What to wear for your mini session at Olde Church Christmas Tree Farm in Powhatan, Virginia?
There’s something extra special about Christmas tree farm photos. The rows of evergreen trees, the fresh winter air, and the excitement of the holiday season make the perfect setting for capturing your family just as you are.
I’ve put together this guide to help you plan your family’s outfits, coordinate colors, and feel prepared for your upcoming session. My goal is for you to spend less time stressing about what everyone is wearing and more time enjoying these sweet moments together.
Plan Your Outfits Around the Setting
Christmas tree farms naturally provide a beautiful green backdrop, so your outfits can complement the scenery rather than compete with it.
For this location, I love a combination of rich holiday colors, warm neutrals, soft layers, and classic patterns. These choices photograph beautifully against the evergreen trees and keep your images feeling timeless long after the holiday season has passed.
Some of my favorite colors for Christmas tree farm sessions include:
- Classic Christmas: Burgundy, deep red, forest green, cream, and camel.
- Cozy Neutrals: Ivory, oatmeal, chocolate brown, tan, and denim.
- Rustic & Traditional: Navy, cranberry, cream, brown, and subtle plaid.
- Soft & Festive: Dusty rose, cream, warm taupe, and muted burgundy.
- Modern Holiday: Black, ivory, deep green, and dark denim.
You can absolutely incorporate traditional Christmas colors! The trick is balancing them with softer neutrals and natural textures so the overall look feels coordinated rather than overly themed.
Christmas Tree Farm Outfit Color Palettes
Not sure which colors work well together? Start with one palette and build everyone's outfits around it. You don't need to use every color in the palette—two or three main colors with a few complementary neutrals are often plenty.
Palette 1: Classic Christmas
Burgundy • Forest Green • Cream • Denim • Camel
This is a timeless choice for families who want a festive look without going overboard.
Think a burgundy dress for Mom, a cream sweater for Dad, dark denim for the kids, and a forest-green cardigan or plaid layer to tie everything together.
Palette 2: Cozy Winter Neutrals
Ivory • Oatmeal • Chocolate Brown • Tan • Denim
For a softer, more understated look, you can't go wrong with warm neutrals.
Cream sweaters, brown corduroy, tan boots, and classic denim create a cozy, natural feel that complements the trees without competing with them.
Palette 3: Rustic Christmas Plaid
Cranberry • Navy • Cream • Warm Brown • Dark Denim
Plaid is a wonderful way to add a little holiday character. Choose one plaid piece as the starting point, then coordinate everyone else in solid colors pulled from that pattern.
A cranberry plaid shirt paired with a cream sweater, navy, and dark denim creates a classic, relaxed Christmas look.
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Palette 4: Rich & Elegant Holiday
Wine • Burgundy • Plum • Cream • Chocolate Brown
If you love deeper colors, this palette feels rich, polished, and beautiful against the greenery.
Try a wine-colored dress, a chocolate-brown sweater, cream knits, and dark denim. These deeper shades add warmth and dimension while keeping the look sophisticated.
Palette 5: Soft & Romantic Christmas
Dusty Rose • Ivory • Warm Taupe • Muted Burgundy • Brown
This palette is perfect for families who prefer a softer holiday aesthetic.
Flowy dresses, textured sweaters, neutral trousers, and subtle burgundy accents bring a gentle, romantic feel to your photos without losing that cozy Christmas atmosphere.
Palette 6: Modern & Minimal
Black • Ivory • Forest Green • Dark Denim • Camel
For a clean, modern look, keep the palette simple. A black top, ivory sweater, dark jeans, and camel accessories create a balanced combination that feels festive without relying on traditional red.
Styling tip: Choose the palette that feels most like your family. You don't need to buy new clothes to fit a particular color scheme—shop your closets first and build from what you already own.
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Don't Forget Textures and Layers
One of the easiest ways to make your outfits look thoughtfully styled is to mix textures.
Christmas tree farm sessions are especially beautiful with cozy fabrics and layers because they add depth and interest to your photos.
Some favorites include:
- Chunky or cable-knit sweaters.
- Corduroy pants and skirts.
- Soft scarves and cardigans.
- Wool coats and simple jackets.
- Ribbed knit dresses.
- Subtle plaid patterns.
