Winter Photoshoot Style Guide: How to Dress for Stunning Winter Photos
Winter photoshoots capture the magical beauty of snow-covered landscapes, soft lighting, and the cozy charm of the season. But dressing for a winter photoshoot can be tricky—you want to stay warm while still looking stylish. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect outfits for a winter photoshoot that’s both practical and beautiful.
- Dress in Layers for Warmth
Winter weather can be cold, so layering is key. Not only does it help keep you warm, but layers also add texture and dimension to your outfit, making your photos more visually interesting. Start with base layers like thermal tops or leggings under your clothes, and add:
Chunky knit sweaters or cardigans
Wool coats or down jackets
Scarves, hats, and gloves for added warmth
Layering allows you to mix and match pieces throughout the shoot, giving you different looks while staying comfortable.
- Choose a Winter Color Palette
Winter photos look best when the colors in your outfits contrast with the snowy or neutral background. Deep, rich tones and cool neutrals often work well, including:
Cool tones: Icy blues, silver, charcoal, or grey
Deep tones: Burgundy, navy, emerald green, or plum
Warm neutrals: Cream, camel, tan, or ivory
These colors pop against a winter backdrop while maintaining the seasonal feel. Avoid bright neon colors, which can clash with the natural, serene winter scenery.
- Textures Make the Difference
Winter is the perfect time to play with textures, as they add depth and interest to your outfit, especially in photos where light can highlight fabric details. Opt for:
Wool, cashmere, or knit sweaters
Velvet or corduroy for a rich, warm look
Faux fur details on coats, vests, or scarves
Leather or suede boots and gloves
The textures will enhance the cozy feel of the winter setting, making your outfit look luxurious and season-appropriate.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully
Winter accessories are both functional and stylish. Scarves, hats, and gloves not only keep you warm but also add pops of color and personality to your outfit. Here’s how to choose the right accessories:
Scarves: Opt for oversized, chunky scarves in solid colors or subtle patterns. They can be draped or wrapped around your neck for a cozy, chic look.
Hats: A beanie, wide-brimmed hat, or faux fur trapper hat can add style while keeping you warm. Choose neutral or complementing colors to avoid clashing.
Gloves: Leather or knit gloves can finish off your look while keeping your hands toasty.
Avoid too many bold patterns on accessories so they don’t detract from your face or the main outfit.
- Choose Warm, Stylish Footwear
Footwear is a critical part of your winter photoshoot outfit, especially if you’ll be standing in snow or walking through wintery terrain. Here’s how to choose the right shoes:
Opt for ankle or knee-high boots in leather, suede, or waterproof materials
Choose neutral or classic colors like black, brown, or grey
Add cozy socks that peek out above your boots for an extra wintery touch
Consider faux fur-lined or shearling boots for both warmth and style
Make sure your shoes are both comfortable and practical for the location, as you might be walking through snow or uneven ground.
- Coordinate, Don’t Match, for Group or Family Photos
If you’re planning a family or group winter photoshoot, aim for coordinated outfits rather than matching ones. Stick to a cohesive color palette that blends well with the winter landscape. For example:
Choose a base color, like navy, grey, or cream, and mix it with accent colors like burgundy or forest green.
Vary the textures and layers among family members while keeping the colors consistent.
Ensure everyone’s outerwear complements each other without being identical.
This way, your outfits will look polished and coordinated without being too uniform or over-the-top.
- Go for Timeless and Classic Pieces
Winter photoshoots often feel timeless, so consider wearing classic pieces that won’t go out of style. Long wool coats, structured jackets, and well-fitted sweaters create a refined, elegant look. Stick with pieces that you’ll still love years from now when looking back on the photos. Simplicity often makes the most impact, especially when paired with a stunning winter landscape.
- Add Pops of Color or Patterns
If you want to add some personality to your winter photoshoot, consider introducing subtle patterns or pops of color:
A plaid scarf or coat can add a fun, festive touch without overwhelming the look.
Jewel-toned sweaters or jackets provide a bold pop of color against snowy white backgrounds.
Small details like red lips, colorful gloves, or bright beanies can inject some vibrancy into an otherwise neutral outfit.
Keep patterns simple and limited to one or two items to avoid overpowering the rest of the look.
- Opt for Practical, Stylish Outerwear
Your outerwear will likely be a focal point of your winter photos, so choose something stylish and flattering. A well-tailored coat can pull the entire look together. Popular options for winter photoshoots include:
Long wool coats in camel, grey, or navy
Quilted jackets or puffer coats in neutral colors
Trench coats or pea coats for a more structured, polished look
Faux fur coats for a touch of luxury and drama
Your outerwear should keep you warm while complementing the rest of your outfit.
- Hair and Makeup Tips
Winter conditions can affect your hair and makeup, so it’s important to prepare accordingly:
Hair: Keep hair sleek and simple, as wind and moisture can make loose hairstyles unruly. Consider a half-up style, braids, or tucking your hair into a hat or scarf. Use anti-frizz products if you’re prone to static or flyaways.
Makeup: Winter light can be soft and diffused, so opt for slightly bolder makeup. Consider a rosy blush to add warmth, a slightly darker lip color, and defined eyes. Bring makeup for touch-ups, especially lipstick and powder to control shine.
Outfit Ideas Based on Photoshoot Type
For Family Photoshoots:
Dress the family in complementary colors and layers. For example, parents could wear darker shades like navy or charcoal, while children wear lighter tones like cream or blush.
Add scarves, hats, and mittens for a cozy, playful look.
For Couple Photoshoots:
Couples can coordinate by wearing complementary colors and styles. One could wear a long coat and scarf, while the other wears a knit sweater and boots.
Keep the look soft and romantic with neutral tones and layers like wool coats or plaid scarves.
For Senior Photoshoots:
Seniors can showcase their personality by choosing a sleek coat or jacket and adding pops of color with a scarf or hat.
Layer with a sweater or turtleneck for a polished yet casual look.
Conclusion
Dressing for a winter photoshoot is all about balancing warmth, style, and comfort. By choosing cozy layers, sticking to rich or neutral tones, and incorporating thoughtful accessories, you’ll look both stylish and comfortable in your winter photos. Whether you’re shooting in a snowy forest, a wintery park, or an urban setting, these tips will help you create timeless images that you’ll cherish for years to come.