Whether you are taking festive holiday photos or preparing for a party, choosing the right festive holiday outfits for the whole family can be a rewarding experience that utilizes your creativity. But it can also be a stressful task when added to an already long list of things to do. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

1) Matching Pajamas

Many modern clothing stores are carrying matching pajamas for the whole family. The holiday tradition of whole families wearing matching pajamas has gained popularity in recent years, and many people include their pets too. These matching PJs help to make Christmas morning photos look as if they are straight out of a fashion magazine. Besides Christmas morning, you can take fun photos for your Christmas card of everyone in matching pajamas.

2) Traditional Colors

Red and green are classic Christmas colors. Look through your closets for anything in these traditional colors. You might be surprised that you already own many pieces that could be used to create a holiday outfit. If you are celebrating another winter holiday or want to try something different, dress your family in winter colors instead. Look for white, cream, icy blue and silver clothing. This color palette might give you more options from your own closets since these winter colors are neutral and may already be living in your closet. You could even choose to dress in jewel tones such as deep purple, sapphire blue, and ruby red, or add gold and other metallic colors to your outfits.

3) Embroidered Clothing

Embroidered clothing for kids and adults is another way to create fun and festive outfits for the holidays. Embroidered clothing combines elegance with tradition and has a timeless appeal. Many embroidered designs can be customized which not only makes them a great choice for festive matching outfits but a great gift for every member of the family. Having an embroidered design can help elevate an outfit and provide a cohesive look without being overly matching.

4) Formal Attire

Formal attire is another way to coordinate outfits for the whole family. You may already own most of the pieces you will need to create a festive and elegant look. Match red dresses with ruby red neckties or add a green necklace to a black velvet dress. Compliment the look by adding a green bow tie to someone in the family. Even black suits can become more festive by adding a Santa hat or sprig of holly berries to the lapel.

Choosing the right holiday outfits for your family doesn’t have to be stressful. Take into account the individual preferences of each family member and try to choose outfits that will not only allow them a certain amount of personal expression but will allow them to be comfortable, especially if you are planning on wearing the outfits for an extended length of time. Remember that the goal isn’t to impress others, but to create good lasting holiday memories as you celebrate together as a family. At the same time, it is important to consider the environmental footprint of your clothing.