- Denim in complementary washes.
You don't need everyone wearing a different texture, but a little variety helps keep the overall look interesting.
A quick tip about patterns: Plaid can be beautiful for Christmas photos, but try to limit bold patterns to one or two outfits. Pair them with solids so the overall image doesn't feel too busy.
Shoes Matter More Than You Think
Because we'll be outdoors, footwear is worth planning ahead!
Choose shoes that complement your outfits and are comfortable enough for walking on grass and uneven ground. Boots, ankle boots, loafers, and simple sneakers can all work depending on the look you're going for.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Brown or neutral boots pair beautifully with warm holiday palettes.
- Dark boots and shoes work well with navy, black, and denim.
- Make sure children's shoes are comfortable and fit properly.
- Avoid shoes that are difficult to walk in or that you don't want getting dirty.
And don't forget to check those shoes before your session—muddy soles and scuffed footwear can be easy to overlook!
Hair, Makeup, and the Little Details
You don't need professional hair and makeup to look wonderful in your photos. The goal is to feel like yourself, just a little more camera-ready if that's what you prefer.
A few easy things to check before leaving home:
- Make sure everyone's hair is styled how you'd like it.
- Bring a brush or comb for quick touch-ups.
- Check collars, sweater sleeves, and shirt hems.
- Remove distracting items from pockets.
- Coordinate accessories without overdoing them.
- Bring lip balm, especially on cold or windy days.
For makeup, choose whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. A little extra definition can photograph beautifully, but there's no need to do anything outside your normal routine.
Should you bring props?
You can, but you don't have to!
The Christmas trees already provide a beautiful seasonal setting, so simple styling often works best. If you'd like to add something personal, consider:
- A cozy blanket for cuddling together.
- A small wrapped gift.
- A child's favorite holiday book.
- A simple, neutral-colored mug for a cozy lifestyle-inspired moment.
Please check with me before bringing larger props or anything that may be difficult to carry around the farm. We'll keep the focus on your family and the natural beauty of the setting.
Preparing Kids for Your Christmas Tree Farm Session
If you've ever tried to get everyone dressed, out the door, and smiling at the same time, you know that family photos can feel like a lot of moving parts!
My biggest advice? Keep things relaxed.
Here are a few ways to make the experience easier:
- Get outfits ready the night before. Lay everything out, including shoes, socks, and accessories.
- Bring a small snack and water. Just try to avoid messy foods right before photos.
- Dress for the weather. Winter sessions can be chilly, so bring coats and warm layers to wear between photos.
- Give little ones a simple heads-up. Let them know we'll be walking around the trees, playing, and taking a few pictures together.
- Don't stress about perfect smiles. Genuine laughter, cuddles, and little in-between moments are often the most meaningful.
You don't need to make your children perform for the camera. I'll help guide your family and encourage natural interactions so we can capture the connection that makes your family unique.
What to Know Before Your Session at Olde Church Christmas Tree Farm
Our Christmas tree farm sessions will take place at Olde Church Christmas Tree Farm in Powhatan, Virginia. The evergreen trees and open pathways provide a beautiful setting for relaxed, festive portraits.
To help you get the most out of your session, keep these reminders in mind:
- Arrive on time and ready to begin. Mini sessions have a limited time, so arriving late means we may not be able to capture everything you'd hoped for.
- Plan for outdoor conditions. Grass, dirt, and uneven ground are part of the setting. Wear shoes you can comfortably walk in.
- Bring warm layers. Coats are great between photos, especially for children.
- Follow the meeting instructions provided before your session. I'll share the details you need to find our meeting spot.
- Let the moments happen. You don't need to know how to pose or worry about what to do with your hands. I'll guide you throughout the session!
The goal is to make this a fun, memorable experience—not another thing to stress about during the holiday season.
Let's Make Some Christmas Memories!
The holiday season always seems to fly by, and these little seasons of life change so quickly. Christmas tree farm photos are a wonderful way to pause, spend time together, and preserve memories of your family just as it is right now.
Whether you're planning your family's first Christmas tree farm session, updating your holiday cards, or simply wanting beautiful photos to look back on, I can't wait to capture these moments for you.
If you're ready to plan your session, explore available mini session options and booking details below.
See you among the trees! 🎄
-Jayne
