Sometimes it seems like the most common question we get over the phone is, “What do you suggest they wear?”
So we started asking other Moms (who recently had their portrait sessions & holiday cards done) about their favorite places to shop for outfits, and came up with 10 whole looks created by real moms, from real Portrait Simple sessions–from princess to pajamas–that are sure to inspire and get you pumped for this year’s Christmas card!
1. All Dolled Up
Nothing turns heads like a little Princess–or two, or three, or four…. The classic holiday dress never fails to provoke “oohs” and “ahh”s. A bow for the hair is the cherry on top!
Get the look: Holiday Dress by Sophie Rose at Khol’s
Get the look: Pink plaid dress from Gymboree
Blue Silk Tulle dress from Janie and Jack
Get the look: Dress by Bonnie Jean at JCPenney
(available online here)
2. Dapper Dudes
Boys can get dressed up too! These spiffy looks are sure to make Grandma swoon.
Get the look: Steve Harvey Boy’s Vest Set from JCPenney
Get the look: Argyle sweater, stripe shirt & twill cap at Gymboree
Get the look: Argyle vest & plaid shirt at Dillard’s
Get the look: Plaid blazer at Saige Nicole’s
3. Kickin’ It in Kindergarden
Casual is cute! These simple, relaxed looks are more laid back but still adorable in portraits.
Get the look: Color plaid shirts at Quicksilver, classic Chuck’s by Converse
Get the look: Pink sweater dress from Marshall’s
Gray sweater dress from GapKids
Get the look: Boys striped shirt at The Children’s Place
Get the look: argyle sweater dress at Gymboree (available online here)
4. Baby, it’s Cold Outside
A lot of people don’t even consider outerwear for portraits, but what better way to represent the season than dressing up for winter? These looks are fun and comfy for your little snow angels.
Get the look: Knit earflap hat from Polyvore or AE at Kaboodle
Get the look: Fair Isle Sweater Dress and matching hat at Gymboree
Get the look: Winter vest by Gymboree (available online here)
White fur boots by Old Navy
Get the look: Lime green puffer vest & orange jacket by Gymboree (available online here & here)
5. Comfy & Cozy
The “Christmas morning” look is always a big crowd-pleaser, and it makes for a fun and relaxed holiday portrait session.
Get the look: Santa pajamas by Carter’s (available online here)
Get the look: Pajamas by GapKids
Get the look: Plaid pajama set by Calvin Klein Kids at Macy’s, Santa Hat and shaving cream provided by the studio
Get the look: Hooded Cocoon Cardigan by BabyGap (available online here)
Get the look: Custom baby Long-Johns by Personal Creations
6. Disco Darling
You can tone it down, but still bring the holiday magic with outfits that are simple yet sparkly like these.
Get the look: Black sequin dress by Gap (available online here)
Get the look: I Heart SantaTee & Chloe Skort at Neiman Marcus
7. Second Grade Stunna
If you’re feeling funky and you want your card to be the talk of the season, try one of these fun looks!
Get the look: tank top at Hanes, Wool Newsboy cap at Janie and Jack, gold chain and bracelet at any jewelry store
Get the look: Faux leather jacket at Target
8. Tutu Too Cute
It’s never a bad time for tutus, and our huge collection of holiday card designs will go with any outfit.. so if you want to go girly, might as well go all out!
Get the look: We have baby tutus available in the studio, but to get your own, try My Baby Rocks, PrettyTutu.com, shabbybebe, or etsy. Use that pearl necklace in your jewelry box or costume jewelry from Claire’s.
9. Baby BoHo
The folky look has been around for a while, and it looks like it’s here to stay!
Get the look: Smocked baby top from Old Navy, leather boots at Baby Gap
Get the look: blue robe from The Tea Collection
Get the look: Denim dress by Gap (exact dress available online here), pink floral top at Carter’s
Get the look: White pintuck top at Ralph Lauren, kid’s cowboy boots at Zappos.com
10. Santa-Style
..and we make a full circle, coming back to the most holiday-themed look of all: Santa’s Helpers!
Get the look: Santa Dress by Bonnie Jean at Macy’s
Get the look: Baby Santa Suit at Target
Coordinating your Cuties
You may be thinking, “These are adorable, but how can I get all my kids to match?” Here are a few ideas:
Simple Solids: Solid colors are always safe in portraits, and you can find matching items easily. You don’t necessarily have to match tops with tops–as seen above, matching one top with the other’s bottom can look dynamic and still unified.
One word: jeans. It’s just as easy as it sounds, and denim seems to go with everything: black/white tops (as shown above), colored polos, plaid shirts, sweaters…you name it!
Toying with texture: It’s okay to mix textures (and even patterns), if you stay within in the same color family and general style.
Personal props: Finally, if you have older kids and you’re looking for something different, personal items can be a cute portrait accent and bring out their personalities.
Now you’ve got plenty of options, so enjoy putting together your family’s look of the year. Most of all, don’t stress! The best thing they can wear is a smile. The more relaxed you are, the more your kids will be when it comes time for their portraits.
Don’t forget: Non-holiday attire can still be dressed up for the season by adding our selection of photo accents–each studio supplies Santa Hats, scarves, gift boxes, snowflakes, and other fun items to add more variety to your portraits. Examples can be seen in in our holiday gallery at our main website: www.portraitsimple.com.