Winter in Maine has a beauty all its own. Snow-covered evergreens, quiet wooded trails, golden fields, and cozy holiday settings create some of my favorite backdrops for photographs. But figuring out what to wear for winter photos can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you're trying to coordinate outfits for the whole family!
The good news? You don't need perfectly matching outfits or an entirely new wardrobe to look beautiful in your photos.
The secret is choosing colors that complement your surroundings, mixing textures that add dimension, and finding pieces that feel comfortable and true to you. I've put together this winter outfit guide to help you plan for everything from snowy outdoor sessions to cozy indoor holiday portraits.
Start with your surroundings and backdrop
Before choosing outfits, one of the most important things to consider is where your photos will take place.
Colors can photograph very differently depending on the environment. A soft ivory sweater might look beautiful against dark evergreens but blend into a snowy landscape. Similarly, warm browns and tans can look gorgeous in a cozy indoor setting but disappear against Maine's bare winter woods.
This doesn't mean you need to avoid certain colors. It's all about creating the right amount of contrast.
I generally recommend choosing a mix of light, medium, and dark tones. This adds depth to your photographs while keeping everyone's outfits visually connected.
And remember, these palettes aren't strict rules! Think of them as inspiration to help you find colors and combinations you love. Let's break this down by the different photo locations and environments you could possibly have a session in, so you know exactly what to wear!
For wooded winter sessions – Go with evergreen and espresso
There's something timeless about deep greens, warm browns, and earthy neutrals. This palette is one of my favorites for Maine's wooded landscapes, especially during those in-between winter months when the trees are bare, and there isn't much snow.
Colors to consider: Deep evergreen, espresso brown, mushroom, oatmeal, and muted brass.
Why these colors work
Winter woods tend to have many muted brown, gray, and green tones. Rich evergreen and espresso feel connected to the landscape, while lighter shades like oatmeal and mushroom help them stand out against darker trees.
The key is contrast. If your location is filled with brown leaves and bare trees, dressing everyone in medium brown can make your outfits blend into the background.
Instead, pair darker pieces with lighter neutrals to create a balanced look.
Outfit combinations I love
- An evergreen sweater with oatmeal trousers and brown leather boots.
- A deep teal vest layered over an oatmeal knit with dark denim.
- An espresso and cream plaid shirt paired with warm brass or camel-colored pants.
- A mushroom-colored sweater with dark brown trousers and a textured scarf.
Textures to try
Chunky cable-knit sweaters, corduroy, wool coats, suede boots, and soft flannel all work beautifully together. I especially love pairing a chunky knit with something smoother, like corduroy pants or a structured wool coat. The different textures create visual interest without needing bold patterns.
My photography tip: Against snow, burgundy and forest green photograph beautifully because of their contrast with the white landscape. If someone is wearing ivory, try pairing it with darker pants, a coat, or accessories to keep the outfit from blending into the background.
For snowy winter portraits – Classic Christmas
Classic Christmas colors against freshly fallen snow never go out of style.
Rich burgundy, deep forest green, and warm neutrals create a festive look without feeling overly themed. This palette is especially beautiful for outdoor winter sessions, whether we're photographing your family in a snowy field, among evergreens, or strolling through a decorated downtown.
Colors to consider: Burgundy, forest green, ivory, camel, and charcoal.
Why these colors work
Snow creates a bright, mostly neutral background, letting richer colors like burgundy and forest green stand out.
Burgundy adds warmth, forest green creates a natural connection to the surrounding evergreens, and ivory softens the overall palette. Camel brings in another warm, earthy tone, while charcoal adds depth without the stark contrast of solid black.
The important thing is balance.
Instead of dressing everyone in red and green, I recommend choosing one or two richer colors as focal points and incorporating neutrals throughout the rest of the outfits.
This keeps your photos feeling festive while still looking natural and timeless.
Outfit combinations I love
- A burgundy knit dress paired with brown leather boots and a camel coat.
- A forest green blouse with an ivory or camel skirt.
- A charcoal sweater paired with camel trousers.
- A cream and camel plaid shirt with dark trousers.
- A burgundy sweater with charcoal pants and neutral accessories.
Textures to try
Cable-knit sweaters, wool coats, ribbed knits, flannel, and soft scarves all work beautifully together.
I especially love combining a chunky sweater with something smoother, like a flowing skirt or structured trousers.
Plaid can also be a wonderful addition to this palette, particularly when it incorporates a few of the colors you're already using.
Just try to limit bold patterns to one or two outfits, so they don't compete for attention.
My photography tip: Burgundy and forest green photograph beautifully against snow because they contrast with the white landscape. If someone is wearing ivory, try pairing it with darker pants, a coat, or accessories to keep the outfit from blending into the background.
For studio sessions – Soft, elegant colors winter berry
There's something timeless about deep greens, warm browns, and earthy neutrals. This palette is one of my favorites for Maine's wooded landscapes, especially during those in-between winter months when the trees are bare, and there isn't much snow.
