
How to Dress Your Family for Christmas Beyond Matching T-Shirts
It’s that time of year again! Time to plan those holiday family outfits. If you’ve done the matching t-shirt thing a million times or want something a little more special this year, then keep reading! Dressing your family for Christmas can be so much fun, and it doesn’t have to mean everyone looking the same. Cozy sweaters? Plaid? There are tons of options out there to help your crew stand out instead of blend in! Check out these unique ways to style your family for the holidays this season!
Choose a Cohesive Color Theme

Dressing your family for Christmas can be an exciting adventure when it comes to picking a color theme. The idea is to achieve a coordinated look without resorting to those infamous matching t-shirts! Start by picking colors that resonate with the holiday spirit but also infuse a bit of your family’s personality.
For example, you might think about classic combinations like red and green or gold and burgundy if you want something more traditional. However, if you are feeling bold, go for something more unexpected like navy and silver or emerald and blush. The idea here is to keep all the colors in the same family so that they match, but still allow some room for personal expression within those colors.
For instance:
- Dad could wear a deep emerald sweater while mom wears a blush scarf.
- The kids could be dressed in navy outfits with a touch of silver accessories to tie it all together.
You get that picture-perfect ensemble without everyone looking like clones by sticking to one cohesive color scheme. Each family member is stylishly unique but unified in spirit!
|
Color Theme |
Vibe |
Example Family Outfit |
|
Red, Green & Cream |
Classic Holiday |
Dad: plaid shirt + jeans; Mom: red wrap dress; Kids: cream knit sweaters |
|
Navy & Silver |
Modern Chic |
Dad: navy blazer; Mom: silver blouse + jeans; Kids: navy sweaters |
|
Beige & Gold |
Cozy Luxe |
Family in warm beige tones with gold accents |
Mix Textures and Patterns
Using textures and patterns in your family outfits takes holiday style to a whole new level. Textures like velvet, lace, plaid, or herringbone add depth and interest to the clothes. Start with one or two base fabrics. Velvet is a great choice for him and her; it’s warm for winter and looks rich. The littles can also wear something soft in wool or lace to be cute! Patterns are where you can really play around, though try mixing them instead of matching! A plaid skirt with a solid top or a herringbone jacket over an outfit are good places to start.
To make sure these patterns go together well and do not clash:
- Pair one bold pattern with more subdued textures.
- Use color to connect different patterns (for example, a red tartan tie with an equally subtle checked shirt in that color).
Getting the hang of this mix will make everyone in the family look distinct yet stylishly cohesive, setting up for one classy holiday photo!
Pick a Style That Reflects Your Family’s Personality
Choose a style that reflects your family’s personality when it comes to dressing them for Christmas. Here are some fun ideas to consider for your holiday photos.
Cozy & Casual
If your family is into a chill vibe, casual and comfy outfits are the way to go! Soft fabrics, easy fits, and warm layers are just what you need for hanging out and bonding with your loved ones.
Here are some ideas:
- Plaid PJs:Plaid never goes out of style for the holidays, and pajamas can be both festive and practical for a day spent at home.
- Knit Everything:Knit sweaters, hats, and socks create a cozy look that’s perfect for staying warm while being stylish.
- Denim & Layers: Pair casual denim with layers like flannel shirts and puffer vests to keep it simple yet chic.
Festive Sweater Fun
If your family likes to have fun, think about doing a holiday sweater theme! It can be silly or traditional, and everyone can show off their style.
- Ugly Sweater Contest: Have everyone wear the ugliest holiday sweater they can find and have a contest.
- Classic Holiday Sweaters: Go with classy sweaters with snowflakes, reindeer, or the usual holiday colors like red and green.
- Make Your Own Sweaters: Get creative and decorate plain sweaters with holiday designs using fabric paint or sew things on.
Formal & Glamorous
If your family likes to dress up for the holidays, think about going all-out with fancy clothes!
- Nice Dresses & Suits: Ladies could pick out pretty dresses, and guys could wear nice suits or tuxedos. It'll make Christmas feel extra special.
- Shiny Stuff: Jazz things up with sparkly jewelry or bright ties.
- Similar Materials: Try nice materials such as velvet or silk, in matching colors.
Add Personalized and Storytelling Touches
Besides clothing, putting personalized and meaningful touches into your family's Christmas outfits can make it extra special. It shows what makes your family unique and creates a story everyone will remember.
- Embroidered Names or Initials: Put names or initials on each person's outfit to make it a keepsake.
- Family Heritage Symbols: Add patterns or colors that represent your family's background.
