Matching Christmas and Holiday Outfits Your Family Won’t Hate

Whether you want to go full-on matchy-matchy like you’re an extra in that Elf mall scene or add just a subtle hint of coordination to your holiday photos, you can pull off matching holiday and Christmas outfits without inducing eye rolls from your family members. This holiday season, you could pick iconic matching PJs in your favorite pattern, or you could get creative with these fun ideas that are camera-ready for all your holiday events, from a festive dinner to just hanging out opening presents.

How to create matching holiday and Christmas outfits — without being all matchy-matchy

Where to start when you don’t want to do the white shirts and blue jeans for yet another year? Pick two coordinating colors (like red and white or silver and blue) to dress the family in. Mix tops and bottoms in those colors. 

When shopping for the kids, especially, look for multi-seasonal pieces that can be worn for more than just the photos, like a glossy skirt that can be winterized with tights, or paired with a summer tee and sunnies in the warmer months. 

Think common color palettes but choose clothes in a variety of styles to showcase everyone’s personalities.

Mommy and me outfits in coordinating colors

Feeling fancy? Try going for the same pop-of-color to coordinate the palette of your matching outfits. Here, mom and daughter are in shades of cream and white with a bright pop of red. Let nostalgic holiday icons inspire your look. Channel your inner Mary Hatch from It’s a Wonderful Life with a pleated skirt and ruched sleeves. For an unexpected and fun way to dress the kids, look for a Peter Pan collar — a classic for girls, but also a look that’s having a moment for boys, too. 

Stay Neutral

Take out the guess work and have the family follow a tight color palette with one main color. Neutral tones are a good idea for a photo shoot to keep the focus on your cute faces and festive scenery. Here, the family goes with a creamy oatmeal in a variety of textures. A touch of denim breaks up the monotony and adds comfort.

Most pieces come in neutral colors so you can dress up or dress down and still look coordinated. Neutrals are inherently timeless, so you can wear them season after season, year after year. For holiday photos, mix up the textures of each family members’ pieces like quilted jackets, chunky knit sweaters, and cozy cardigans. Pick something that really showcases each family member’s personality and style.

In the Red

Want to “twin” with your daughter but still be able to keep up with her? We love a colorful pant that you can move in and matches your daughter’s sweet frock. Dress up those slacks with a sweater and some fun earrings or get festive and wear some garland!

For the little ones, we love an of-the-moment twee look. It’s a bit of 60s vintage, with a touch of 90s, all put together for a sweet classic look, ready for any Christmas gathering. A cool collared A-line dress is so 60s. Make it “Y2K” by pairing with tights in an unexpected color and some patent leather Mary Jane shoes. And for that extra touch of holiday magic, give the little queen a crown.

The Kids Are All Right… Not Matching

Another option is to let the family express themselves individually but sneak in some subtle coordination for that holiday photo win, like your tween’s jeans to your youngest one’s dress. Or match red footwear for the fam! It’s okay (and super cool!) to make up your own holiday color palette. For this look, have the fam wear whatever their hearts desire. Happiness is the spirit of the holiday, anyway. 

Pro-tip: Match your wrapping paper with your wardrobe for a fun pop of color. 

Just Go For It: Matching Family Holiday Pajamas for the All-Day Lounging Win!

If you prefer the matchy-matchy look, go all-in with matching pajama sets in the holiday-related pattern of your choice. Whether you’re a plaid-loving family or into festive prints, cozy holiday pajamas for the family are a classic tradition for many on that special winter morning. 

Whichever look you choose, remember that comfort is key. Now get on out there and own this holiday season!

Additional reporting by Blanca-Angela Martinez