28 Classy Christmas Outfits for Men, So He Finally Matches the Family Photo

Every December the same quiet question lands on someone: what is he wearing in the family photo? Here is my edit, built from burgundy, forest green and camel, so he looks like he tried and still looks like himself.

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Burgundy Crewneck and Camel Pants

If you can only buy one thing for the family photo, make it this burgundy crewneck. It is the color that reads as festive without a single reindeer on it.

Let the white shirt collar show at the neckline and keep the camel pants slim through the leg. Look for a wool or merino blend, which holds its shape for hugging grandma and for the twenty photos it takes to get one good one.

Brown leather boots tie the whole thing together, and the palette photographs warmly against a tree.

Forest Green Cable Knit With Gray Flannel

A forest green cable knit is the answer for the man who says he does not do Christmas colors. It is dark and earthy, so it feels like him.

Gray flannel pants give the chunky texture a calm counterweight. Check the label for at least half wool, because a cheap acrylic cable will pill by Boxing Day.

Leave the sweater a little relaxed at the body and keep the pants trim, so the proportions look intentional.

Cream Cable Knit, Dark Jeans, Brown Boots

This is the easiest win for a casual family morning. A cream cable-knit sweater with dark jeans looks put together without trying hard.

Choose a soft, tightly spun knit rather than a loose fuzzy one, since cream shows every thread of lint. Dark indigo jeans without rips keep it holiday-appropriate.

Brown boots finish it, and the light sweater stands out nicely against a darker room.

Camel Turtleneck and Chocolate Pants

For the man who hates collars, a fine-knit camel turtleneck is the quiet hero. It sits close under a coat and looks expensive for what it costs.

Chocolate brown pants keep the tone-on-tone mood going. Merino is worth paying for here because it stays smooth and does not itch at the neck through a long lunch.

Add a simple leather belt in the shoe color and nothing else is needed.

Fair Isle Sweater With Tailored Pants

A Fair Isle sweater is not a joke when you wear it right. The trick is tailored pants, which turn a knit with a pattern into a grown-up outfit.

Pick one with mostly muted tones and just a thread of festive red, and keep the pants charcoal and slim. A wool blend with a tight pattern looks heirloom, while a loud acrylic one looks like a costume.

Dark leather shoes keep it crisp, and it is a lovely choice for lunch at his parents’.

Burgundy Knit Polo and Cream Chinos

Not every holiday gathering is a sweater situation, especially in a warm house. A burgundy knit polo is the lighter answer and still looks festive.

Pair it with cream chinos and watch the contrast do the work. Look for a fine cotton or wool knit that drapes rather than clings, and keep the polo buttoned to the second button only.

Brown suede loafers make it feel like a brunch invitation rather than a business meeting.

Navy Velvet Blazer Over a Black Turtleneck

This is the look for the man who is going out after the family part is done. A navy velvet blazer reads dressy without a tie.

A black turtleneck underneath keeps it sleek and modern. Velvet is for evening, so keep the pants dark and plain, and make sure the shoulder seam ends exactly at his shoulder.

Black leather boots finish it, and the blazer catches the tree lights beautifully.

Red Velvet Jacket and White Shirt

A red velvet double-breasted jacket is the boldest idea in this list, and also the one that gets compliments. The secret is wearing it over something plain.

A crisp white shirt open at the collar and black pants let the jacket be the one loud thing. Choose a deep cranberry rather than a bright Santa red, which looks costume-like in photos.

It is a great choice for an evening party after the family photos.

Dark Green Double-Breasted Suit With a Paisley Tie

A dark green suit is the single most memorable thing a man can wear to a holiday dinner. It feels rich but not shouty.

A burgundy paisley tie picks up the Christmas palette without being literal. Look for a wool suit with a slim, structured shoulder and a bit of shirt cuff showing at the wrist.

Dark brown oxfords keep it warm, and the suit looks stunning against a snowy porch.

Rust Corduroy Blazer and Cream Knit

A rust corduroy blazer is the cool-guy version of festive. It looks like fall rolled into December, and it is far more interesting than another black jacket.

Wear it over a cream knit and dark jeans, and let the texture do the talking. Corduroy is a casual fabric, so the cut should be soft and unstructured rather than sharp.

