I’m delighted that you’ll be joining us for the 2025 Santa Experience!

Choosing clothing for your children is often the most stressful part of the entire portrait making process for parents, and we’re here to help make the process easy and streamlined for you this holiday season! Here are some general guidelines that will be helpful as you put together your children’s outfits:

• Keep the palette soft and neutral. Santa’s suit is bright and bold, so neutrals photograph beautifully alongside him without competing for attention. Creams, ivories, soft grays, and muted greens all pair seamlessly.
• Keep the palette limited to 1-2 colors. You don’t want too many colors that will compete with the large amount of red that will be in your photos.
• Avoid red clothing. While it may feel festive, too much red blends into Santa’s suit and causes children to disappear into the background.
• Use color with intention. If you’d like to add bolder color or pattern, let one child be the focal point while the rest wear quieter tones. For example: a daughter in a green velvet dress, a son in a cream sweater with dark green pants, and a baby in a cream romper with a green bow. Everyone coordinates without matching and the color isn’t overwhelming.
• Avoid jeans. Denim tends to the first thing you see in a portrait. Instead, choose khakis, wool trousers, or corduroys for boys and dresses or rompers for girls.
• Incorporate texture. Velvet, knits, lace, and corduroy add richness and dimension to your portraits, sometimes even more effectively than color. Layering different textures creates depth while keeping the palette simple.
• Steer clear of logos and text. Bold graphics are distracting in photos and can date your portraits. Simple, timeless pieces always photograph best.
• Pajamas are welcome. If you’d like a more relaxed and playful feel, luxe PJs are an adorable way to keep things casual. Classic plaid or piped cotton pajamas work especially well and still feel polished in portraits.
• Think of the whole picture. Hair bows, tights, dress shoes, or even simply going barefoot all help complete the look. Small details like these make your portraits feel finished and intentional.

These are my favorite places to purchase children’s clothing from:

Hope & Henry

Zara

H&M

Jamie Kay

Joyfolie

Ivy City Co

Janie & Jack

The Blueberry Hill

Maisonette

Rylee & Cru

Nora Lee

Bear Hollow Kids

Petite Plum (Classic PJs)

Burts Bees (Fun PJs)

Kyte Baby (Matching PJs)

Happy shopping!