t’s almost Christmas card season—my absolute favorite time of the year! I love capturing joyful family moments that turn into the photos you’ll send to everyone you love during the holidays.


Each year, I get the same question from clients:

“What should we wear for our Christmas card photos?”

And it’s a great question—especially here in Greenville, South Carolina, where fall temperatures can stay warm well into November.


So, will it look strange to send out a Christmas card where everyone’s wearing short sleeves and lightweight dresses?

The Short Answer: No, It Won’t Look Weird


It’s perfectly fine (and very common!) to wear weather-appropriate clothing, even if it doesn’t scream “winter wonderland.” But if you want your photos to feel a little more festive, there are some simple ways to give them that holiday touch—without overheating in a sweater.

3 Simple Ways to Make Your Christmas Card Photos Look More Festive (Even in Warm Weather)


1. Choose Your Christmas Card Design First


One of my favorite tips: pick your Christmas card design before your photo session.

Knowing what your card will look like ahead of time gives you the chance to:


  • Choose a color palette that coordinates perfectly


  • Match any festive details like borders, patterns, or text


  • Create a more polished and cohesive final product


2. Add Texture to Your Outfits


Even if you're wearing lightweight clothing (hello, South Carolina heat!), you can make your look feel more layered and cozy by adding texture through:


  • Knit headbands or scarves


  • Felt hats or wide-brim fedoras


  • Suede boots or booties


  • Layered jewelry or chunky cardigans for cooler mornings


These subtle touches make it seem like you’re wearing “more” than you actually are, helping the photo feel appropriate for the season without the sweat.


3. Stick with a Neutral Color Palette


If you don’t want to commit to a card design before your shoot, that’s totally fine. Just opt for a neutral color palette instead.


Think:


  • Creams


  • Tans


  • Soft grays


  • Muted greens or browns


Neutrals work well with almost any Christmas card design and help make the photo feel timeless. Plus, it's harder to tell what season the photo was taken in when you use a soft, natural palette.

Outfit Inspiration for Your Family Christmas Card Photos


Here are a few outfit ideas to get you started:


Mom: Flowy cream maxi dress + gold accessories + light brown boots


Dad: Light gray button-down shirt + khaki chinos + brown loafers


Kids: Neutral linen dresses or tan shorts with collared shirts


Bonus: Add a textured blanket or seasonal props (like greenery or berries) for a festive touch


Tip: Coordinating colors always photograph better than matching exactly! Think soft cohesion instead of identical outfits.



Final Thoughts: Dress for the Weather, Not the Calendar


Just because it’s Christmas card season doesn’t mean you have to dress like it’s freezing outside. Embrace the warm Southern fall while adding a few intentional style touches to keep your photos timeless, festive, and uniquely you.


Looking for more tips? Check out my post on How to Style Your Family for a Fall Photoshoot in Greenville, SC