Brown boots and nothing flashy, and he will look like he stepped out of a good magazine.

Chocolate Suede Jacket and Cream Turtleneck

A chocolate brown suede jacket is the man’s version of a camel coat: warm, soft and a little unexpected for the season.

Layer it over a cream turtleneck and charcoal pants. Suede is delicate in wet weather, so this is a look for a dry festive street and the walk to the car.

Dark brown boots keep it grounded, and the texture shows beautifully in the photos.

Black Tuxedo Jacket for the Holiday Party

If the Christmas plan includes a proper evening, a black tuxedo jacket is the one piece that does everything. It is quiet, sharp and never out of date.

Wear it with a white shirt, a black bow tie and black pants, and keep the shoes polished. A satin lapel belongs to evening, so save it for after dark rather than lunch.

A little pocket square in burgundy is the one festive note you need.

Sweater Vest, White Shirt and Rust Corduroys

The sweater vest is back, and it is the smartest thing a man can wear to a family lunch. It looks considered without being stuffy.

Layer it over a crisp white shirt and wear rust corduroy pants for the festive note. A wool vest in cream or oatmeal works best, and the shirt cuffs should show at the wrist.

Brown loafers finish the look, and the layers make it great for photos.

Gray Cardigan With a Navy Shirt

A shawl-collar cardigan is the coziest option for a man who wants to feel relaxed and look sharp. It is the grown-up answer to a hoodie.

Wear a gray one over a navy shirt, with dark pants, and button it to the middle. Wool or cashmere blends hold up, and a chunky stitch gives it that holiday-at-home feeling.

Dark brown boots keep it warm, and it works on a snowy porch as well as a living room.

How to Choose Fabrics and Fit

Wool or a wool blend holds its shape through a long day of hugging and driving, and velvet or satin lapels belong to the evening. Check that the jacket shoulder ends at his shoulder and a little shirt cuff shows at the wrist.

Camel Blazer With a Green Turtleneck

A camel blazer is the most versatile jacket he can buy, and a forest green turtleneck makes it feel Christmassy without a single bauble.

Keep the pants dark navy or charcoal, and make sure the jacket sleeve ends just above the wrist. Wool or a wool blend drapes better than a stiff cotton.

Brown loafers and a watch are all the accessories required.

Plaid Flannel Shirt Under a Cream Cardigan

For a relaxed morning of unwrapping gifts, a burgundy plaid flannel shirt under a cream cardigan is the kind of cozy that still looks styled.

Keep the shirt tucked or worn untucked at hip length only, never longer. Brushed cotton flannel is the thing to look for, since it is soft and warm without bulk.

Dark jeans and brown boots complete a look he will actually want to wear again in January.

Navy Quarter-Zip With a Gray Collar

The quarter-zip is the safest, smartest option for the man who says he does not want to dress up. It is neat, warm and quietly smart.

A navy knit with a gray collared shirt peeking out is the classic layering trick. Choose merino or a wool blend, and keep it fitted through the shoulder.

Camel pants and brown shoes add the warm note that works for a photo.

Burgundy Overcoat Over a Matching Knit

A burgundy overcoat is a statement, and it is a good one for the walk from the car to the front door. It makes the whole family photo look intentional.

Layer it over a matching burgundy knit and checked pants, with the coat falling just below the knee. A wool blend with at least half wool holds the shape through hugging and car seats.

Black boots and a plaid scarf finish it with confidence.

Camel Overcoat and a Plaid Scarf

A camel overcoat with a plaid scarf is the look that says he got himself together. It is also the easiest way to dress up a simple sweater.

Look for a wool coat with a clean, slightly roomy shoulder, and let a red and green plaid scarf do the festive work. Navy pants underneath keep the palette calm.

Brown boots keep it practical for a snowy sidewalk.

Charcoal Peacoat, Cream Knit and Dark Jeans

A charcoal peacoat is the sharp, practical choice for a cold walk to the car. It is warm, short enough to drive in and looks good open or buttoned.

Pair it with a cream knit and dark jeans for a clean contrast, and look for a wool blend with a proper lining. The shorter length also works better on a man with a shorter frame.

Dark boots and a leather glove or two, and he is ready for a snowy evening.

Forest Green Parka Over a Fair Isle Knit

For a snowy morning outdoors, a forest green parka is the practical answer that still photographs well. It is warm and a little rugged.

Layer it over a muted Fair Isle sweater and dark pants, and keep the parka’s hood down for the photo. A parka with a fur-trimmed or plain hood both work, as long as the shell is water-resistant.

Brown boots with grip are the sensible finishing touch.

Navy Overcoat With a Burgundy Scarf

A navy overcoat is the classic that looks right on every man. Add a burgundy scarf and it becomes the Christmas version.

Wear it over a gray sweater and charcoal pants, with the coat fitting smoothly across the shoulders. A wool and cashmere blend feels softer, though plain wool is just as smart.

Black leather shoes complete a look that is ready for church, lunch or the train.

Brown Leather Jacket With a Green Knit

A brown leather jacket is for the man who will not wear a coat. It looks relaxed and a little rebellious, and a forest green knit underneath makes it festive.

Choose a slim bomber or a simple jacket in soft leather, worn open over a knit and dark jeans. Real leather ages beautifully, though a good faux version works for a lower budget.

Brown boots and nothing else, and it is a perfect look for a bar or a holiday market.

Charcoal Suit With a Burgundy Knit Tie

A charcoal suit is the answer when the day includes church or a formal lunch. It is serious and flattering, and the tie does the festive work.

A burgundy knit tie against a white shirt feels seasonal and a little modern. Wool is the best fabric, and the trouser break should be slight, just touching the shoe.

Black oxfords and a pocket square finish a look that always photographs well.

Navy Suit With a Forest Green Tie

A navy suit with a forest green tie is a restrained way to nod to Christmas. It looks like a man who knows what he is doing.

A light blue shirt softens the combination, and the green tie keeps the festive color. Choose a wool suit with a close fit through the shoulder, and a shirt with a little cuff showing.

Brown oxfords and a matching belt bring warmth to the cool navy.

Brown Three-Piece With a Cream Shirt

A chocolate brown three-piece is the one that gets noticed at the dinner table. The vest adds the formality, and the brown keeps it warm.

A cream shirt and a rust or gold tie pull the palette together, and a fine wool keeps it from looking heavy. The vest should sit snug and end at the belt line.

Dark brown oxfords, a watch and a pocket square are all the polish needed.

Burgundy Blazer and Charcoal Turtleneck

A burgundy blazer is a fresh answer to the Christmas dinner question. Wool, not velvet, keeps it versatile enough to wear again.

A charcoal turtleneck underneath keeps it modern and tie-free, and gray pants complete the tonal feel. Make sure the blazer fits across the back without pulling at the button.

Black Chelsea boots finish a look that works for a late dinner.

Cream Dinner Jacket With a Black Bow Tie

A cream dinner jacket is the most glamorous idea here, for the man whose Christmas includes a proper party. It is bold, classic and very photogenic.

Pair it with a white shirt, a black bow tie and black pants, and keep the shoes polished. Cream shows marks easily, so this is a look for an evening rather than a morning with kids and gravy.

It is the one that gets everyone to look up from the table.

The Photo Starts at the Closet

Pick one color story, keep the fit close and let one piece do the festive work. The rest is a good haircut and a smile.

FAQ

What should a man wear to a family Christmas photo?

A knit sweater with a collar showing, or a blazer over a turtleneck, in colors like burgundy, forest green or cream. Add dark pants and leather boots or loafers.

Is a Christmas sweater too casual for dinner?

Not if it is a fine wool knit in a solid or muted Fair Isle pattern. Pair it with tailored pants and leather shoes to look polished.

What colors work best for the family photo?

Burgundy, forest green, cream, camel and navy photograph richly and coordinate easily. Avoid loud patterns and pure white next to a busy background.

Can he wear jeans to Christmas lunch?

Yes, as long as they are dark, clean and well fitted. Dress them up with a knit or blazer and brown boots instead of sneakers.

How do I match his outfit to my dress?

Echo one color rather than matching exactly, such as his burgundy sweater with your dress in a similar tone. Keep textures varied so it looks coordinated, not uniform.