- Photo Transfer Shirts: Iron a favorite family picture onto a shirt.
If you mix personal style with custom touches, your family’s Christmas clothes become a way to celebrate what makes your family special anytime!
How to Make Any Outfit More Christmassy
Turning your regular clothes into something super festive is easier than you think! You can make any outfit feel warm and Christmassy with a few easy changes. One great way to add a Christmas vibe is with colors. Go for classic holiday shades like deep reds, rich greens, and snowy whites. Add these colors to your family's outfits with things like scarves, hats, or comfy socks.
Patterns are great too. Think about plaid, stripes, or even tiny Christmas designs like stars or snowflakes. Layering is super useful for festive outfits. Just throw a cardigan or vest over a plain shirt to make it look better right away.
|
Occasion |
Outfit Idea |
|
Christmas Eve Dinner |
Red dress + gold heels |
|
Family Photoshoot |
Color-coordinated sweaters + jeans |
|
Christmas Morning |
Pajamas with matching slippers |
|
Outdoor Event |
Knitwear + boots + scarves |
Also, think about textures! Adding fabrics like velvet, wool, or cashmere can give that warm and classy Christmas feel. And if you want to be bold, add some sparkle or shiny touches with jewelry or even shoes. Oh, and a cute winter-themed pin or brooch is always a good idea! Little things like these can make your outfit go from simple to amazing.
Quick Outfit Coordination Tips (3-Color Rule)
Getting everyone's outfits to look good together can be tough. But don't worry, the 3-Color Rule can help! It's an easy way to make sure everyone looks good without being too similar, so everyone feels comfy and looks great.
Here's how to do it:
- Pick Three Colors: Get three colors that look good together and match what you want. Red, green, and gold are great. You can add a basic color like white or black to even things out.
- Mix It Up:Use these colors in each person's outfit. If someone has a red sweater, they can wear green pants or a scarf. Small things like jewelry can bring everything together without being too obvious.
- Make It Different:Keep the three colors, but make sure everyone's outfit is a bit different to show off their individual style. Maybe one person wears more green, another loves gold, and someone else likes red. The trick is to mix it well.
If you use the 3-Color Rule, your family photos will look amazing, and everyone can still show off their style while keeping with the theme. Have fun being creative and coordinated.
Conclusion
Dressing your family for Christmas can be fun, much more than just getting everyone matching shirts. With a bit of creativity, you can create festive outfits that show off everyone's personality while celebrating.
There are tons of options, from color-matching outfits using Christmas colors to themed outfits based on your favorite holiday movies. Try different materials like velvet and flannel, and add fun accessories like Santa hats or reindeer antlers.
Think about layering clothes for style and to stay warm, especially if you're going outside. Most importantly, let everyone help plan. It's fun to let everyone share their style and ideas.
This Christmas, let's ditch the plain stuff and create unforgettable memories with unique Christmas outfitsthat are as cool as Christmas itself!
FAQs

What is the 3 3 3 rule for outfits?
The 3-3-3 outfit rule is a simple way to handle clothes. Pick 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes for a set time, say a month. This lets you easily create different outfits; your closet stays useful but not too full. It’s a great way to keep everyone in your family looking good over Christmas without making a huge mess of clothes. And, it helps you find new ways to combine what you already own!
How to coordinate outfits without matching?
Want everyone to look good in photos without being twins? Pick a color thing or vibe. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing, try colors and patterns that look good together. Say you pick red and green. One person could wear red stripes, and another green plaid. Scarves, hats, or fun socks can also help tie everyone's look together in a cool way.
What to wear for family Christmas pics?
When you're taking family Christmas pictures, try going for a look that is both classic and says 'holidays.' Layering outfits can make them look better - like a blazer over a sweater, or a vest and long sleeves. You can add things like knit scarves or brooches to give your outfit a personal touch. Try not to wear clothes with big logos or patterns, because they can be distracting. Instead, choose clothes in holiday colors like red, navy, and gold.
Where can I find matching family outfits?
You can grab matching family outfits from lots of places online and in stores. Check out sites like Adorb, Amazon, or stores such as Hanna Andersson and Old Navy for choices. You'll find not just matching PJs but also nicer coordinated dresses and sweaters. Just make sure to look at the size charts and read what other people are saying to get the right fit for everyone.
What is the 3 color rule for outfits?
The three-color rule is an easy tip: stick to three colors in your outfit. This way, things match and don't clash. Say you're having a family Christmas party; you could pick red, white, and silver. Everyone can work those colors into what they wear—shirts, pants, or accessories. You'll all look like you belong together but without being too matchy-matchy.



