What to Wear at Your Winter Family Session

Planning winter family photos in Winston-Salem, North Carolina? Choosing outfits for the whole family can feel like a lot, but I promise it doesn’t have to be complicated!

As a Winston-Salem family photographer, I want your session to feel relaxed, personal, and true to your family’s story. The right outfits help your photos feel cohesive and timeless without making everyone look overly coordinated or dressed up.

I’ve created a Winter Session Style Guide with more detailed tips, outfit inspiration, and ideas for coordinating the whole family. Whether we’re taking photos in Winston-Salem, exploring a favorite outdoor location in the Piedmont Triad, or capturing your family in another beautiful spot nearby, these tips will help you feel prepared and confident.

And remember, I’m always happy to look at outfit options and offer a second opinion!

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Family Photo Outfits

Where should I start when choosing outfits?

Start with Mom’s outfit and build everyone else’s around it. Once you’ve chosen something you love, it’s much easier to pull together complementary colors, textures, and styles for the rest of the family.

For example, if Mom wears a flowy light blue dress, Dad might wear a navy-and-white shirt with khakis, while the kids wear soft neutrals or complementary shades of blue.

The biggest tip? Choose outfits that coordinate rather than match exactly. This creates a natural, timeless look for your Winston-Salem family photos.

What colors look best for winter family photos in North Carolina?

Winter in the Winston-Salem area often brings muted browns, evergreen foliage, and softer natural colors. Neutrals are always a beautiful choice, but winter is also a great time to incorporate richer colors that stand out against the landscape.

Colors I love:

• Cream, ivory, and beige
• Light taupe and muted earth tones
• Emerald green and deep blue
• Ruby red and other rich jewel tones
• Gold and warm, complementary accents

Colors to use sparingly:

• Neon or very bright colors
• Black, which can hide clothing details and feel visually heavy
• Stark white, which can be harsh in certain lighting

These are guidelines, not hard rules! If black is part of your signature style, we can absolutely work with it.

Should our outfits match?

Not exactly! Coordinating outfits create a more natural, timeless look than having everyone wear the same solid color.

Instead, choose two or three complementary colors and repeat them throughout everyone’s outfits. Mixing shades, textures, and subtle patterns adds interest while keeping the overall look cohesive.

What patterns and fabrics photograph best?

I love outfits with texture! They add visual interest without distracting from your family’s faces and interactions.

Fabrics and textures to look for:

• Cozy knits and sweaters
• Lace and tulle
• Linen and soft, flowing fabrics
• Layered pieces with natural movement

Subtle patterns work beautifully, too. Think a soft floral paired with solid colors rather than several competing prints.

Try to avoid busy patterns, thin stripes, buffalo check, tiny plaids, large graphics, and stiff or overly stretchy fabrics that don’t move naturally.

What should Mom wear for family photos?

Long, flowy dresses and skirts photograph beautifully, but pants are absolutely welcome if that’s more your style!

A few ideas to consider:

• Midi or maxi dresses and skirts
• Soft, flowing fabrics with movement
• A statement necklace, hat, or favorite pair of shoes
• Layers such as cardigans, wraps, or jackets

Professional hair and makeup are never required. If you choose to have them done, they can help your look hold up through a chilly or breezy session. Clean, neutral nails are also a lovely finishing touch.

Most importantly, choose something you feel comfortable and confident wearing.

What should Dad wear?

Think classic, comfortable, and a little layered.

Some great options include:

• Fitted trousers or chinos
• A collared shirt with a sweater or vest
• A blazer or sports coat for a dressier look
• Brown leather shoes and a coordinating belt
• Simple accessories such as a watch, tie, or suspenders

Try to avoid athletic wear, large logos, graphic tees, and bright white socks that may stand out in photos. Sunglasses and ball caps are best left behind unless they’re an intentional part of your look.

What should the kids wear?

Your children don’t have to look overly formal! I simply recommend choosing pieces that feel a little more polished than everyday play clothes.

Some favorites include:

• Khakis, trousers, skirts, and simple dresses
• Cozy sweaters, henleys, and collared shirts
• Whimsical dresses and soft, neutral tops
• Layers that can be added or removed as needed
• Graphic tees, character prints, large logos, and neon colors can pull attention away from those sweet faces we’re here to capture.

Comfort matters, too. Choose clothes your kids can move and play in without constantly adjusting them.

What shoes should we wear?

Neutral shoes and brown leather footwear are wonderful choices. Boots are especially practical for winter family photography in Winston-Salem because they’re stylish and comfortable for walking outdoors.

Feel free to bring a comfortable pair for walking and dressier shoes for photos if needed. Just remember that bright or contrasting shoes can draw the eye, so consider how they fit into the overall outfit.

What if it’s really cold during our winter session?

We’ll plan for it! North Carolina winter weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your best friend during outdoor family photos.

A few helpful ideas:

• Wear warm undershirts, leggings beneath dresses, and cozy socks.
• Bring sweaters, vests, jackets, and wraps.
• Keep coats on for many photos, removing them only when everyone is comfortable.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes and warm layers for between photos.

I’ll bring hand warmers and have a place to set coats aside when we take them off. We’ll keep things moving and take warming breaks as needed.

A warm drink waiting in the car afterward is never a bad idea, either!

Winter sessions can be wonderfully cozy, and you don’t have to freeze just to get beautiful photos.

Where can I shop for family photo outfits?

I’ve created an Amazon inspiration list to help you get started.

A few other shops worth browsing include:

• Joyfolie
• Baltic Born
• Reclamation Dress Co.
• Free People
• J.Crew
• LOFT
• Banana Republic

For children’s clothing, I also love McCalls, a local shop.

If you’re ordering online, try to shop early! Many pieces take around two weeks to arrive, and you’ll want enough time to try everything on and make sure you love it.

Can you help us coordinate our outfits?

Absolutely! When trying to figure out what to wear at your winter family session, it can get frustrating real fast. That’s why I always include style guidance in my sessions. Most of my clients send me photos of the outfits they’re considering, and I’m always happy to help coordinate colors or offer a second opinion.

You can also browse my Instagram for inspiration. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out. You don’t have to figure it all out alone!

Ready for Your Winter Family Photos?

These suggestions are here to guide you, not overwhelm you. Your family doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s, and you don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe for your session.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, look like yourselves, and enjoy being together.

As your Winston-Salem family photographer, my goal is to capture the connections, personalities, and little moments that make your family yours.

Your photos will be meaningful because your family is in them. I’ll take care of the rest!

Love, Erin Photography Co.

Faith-centered family, maternity, and newborn photography in Winston-Salem, NC, and surrounding areas.