What to Wear for Christmas Studio Minis in Jacksonville, FL (St. Johns • St. Augustine, Florida)
If you’ve booked (or you’re thinking about booking) a Christmas mini session in my Jacksonville studio, you’re probably asking the same question everyone asks first: what do we wear?
Below is a gentle, practical guide for North Florida families — from Jacksonville, St. Johns, St. Augustine to Palm Coast — so you look coordinated, feel comfortable, and love your photos for years.
A few simple rules that always work
- Keep it simple. Solid colors or very soft, small patterns photograph best.
- Coordinate, don’t match. Choose a palette and let everyone wear different shades/textures within it.
- Comfort first (especially for kids). If it pinches, scratches, or rides up at home, it will do it in the studio.
- Skip big logos, neon, and heavy graphics. They compete with faces and the holiday set.
- Think in textures: knit, velvet, tweed, chiffon, ribbed cotton, satin—these add “depth” without busy prints.
Color palettes that flatter my light, airy Christmas set
Pick one palette and stay within it. That alone makes a huge difference.
Emerald • Cream • Soft Gold
Elegant and classic. Great for dresses/velvet and cream knits.
Wine • Champagne • Warm Gray
Romantic, timeless, and perfect for holiday cards.
Classic Red • Forest Green • White
Festive, timeless, and full of holiday spirit. Perfect for traditional Christmas Minis — plaid, velvet, and cozy knits never fail
Sage • Beige • Chocolate
Earthy and cozy for a relaxed family vibe.
Cream • Beige • Soft Blush
Warm and dreamy neutrals. Elegant and natural, these tones create a soft, light-filled look that feels effortlessly sophisticated.
Black • Taupe • Ivory
Modern and chic. A stylish twist on minimalism that photographs beautifully — especially in neutral or studio settings.
Outfit ideas by person
Mom (or the person who loves to dress up)
Midi dress in velvet or satin, a soft knit set, or an ivory blouse with a flowing skirt. Delicate jewelry beats anything chunky.
Dad/Partner
Chinos or tailored trousers + knit or button-down in the palette. Suede or leather shoes photograph more “finished” than sneakers.
Kids
Soft knits, sweater dresses, corduroy, tiny bows/suspenders. Test shoes ahead of time. If little ones hate shoes—clean socks are perfectly fine for the studio.
Babies
Simple romper, knit onesie, or soft dress with tights. Avoid stiff collars and scratchy lace.
Pajamas? Yes, if that’s your vibe!
Matching holiday PJs are adorable for a playful set of frames. Choose neutral or classic plaid (cream, wine, forest) and keep socks clean. We can do a quick “cozy on the couch” look and then switch to a dressier outfit if you want both moods.
Hair, makeup, and little details
Soft curls or a smooth blowout photograph beautifully.
Natural glam makeup with defined lashes keeps you fresh under studio lights.
Bring clear lip balm, a small comb, and baby wipes.
Empty pockets. Remove smartwatches. Check nails (neutral or classic red always wins).
Accessories & layers
Use them to add interest without clutter:
- One statement per person (a bow, a velvet headband, a scarf, or a textured blazer).
- Tights for little girls, knee-high socks for a vintage touch, simple belts for structure.
- If you wear glasses, consider bringing a non-glare pair.
What to avoid with a light studio set
- Busy holiday sweaters with huge graphics (one “fun” piece is fine—just not on everyone).
- Shiny, reflective fabrics head-to-toe.
- Ultra-wrinkly linen.
- Five different reds in the same family photo—choose one red and keep others neutral.
Quick coordination formula (works every time)
- Pick your palette (three colors: a base, a secondary, and a small accent).
- Dress the person who’s most particular first.
- Build everyone else around that outfit with different textures and shades from the same palette.
- Lay everything on a bed together. If one piece screams for attention, swap it.
Day-of checklist (20-min Christmas Minis)
- Outfits ready: Dress before you leave (no time to change during minis)
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Arrive early: Add extra time for traffic/parking, be at the studio 5–10 min before your slot. We may start a bit earlier if possible; otherwise we begin right on time.
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Kids prepped: Well-rested + fed. Bring a small bottle/sippy. Simple, non-messy snacks; wet wipes + a small towel.
- Keep it light: Parents set the vibe—come relaxed, upbeat, maybe play a favorite song on the way.
That’s it—simple, smooth, and all about happy faces 😊
For my North Florida families
My studio is in Jacksonville, close to I-95 (easy from St. Johns and St. Augustine) with parking right by the door. It’s climate-controlled, so you won’t overheat in winter layers—feel free to style the look you love without worrying about the weather.
Did you know on Pinterest you can tap any dress, accessory, or shoe and it will pull similar items on Amazon and other sites? I love this feature and share it with my clients so styling is fun and easy. Here’s my Pinterest board for even more ideas!
Ready to book or need eyes on your outfits?
You’re welcome to send me quick phone snaps of your clothing choices—I’m happy to confirm what will photograph best on my Christmas set.