Colors to consider: Plum, dusty rose, blush, gold, and champagne.
Why these colors work
Indoor photography environments often have more visual elements than outdoor settings, including furniture, decorations, textured backdrops, and different lighting.
A coordinated palette helps keep your outfit from competing with everything around you. Plum provides a rich, darker anchor, while dusty rose and blush add softer colors that complement each other. Gold and champagne help warm the palette and create a beautiful connection to common holiday studio elements like candles, warm wood, greenery, and twinkling lights.
The result is a mix of light and dark tones that feels cohesive without everyone wearing the same shade.
One thing to consider is your studio's backdrop. If the setting already includes a lot of pink, mauve, or burgundy, incorporating more champagne and gold can help create separation.
Outfit combinations I love
- A dusty rose velvet dress paired with neutral shoes.
- A plum sweater with champagne-colored trousers.
- A blush knit with a cream or champagne skirt.
- A gold satin blouse paired with neutral trousers.
- A champagne sweater with darker plum or charcoal pants.
Textures to try
This is one of my favorite palettes for playing with texture! Velvet, satin, soft wool, delicate knits, and subtle ribbed fabrics complement one another beautifully.
For example, a dusty rose velvet dress creates a soft, rich texture, while a gold satin blouse adds a little sheen. Pair those pieces with matte knitwear or structured trousers to keep everything balanced.
Avoid dressing everyone in shiny fabrics. A little contrast between matte and reflective materials creates a much more interesting look.
My photography tip: Studio lighting can affect how different fabrics photograph. Satin and other glossy materials reflect light more strongly, while velvet and knitwear tend to absorb or diffuse it. Combining the two can add beautiful dimension, but I generally recommend keeping highly reflective pieces to a minimum.
How to coordinate outfits without matching
One of the most common questions I get before family sessions is, "Does everyone need to match?" Absolutely not!
In fact, I generally recommend coordinating rather than matching. Start by choosing one of the palettes above and select three to five colors that work well together. You don't necessarily need to use every color in the palette. Then spread those colors across everyone's outfits.
For example, if you're using Evergreen & Espresso, one person might wear a deep teal skirt with an oat sweater, another an espresso patterned knit with brass-colored pants, and another a mushroom sweater. Everything feels connected without looking identical.
A few things I recommend keeping in mind:
- Mix light and dark tones. This creates contrast and helps everyone stand out.
- Balance patterns with solids. If one person wears plaid or a patterned sweater, keep most of the remaining outfits simple.
- Vary your textures. Combining knits, wool, cotton, velvet, and other fabrics adds interest without needing more colors.
- Consider the whole group. Lay everyone's outfits together before your session to see how the colors and patterns work as a collection.
- Coordinate, don't duplicate. You don't need everyone wearing the exact same shade of green or the same style of sweater.
The goal is to look like you belong together, not like you're all wearing a uniform!
A few final tips before your winter session
Dress for the weather. Maine winters can be unpredictable, and being cold will show in your expressions! Choose warm layers, comfortable boots, and outerwear that you genuinely love. For outdoor sessions, your coats may end up in your photographs, so consider how they coordinate with your outfits.
Think about movement. Choose clothing that allows you to walk, sit, pick up your children, and interact naturally. Some of my favorite images happen between posed moments, and you'll enjoy your session much more if you're comfortable.
Avoid distracting logos and graphics. Large logos, bold lettering, and neon colors tend to draw attention away from faces and expressions. Solid colors and subtle patterns usually work better.
Pay attention to your shoes. Footwear matters, especially for full-length portraits! Leather boots, neutral ankle boots, and simple winter shoes often work beautifully. For snowy sessions, warmth and traction should always come first.
Lay everything out together. Before your session, arrange everyone's outfits side by side. This is the easiest way to spot an outfit that's too similar, a color that feels out of place, or a pattern that's competing with another.
Coordinate with your photographer. Every photographer has a slightly different shooting and editing style, and certain colors, patterns, and textures may complement their work better than others. For example, a photographer who favors light, airy images might recommend softer, more muted tones, while someone with a darker, moodier style may gravitate toward richer colors and deeper contrasts.
Your photographer also knows how different colors will photograph in your chosen location and lighting. Don't hesitate to ask for guidance or send over a few outfit options before your session! A little planning together can make a big difference in creating the look you're hoping for.
Most importantly, wear something that feels like you. The best outfits aren't necessarily the trendiest or most expensive. They're the ones that help you feel comfortable, confident, and present with the people you love.
Ready for your winter photos?
Whether you're dreaming of snowy family portraits, a cozy holiday session, or a quiet winter engagement shoot, I'd love to help you create photographs that feel natural, meaningful, and true to you.
And if you're struggling to decide what to wear, don't hesitate to reach out! I'm always happy to help you narrow down colors, compare outfits, or choose a palette that works with your location.
Want to book a session with us, or ask a question? Let's chat!
