1. Start With a Neutral Base
Neutrals are your best friend in winter. They photograph soft, timeless, and flattering against bare trees, evergreens, or even indoor holiday décor.
Winter-friendly neutrals include:
- Ivory
- Cream
- Oatmeal
- Taupe
- Beige
- Warm gray
- Soft sage
These colors make your photos feel classy and luxe — the perfect Momoire & Co vibe.
2. Add a Pop of Winter Color (Choose One!)
Choosing one accent color helps tie the whole family together without looking matchy-matchy.
Great winter accent colors:
- Burgundy / Merlot
- Forest green
- Burnt orange
- Navy
- Deep chocolate brown
- Dusty rose (for a softer winter look)
Stick to one accent color across the whole family (for example: Dad in a green sweater, toddler in a green bow, mom with a green scarf). It looks intentional and beautiful.
3. Texture is EVERYTHING (Especially in Winter)
Winter photos are all about cozy, touchable textures that bring warmth and visual interest.
My favorite winter textures:
- Chunky knits
- Cashmere
- Cable sweaters
- Corduroy
- Wool coats
- Faux fur
- Linen blends
- Bouclé
Texture adds dimension to your photos, especially when the landscape is more neutral.
4. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Put away the identical red sweaters.
Instead, build outfits like this:
✔ One person in a textured sweater
✔ One person in a simple long-sleeve
✔ One person in a patterned scarf
✔ One person in a neutral coat
You want a cohesive look, not a copy-and-paste uniform.
5. Consider Your Location (It Matters!)
What you wear should complement the background.
For Tree Farms:
- Neutrals + forest green
- Plaid scarves
- Brown or tan boots
- Soft red accents (not bright neon red!)
For Parks or Open Fields:
- Earthy tones
- Ivory + camel
- Rust, brown, olive
- Long flowy dresses with knit cardigans
For In-Home Christmas Sessions:
- Cozy sweaters
- Pajamas (YES these photograph so cute)
- Soft slippers
- Holiday robes
- Matching knits
6. Layer Up (It Looks Beautiful on Camera)
Layers are both practical and aesthetic. They keep you warm while adding depth to your photos.
Try combinations like:
- Sweater + long coat
- Dress + chunky cardigan
- Henley shirt + vest
- Turtle neck under a dress
- Knit cardigan over a romper (for kids)
Layers also give you options without a full outfit change.
7. Dress the kids for Comfort
Toddlers in stiff outfits = chaos.
Choose:
- Soft leggings
- Knit sets
- Rompers with tights
- Warm boots
- Simple headbands or hats
If they’re uncomfortable, it will show in every photo.
8. Shoes Matter (But Not Too Much)
The winter ground can be muddy, uneven, and cold so practical footwear is perfectly acceptable.
Cute shoe choices for winter photos:
- Leather boots
- Ankle boots
- Neutral sneakers
- Brown or black baby booties
Avoid neon soles or light-up shoes unless that’s part of your family personality!
9. What Not to Wear for Winter Photos
To keep your photos clean and timeless, avoid:
- Logos / cartoon prints
- Ultra shiny puffer jackets
- Baseball caps
- Busy plaid on every single person
- Thin or see-through fabrics
- Anything itchy or stiff
When in doubt: simple > busy.
10. Try on the Outfits Ahead of Time
Trust me when I say, the morning of a session is not the time to discover your child’s sweater is itchy or your coat doesn’t close all the way.
Try everything on at least 48 hours before:
- Sit in it
- Lift your kids in it
- Hug your partner in it
- Walk around
If it’s restricting or uncomfortable, reconsider!
Bonus Tip: When in Doubt, Send Me Your Outfits
I LOVE helping my clients with styling. Text me:
- photos of options
- links
- flat lays
- color combos
And I’ll help you pick the most flattering (and toddler-proof) combinations.
Final Thoughts
Winter outfits don’t have to be complicated. The goal is to feel cozy, confident, and connected. The warmer you feel, the more relaxed you’ll look in your photos and the more natural and beautiful your images will be.
If you’re planning winter or Christmas photos this year, I’d love to help bring your vision to life with soft direction, cozy textures, and that warm Momoire & Co glow.
💌 Book your session or browse availability:
