Outfit Ideas and Practical Styling Tips for Your Maternity Photo Session
Wondering what to wear for maternity photos? Keep reading, I can help! The best outfits help you feel comfortable, photograph beautifully, and highlight your bump in a way that still feels like you.
Below, I’m sharing the guidance I give my own maternity clients — including dress styles, colors, patterns, shoes, accessories, and a few practical notes for outdoor maternity photos in Colorado.
(**These tips also apply for newborn photography sessions. Read about what to expect during newborn photo sessions and when to schedule newborn photos.)
What to Wear for Maternity Photos: 7 Tips
1. Choose clothing that fits well and shows your bump
You want to show off your baby bump, and you want to feel comfortable. Choose an outfit that makes you feel great, and pay attention to fit. Maternity outfits, especially tops, can be a bit awkward. Do straps stay where they should? Do wrap around tops stay closed?
2. Accessorize for maternity photos
Consider adding some simple accessories to your outfit, such as a statement necklace, a belt to cinch in your waist, a scarf, or a hat. You don’t need to overdo it – you want to keep the focus on your baby bump.Also, I always tell my clients to consider wearing more make up than normal, and to consider doing your hair (and be sure to bring a hair tie if we are photographing outdoors since Colorado is windy)(and be sure to place said hair tie on your wrist during your photo session!).
3. For maternity photos, don’t feel limited to neutrals
I see it all the time: solid colors, such as black, white, navy, and beige, work well for maternity photos. They’re timeless, classic, and won’t distract from the focus of the photos – you and your baby bump.
Neutrals can be beautiful, but they are not the only option. If you love rich color, wear rich color. If bold florals feel like you, wear bold florals. Patterns can sometimes compete with the shape of your bump, but the right print can also make a session feel vibrant and personal.
4. Flowy dresses photograph beautifully
I have to tell you, flowing dresses are my very favorite for maternity session photography. Flowy dresses can be very flattering. They’re comfortable, elegant, and can show off your baby bump beautifully.
5. Fitted dresses can be beautiful too
Flowy dresses are one of my favorite options, but fitted dresses can also photograph beautifully. A closer silhouette shows the shape of your bump clearly and can feel simple, modern, and striking. The best choice depends on what feels most like you.
6. Choose shoes that work for the location
Safety first! You may be doing some walking or standing during your maternity photo shoot, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes that you can move around in easily.
I may also have you take off your shoes for some of the photos if they are an afterthought to your clothing, or if I think it will look cute.
7. Think about movement, texture, and the location
For outdoor maternity photos, I often love fabric that moves a bit in the breeze — especially longer dresses, skirts, or soft layers. Texture can also photograph beautifully: linen, gauze, subtle embroidery, or a knit with a little dimension. If we are photographing in a natural Colorado setting, I can help you think through how your outfit will work with the surroundings.
What Should My Partner or Children Wear for Maternity Photos?
If your partner or children will be included, their outfits should coordinate with yours rather than match exactly. Start with your outfit first, then build around it using complementary colors and a similar level of dressiness.
I suggest avoiding large logos and overly busy combinations. The goal is for the group to feel visually connected while still allowing the expecting mother to remain the center of the photos.
What to Avoid Wearing for Maternity Photos
- Clothing that needs constant adjusting
- Very stiff fabric that does not move or flatter
- Tops/dresses that do not stay in place
- Shoes that make walking difficult
- Pieces you like in theory but do not feel confident wearing
Still Not Sure Where to Start?
I have a growing client wardrobe with dresses available for maternity photography clients to borrow. I also send wardrobe planning guidance to booked clients, so you do not have to figure it out alone. Also, visit my maternity photography portfolio page to get additional images of past maternity sessions.
Additional Information About Maternity Photoshoots
When to Schedule A Maternity Photography Session
Colorado Maternity Photography with Photo Session Outfit Ideas
Interested in Booking Maternity Photos?
Click the button below and let me know where your home is, as well as some dates that work for you. Or visit webpage to inquire about maternity photography.
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