What They Wore: Holiday Mini Style Guide

You’ve booked your holiday mini—yay! Now, the real question: what on earth should everyone wear?

Let’s talk wardrobe! This isn’t just about looking “nice.” This is about creating memories that elevate your style by playing with texture, color, and basic fashion guidelines. So here are my favorite tips for pulling together your family’s looks like a total pro.

Texture Is Key

Layered knits, waffle cottons, denim, velvet, tulle—you name it. Texture photographs beautifully and adds visual interest and depth without screaming for attention. Find ways to incorporate texture it could be the fabric, or a ruffle, fringe, layering different fabric shirts, etc. It makes everything more interesting and fun 🙂

Monochromatic? Commit Or Go Home.

If you’re going Amy Winehouse- I go back to black, go all in—black shoes, black jeans, black shirts. No random brown boots. No white sneakers. Head to toe, same tone, or don’t bother. Harsh? Maybe. Worth it? Always.

I’m kidding… sort of. I LOVE an all exact same dramatic look. Black? White? Brown etc.

Monochromatic doesn’t always mean everyone in the exact same shirt or exact same color exactly…. It means staying within a monochromatic color family—like different tones of brown, or various shades of blue. For example, a mix of cream, tan, caramel, rust, and dark brown still totally counts. It’s all in the same family. In fact, that variation adds interest and depth in photos. So don’t feel like you need to match perfectly—just stay in the spectrum but commit still shoes & all…

Monochromatic w/ One Pop Of Alternate Color

If you love the look of a cohesive color family but want to add a little something extra—this one’s for you.

Start with a monochromatic base: everyone in shades from the same color family (like all browns—think cream, tan, rust, chocolate). Then, intentionally add one pop of an alternate color. Maybe it’s a bold shoe, a scarf, a hat, a textured belt, or a patterned piece with just a hint of contrast. Most people add that color as a neutral – black brown cream etc.

The key is to make it look intentional, not accidental. All in navy and denim with a pop of rust or mustard? We love that. Just make sure the pop doesn’t compete—let it elevate the palette, not fight it.

This technique works best when one person brings in the pop, or it applies to the same element (below it’s the shoes) and the rest stay within the monochromatic family. That way it still feels clean and cohesive, but with just enough personality to stand out.

It’s a great option if you want to keep things timeless but still bring in a bit of a twist. Plus finding colorful shoes for the whole family can be a challenge so let it be the shoe lol.

Love Color? Try the 60/30/10 Rule

It’s an interior design trick that works magic in wardrobe. 60% of your palette should be your main tone (like forest greens), 30% your secondary (maybe navy blues), and 10% as accents (like brown boots or gold jewelry). Want something simpler? Try an 80/20 split instead.

Patterns Are Your Friend

Mix them in with solids. Plaid, florals, subtle stripes—YES. Just balance it. If one person’s in plaid, let another wear a solid in the same palette. Bonus points for mixing in multiple patterns thoughtfully!

Mixed Colors That Just Work

Not every family needs to follow strict color formulas—and honestly, some of my favorite sessions are when people just lean into a vibe.

Think: colors that feel harmonious, not necessarily matching. If you’re going for a boho vibe, that could mean mixing warm earthy tones—terracotta, olive, dusty rose, cream, mustard, denim. It’s not one color family, but the tones play well together. They’re soft, rich, and feel like they belong in the same visual mood board.

Or maybe you’re more trendy and cool-toned—pairing slate blues, grays, muted greens, and soft whites. Again, not the same color, but the palette feels curated and modern.

The trick?
Tone over exact color
Softness or boldness should be consistent
Use textures and layers to tie it all together

This approach works best when you’re going for a lifestyle, editorial, or more relaxed look. It’s also great if you’re pulling from clothes you already own but still want that elevated feel.

So don’t stress if you’re not a “matchy-matchy” family. You can mix colors and still look totally cohesive—just stay within the same vibe.

Need Help?

Hire my fave stylist Risa Kostis (www.risakostis.com). She does virtual hourly consults -She’s magic.

These tips are your foundation, not a box. Rules can bend. Some of my favorite sessions are when families lean into their own vibe—like that boho desert crew who went full eclectic. So be intentional, be stylish, and most importantly—be you.

What They Wore: Holiday Mini Style Guide

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