There's a moment every December when you look at the calendar and realise the family Christmas photo still hasn't happened. Then comes the real question: what is everyone going to wear?
In Australia, Christmas photos come with a twist. It's thirty degrees, the kids are sticky with sunscreen, and the velvet and tartan you see in every northern-hemisphere Pinterest board would have everyone melting before the first shot. Here's how to plan family photo outfits that look beautiful, feel comfortable and actually suit a summer Christmas.
1. Go all in on matching
The family photos you'll treasure most are the ones where everyone is wearing the same print: mum and the girls in matching dresses, dad and the boys in matching linens, and nan and grandad joining in too. It's joyful, it's a little bit nostalgic, and it makes a photo you'll want framed on the wall for years.
Our Paradiso collection was designed for exactly this. The same hand-painted print runs across women's maxi dresses, little girls' dresses, kids' linen sets, and a unisex adults' linen shirt and shorts, so the whole family can match from the littlest to grandad.
As seen on @thebarbieblank
2. Choose natural fabrics for the heat
Synthetic fabrics trap heat and crease badly in photos. Linen and cotton breathe, move beautifully in a breeze and photograph with a soft, natural texture.
Every Paradiso piece is made from natural-fibre blends: linen-cotton for the dresses, and a linen and Tencel® blend for the kids' set. They're lightweight and lined where it counts, so they stay comfortable through a long session (and the inevitable bribery-with-snacks break).
3. Pick a palette that suits your location
Think about where you're shooting before you choose your colours:
- Beach or harbour: soft blues and greens echo the water and sky. Paradiso's ocean-inspired motifs in green and blue tones were made for a coastal backdrop.
- Backyard or garden: greens tie in with the foliage, and a touch of red picks up the Christmas feel. The Solenne dress has red ric rac trim for exactly that festive pop.
- At home by the tree: keep it soft and light so the tree and decorations stay the hero.
4. Dress the kids for movement
The best candid shots happen when kids are running, spinning and being themselves. Avoid anything scratchy, tight or fussy.
- The Solenne Linen Dress has a gathered waist made for twirling, an open back to let the breeze in and a zip at the back for easy dressing.
- The Kids Linen Set pairs a collared button-up shirt with shorts that have an elastic waist, drawstring and real pockets (for collecting shells, obviously).
5. Give mum something she feels amazing in
Mum is often behind the camera all year. In the family photo, she deserves to feel her best. The Maya Maxi Dress is fully lined, with an adjustable tie back and crisp white ric rac trim that elongates the silhouette. It photographs beautifully walking along the sand or sitting with a little one in her lap.
6. Match dad, the boys and grandad
The boys get to match too. The Adults Linen Shirt and Adults Linen Shorts are unisex, with a structured collar, relaxed boxy fit, and shorts with an elastic waist, drawstring and side pockets. Put dad and grandad in the full set, and the little boys in the Kids Linen Set in the same print, and you've got three generations matching in one shot.
As seen on @thebarbieblank
Our photo-day checklist
- Wash and steam outfits a day or two before; linen loves a light steam.
- Shoot in the golden hour, early morning or the hour before sunset, for soft light and cooler temperatures.
- Pack a spare outfit for the littlest ones, plus wipes and water.
- Keep accessories simple so the print stays the star.
Shop the Paradiso family edit
Paradiso is one of our best-loved prints, and this is its final run, so once these sizes are gone they won't be restocked. Mix and match pieces for the whole family and save: buy 2 for 10% off, 3 for 15% off, or 4 or more for 20% off. Australian orders over $250 ship free.
