Jewel-Toned Dresses for Holiday Photoshoots

For holiday photos, choose a deep, saturated dress in emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst or garnet, and match the shade to your setting. Cool jewel tones stand out against snow and neutral walls. Warmer ones, like ruby and garnet, glow in indoor lamplight.

Jewel tones are a steady favorite in fall and winter wardrobes, and they stay useful whatever the current fashion color trends say. Below: how to pick the shade, the fabric, the cut and the accessories.

Section 01

Why do jewel tones work for photos?

Deep, saturated colors hold their intensity on camera, so they don't wash out under flash or bright daylight. They also separate clearly from the background, which matters in group shots where everyone should still be readable.

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd say the fabric matters as much as the color. A velvet and a satin in the same green read as different colors, because the surface changes how light reaches your eye.

Section 02

Which jewel tone should you wear?

Start with the setting, then your coloring. If a shade looks good next to your face in daylight, it will usually do the same in a photo.

• Emerald green: a holiday classic that works indoors and out.
• Sapphire blue: deep and formal, with strong contrast against snow or pale walls.
• Ruby red: bold and warm, good with candlelight or string lights.
• Amethyst purple: less expected, and it stands apart from typical red and green decor.
• Topaz gold: warm and bright, especially with metallic accents.
• Garnet burgundy: darker than ruby, with a quieter, romantic feel.

Match the shade to the backdrop

Snowy or outdoor shoots favor emerald or sapphire, which contrast with white. Cozy indoor shoots with warm light suit ruby, garnet or topaz, which pick up the glow instead of fighting it.

If you're photographed next to a green tree, avoid the same emerald, or you may blend in. Sapphire or garnet separates better.

Section 03

What silhouette is best for holiday photos?

Pick the shape you can sit, hug and carry a child in without adjusting. Comfort shows in posture.

• Wrap dresses define the waist and suit formal or relaxed settings. A wrap dress is also forgiving if your size shifts a little.
• A-line and fit-and-flare dresses are easy to move in and flatter most builds.
• Mermaid gowns suit formal portraits, though they limit movement.
• Empire waists give a soft, flowing line for relaxed shots.
• Velvet midis sit between dressy and casual, good for a session at home.

Section 04

Which fabrics photograph best?

Velvet absorbs light and gives deep, even color with a soft sheen. Satin reflects more, so the color looks brighter but shows every wrinkle. Crepe is matte and keeps the shade steady. Chiffon and tulle add movement, which suits outdoor shots with a bit of breeze. Lace adds texture for smaller, quieter portraits.

For cold locations, velvet is the practical pick, since it is heavier than most of the others. Test sitting in it before the day, because satin and chiffon crease quickly.

Section 05

Which details are worth having?

One focal point is enough. Choose sleeves, a neckline or an embellishment, not all three.

• Sequins or beading add sparkle but can flash under direct flash.
• Puff or bell sleeves frame the face and add drama.
• Ruffles, pleats or tiers add movement.
• Slits and cutouts give a modern edge for adult portraits.

As an architect trained in evidence-based design, I'd treat the neckline as the first thing the eye reads, so choose it before the rest.

Section 06

How do you accessorize a jewel-toned dress?

Gold jewelry flatters warm shades like ruby, garnet and topaz. Silver suits cool ones like sapphire and emerald. If the dress is detailed, keep jewelry to studs or a fine chain. If it is plain, add a statement earring or necklace.

Metallic heels, nude pumps or velvet flats all work, and flats are sensible if you're standing outside. A small clutch or mini bag finishes the look, though most of the time it won't appear in the photo. For hair, soft waves, a sleek ponytail or a braid all suit the dress. A red lip or metallic eyeshadow adds polish.

Section 07

Four outfit formulas

• Classic: ruby velvet gown, gold drop earrings, metallic heels, sleek bun.
• Romantic: amethyst chiffon A-line with flutter sleeves, silver studs, strappy heels, loose curls.
• Modern: sapphire satin wrap dress, statement earrings, nude pumps, sleek ponytail.
• Relaxed: emerald fit-and-flare with puff sleeves, pearl necklace, velvet flats, side braid.

For more color ideas, see jewel-toned dresses styled for travel, or pair a jewel tone with a bright accent as in cobalt and lemon yellow.

Backstage Q&A

Frequently asked questions

Filed under Occasionwear