Tips for Styling Holiday Family Photos

Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! The kids are home all week, and we’re so ready to spend some quality downtime together, and take a break from schedules and routines. I’m determined to slow the pace of our holiday, and enjoy the process, as opposed to running around like a crazy lady. Well, the crazy lady part is unavoidable, but hopefully I can limit the running around part. 😉

On my agenda this week is creating our annual Christmas card (Minted is my favorite resource for gorgeous card designs and customer service), and since we just got our family photos back, I’m excited to get started! Today I’m sharing my best tips and ideas for styling and shooting family photos.

Once again, I turned to J.Crew Factory to plan our family outfits (see a few from years past here and here). It’s the easiest spot I’ve found to effortlessly coordinate the entire family, in the styles we each love. The colors and patterns are right up my preppy-loving alley, and the styles are more timeless than trendy. Not to mention, the prices are budget-friendly and they have amazing sales. In fact, everything is 50% off through tomorrow!

Fit Tip: You moms of teenage boys will be thrilled to know J.Crew Factory starts at size 28 waist, and has extra-long inseams! Our son loves their jeans and khaki pants.

Fit Tip: Little Miss is extra-sensitive to fabrics and tags, so we really appreciate the softness and quality of J.Crew Factory’s pieces. She especially loves their long-sleeve tees. 

* Shopping a single store, like J.Crew Factory, makes mixing-and-matching for each family member a lot easier, since the color palettes usually coordinate across departments.

* Choose outfits that reflect each person’s style (even if it’s kitten ears!), and give them a say in what they wear. They’ll be a lot more relaxed if they feel like themselves…or maybe just a cleaner, more stylish version. 😉

* Don’t shy away from pattern, as it adds interest and layers to your photos. To keep us coordinated, I think of the family as one giant outfit, as opposed to four individual ones.

* Lay the outfits out ahead of time, even take a picture to see how they’ll photograph together.

* Keep the looks more classic than trendy, so they don’t become dated when hanging in your home.

* Layering clothes adds texture and dimension to your photos. For instance, add a sweater or jacket for the guys, and accessories and cardigans for the girls. Remember the Rule of Three, and add that extra piece to give each outfit the finishing touch.

* Skip the graphics and characters.

* Have a plan before you drag everyone in, so husbands kids don’t grow weary before you even get started. And remember to stay calm (and flexible!)…your attitude will set the mood for the rest of the family.

* Don’t expect to get the shot in one take…we literally shoot over 100 to capture the right few. And like I tell the kids, ‘The hammier you feel, the better the photo!’

But most importantly, have fun! The idea is to capture your family’s dynamic, not create the ‘perfect photo.’ People will notice the joy on your kid’s faces, not their outfit. And if the whole thing is too overwhelming, just have everyone wear what’s most comfortable, and take the photos in black and white! 

Looking for more inspiration, or just a fun morning out?! I’m thrilled to be hosting a grand-opening event for the new J.Crew Mercantile store at the Shops of Preston Ridge in Frisco! (It’s behind Gloria’s, across from Stonebriar Mall.) Mercantile is essentially the best of J.Crew Factory, but in a shopping center setting, as opposed to an outlet mall. They also carry Mens, Women’s Petite sizing, and Crew Cuts for the kids…all at Factory prices!

I’ll be sharing some darling holiday looks, along with my top picks from this year’s Gift Guide. I’d love to see you, and chat all things cute and preppy while nibbling on breakfast treats, so I hope you’ll stop by and say hi!