (she’s wearing her everyday Native shoes). The dress is cut simply, and the pattern is bold but not overwhelming. It’s a perfect starter look for a cohesive family picture wardrobe.
Step Two: Pull Items That Work with the First Outfit
Next, I work on the rest of the family’s outfits at once. It’s honestly not that different from mixing prints, something I discussed in a prior post, as you’re simply finding a common thread and weaving it through all of the looks. However, in this case, the Style Star look is the common thread that brings it all together. You want all of the subsequent looks to work with it but, also, for each to be individualized.
For my son, I chose a blue and white striped shirt from H&M and a pair of blue pants. Like his sister’s look, it feels put together without being too stuffy:
And, as you can see, it works really well with his sister’s look without feeling matchy-matchy:
Next up, the grown ups. When I picked out Cammie’s dress, I knew I would wear this cute Zara dress I picked up over the summer. It has some intensely ruffled shoulders, which can be overwhelming, but it worked (I hope). Also, some people might shy away from a pattern when the Style Star look is also patterned, but I think it enhances the overall family look, as did the stripes on my son’s shirt.
Next up, the hubs. He’s always picking his outfit 30 minutes before the photographer shows up. I wanted him to wear a plain, long-sleeved white t-shirt and jeans, but he thought he looked to casual next to me, which I can understand. Since he’s basically in head-to-toe neutral, he’s going to match anyone really well, including a 4-year-old boy impersonating a monkey (please ignore my dying fern).
Step Three: Try Everything On (Photograph If Necessary)
It’s important make sure everything works together before the camera starts clicking. I’ve done this enough times that I just bring all of the items together on a bed and try them on to confirm fit. If you’re a little scared of how things will look on camera, then the easiest way to calm your fears is to find somewhere in your house with good lighting and snap a picture of everyone together.
Step Four: Smile!
You’re done. Go forth knowing you and your family look fabulous. Here are a few pictures of the fam together.
For more info on how to design a great holiday card, check out my post from last year.
