Many families take a family portrait every Christmas,either as part of a family tradition,to use as gifts or for family Christmas cards. Deciding what to wear for such an important occasion requires a little bit of thinking,some coordination and a few tips about what will look good in front of the camera.

1. Decide On a Theme

   • Regardless of whether the portrait will hang in your living room or appear on the front of your annual Christmas cards,you will need to decide on a theme for the portrait. Will the photograph be formal? Informal? Seasonal? Funny? Serious? Start with the emotion you wish to convey with the photograph and then decide how you would like your family to appear. With formal portraits,your family will want to wear more formal,somber clothes,such as suits and ties for the men and dresses for the women. Photographs with an informal or seasonal look can have a “dressed down,”more casual feel and will require similar outfits for your family.

   Coordinate Looks

   • The most important consideration for a Christmas family portrait is to look coordinated. Perhaps everyone will wear the same color scheme (red or green,for example),or at least match. The overall goal of a Christmas family portrait is to look like a family —this means making sure that everyone’s outfits coordinate in some way. At a minimum,clothing should not clash. Some families solve the coordination problem by wearing special Christmas sweaters,or having the men’s ties match,or keeping everyone in one particular color.

   Solid Colors are Best

   • When it comes to clothing selection for a Christmas family portrait,solid colors are best. According to the family portrait photographers at Family Affair Photography,avoid aggressive patterns and wildly vibrant colors. Try to minimize the use of the color white,as it tends to add weight to the wearer. Dark colors make the wearer look thinner. Horizontal stripes make a person look wider;vertical stripes can make a person look taller. Be careful with stripes,however,as they may appear perfect to the naked eye but seem too vibrant in a photograph.

   Props,Additions,and Environment

   • Christmas family portraits often include additions such as a family pet,or props such as Christmas trees,stockings,Santa or elf hats,tinsel or musical instruments. Occasionally families will choose to have their Christmas family portrait taken in their home,in a special room that evokes the holiday spirit or a sense of belonging.

   

Now for the most important piece of 411,where to get the goods:

{One}
Dad:Cord Blazer | Old Navy | $50
Mom:Ruffle Trim Jacket | Coldwater Creek | $85
Girl:Bow Coat | Gymboree | $43
Boy:Stripe Half-Zip Sweater | Gymboree | $30

{Two}
Dad:Wool-Blend Barn Jacket | Old Navy | $75
Mom:Long Utility Blazer | Coldwater Creek | $100
Girl:Brooks Brothers Melton Wool Cape | Nordstrom | $125
Boy:Wool Peacoat | Gap | $60

{Three}
Dad:Plectrum Country Wool Blazer | Piperlime | $249
Mom:Wool-Blend Double Breasted Coat | Old Navy | $70
Girl:Corky &Company Plush Swing Coat | Nordstrom | $115
Boy:Fair Isle Half-Zip Sweater | Gymboree | $30

{Four}
Dad:Argyle V-Neck Sweater | Old Navy | $20
Mom:Wool Military Jacket | Coldwater Creek | $130
Girl:Spotty Velvet Coat | Mini Boden | $98
Boy:Denim Jacket | Gap | $30