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Home / Articles / What to Wear for Your Family Christmas Card: Pajamas, Sweaters & More

What to Wear for Your Family Christmas Card: Pajamas, Sweaters & More

October 20, 2025 | 8 min read | Share:
A group of friends wearing coordinated Christmas outfits gathered for a picture.

The holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate being with loved ones. What better way to capture that spirit than with a festive family Christmas card? Whether your tradition leans playful or formal, Lands’ End is your go-to destination for holiday outfits that combine comfort, style and seasonal charm. From cozy matching pajamas to timeless sweaters and picture-perfect dresses, we offer versatile looks that help your family shine in every frame. In this article, we’ll guide you through outfit ideas, styling tips and coordination tricks to make your holiday card stand out on every mantel and fridge.

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Matching Family Pajamas — Cozy & Coordinated

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like matching family Christmas pajamas. Whether you’re going for a playful, relaxed vibe or simply want to capture the warmth of togetherness, Lands’ End offers a wide range of cozy options that make your holiday card both fun and memorable. Choose from soft flannel, plush fleece or festive holiday prints that bring out the season’s spirit.

A family wearing matching red plaid pajamas poses for a picture on the snowy porch of a log cabin.

Coordinating across ages is easy with Lands’ End’s inclusive sizing—from toddlers to adults—so everyone can join in the tradition. Look for styles that feature classic holiday motifs like snowflakes, reindeer or plaid patterns, and consider adding personalized monogramming for an extra-special touch.

Styling Tip: Keep your background simple to place attention on the pajamas. Consider props like mugs of hot cocoa, a cozy blanket or personalized needlepoint stockings to enhance the cozy theme.

Holiday Sleepwear Collection

Classic Holiday Sweaters — Timeless Warmth

For a traditional and heartwarming holiday card, you can’t go wrong with classic sweaters. Lands’ End offers a wide selection of knitwear that blends timeless style with cozy comfort, making it easy to create a polished, coordinated look for the whole family. From rich reds and forest greens to soft neutrals and wintry blues, there’s a color palette to suit every aesthetic.

A man and woman embrace while wearing festive Christmas sweaters.

Layering is key—try pairing sweaters with collared shirts, scarves or festive accessories to add depth and personality to your photo. Whether you choose cable knits, Fair Isle patterns or a simple solid color, Lands’ End sweaters are designed to flatter all ages and body types, with inclusive sizing and premium fabrics that hold up beautifully in photos.

Styling Tip: Choose a unified color theme across the family but mix textures and patterns to keep the look visually interesting without feeling too matchy.

Winter Sweater Collection

Seasonal Dresses & Crisp Pants — Polished & Picture-Perfect

If your holiday card calls for a more formal or elegant look, Lands’ End offers a range of seasonal styles that bring sophistication and charm to your family portraits. For women and girls, consider velvet dresses, knit tops or festive prints that add texture and visual interest. These pieces are designed for comfort and movement while still looking graceful in photos.

Woman facing backward, wearing a red sweater dress with a red satin bow tied in the back, gold bracelets on her wrist.

Men and boys can opt for crisp dress shirts paired with tailored pants or chinos for a clean, classic look. Combine a white or patterned button-down with seasonal colors like deep red, forest green or winter white to tie the family’s outfits together. Adding a sweater like a cardigan or crew neck over a collared dress shirt adds a touch of seasonal sophistication and a warm layer when you step into the biting cold of winter.

Styling Tip: Keep accessories minimal and coordinated. A simple headband, belt, or pair of dress shoes can elevate the look without distracting from the overall theme.

Coordinating the Whole Family — Tips & Tricks

Creating a cohesive look for your family Christmas card doesn’t mean everyone has to match perfectly, it’s all about balance and harmony. Start by choosing a color palette that reflects the mood you want to convey, whether it’s classic holiday hues like red and green, soft winter neutrals, or playful pops of festive color.

Woman facing backward, wearing a red sweater dress with a red satin bow tied in the back, gold bracelets on her wrist.

Mixing patterns and solids can add visual interest without overwhelming the photo. For example, pair plaid pajamas with solid-colored accessories, or combine Fair Isle sweaters with neutral pants. The key is to keep the tones complementary and avoid clashing prints.

Accessories like scarves, headbands and shoes can help tie the look together but keep them minimal to avoid distractions. Most importantly, make sure everyone feels comfortable in what they’re wearing because confidence and ease always shine through in photos.

Styling Tip: Lay out all outfits together before the shoot to ensure they coordinate well. Snap a quick test photo to see how the colors and textures work together on camera.

Photo-Ready Styling Advice

Once your outfits are chosen, it’s time to make sure your family looks polished and picture-perfect for the camera. A few simple styling tips can elevate your holiday card from sweet to stunning.

Hair & Makeup:

Keep hair neat but natural—soft curls, braids, or a simple bun work well for a festive look. For makeup, aim for a clean, fresh finish with a touch of seasonal color like berry lips or a hint of shimmer on the eyes. For kids, keep grooming simple and comfortable.

Backdrop & Lighting:

Choose a backdrop that complements your outfits without clashing. Neutral tones like white, beige, or soft gray work well with bold holiday colors. Natural lighting—especially during golden hour—adds warmth and softness to your photos. If shooting indoors, position near a window or use soft, diffused lighting.

Posing & Atmosphere:

Encourage natural interaction—laughing, hugging, or holding hands—to capture genuine moments. Avoid stiff poses by keeping the mood light and playful. Props like wrapped gifts, mugs of cocoa or twinkling lights can add charm without overwhelming the scene.

Styling Tip:

Do a quick test photo before the shoot to check how colors, textures and lighting work together. This helps you make last-minute adjustments and ensures everyone looks their best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about dressing for Family Christmas Cards.

How do I choose the best location for our Christmas photo shoot?

Select a location that complements your outfits and theme. Cozy indoor settings like your living room or fireplace offer warmth, while outdoor spots like snowy parks or Christmas tree farms provide a festive backdrop. Make sure the location is comfortable for all family members.

What time of day is best for taking Christmas photos?

Golden hour, or shortly after sunrise or before sunset, is ideal for natural lighting that adds warmth and softness to your photos. If shooting indoors, position near windows or use soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows.

How can I make our Christmas photos look more festive?

Incorporate seasonal props like wrapped gifts, mugs of cocoa, twinkling lights or Santa hats. These small touches add personality and holiday spirit without overwhelming the photo.

Should we hire a professional photographer or take the photos ourselves?

Both options work well depending on your budget and comfort level. A professional photographer can help with posing, lighting and editing, while DIY photos offer flexibility and a personal touch. Either way, planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Christmas gifts and Lands' End tote bags overflowing out the back of an SUV parked in front of a snow-covered log cabin.

Holiday Memories Begin at Lands’ End

Your family Christmas card is more than just a photo—it’s a keepsake that captures the spirit of the season and the joy of being together. With Lands’ End, planning the perfect look is simple, stylish and fun. From cozy pajamas to classic sweaters and polished dresswear, our holiday collections offer something for every family and every style.

Start early to ensure the best selection and timely delivery, and don’t forget to add a personal touch with monogramming. Once your photo is ready, share your festive looks on social media and tag Lands’ End—we love seeing how our styles bring warmth and cheer to your holiday memories.

Ready to create your picture-perfect moment? Shop Lands’ End for your family’s festive favorites today.

Lands’ End Holiday Shop