If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet thinking, I have absolutely nothing to wear, you’re in good company.
The truth is, there isn’t one perfect outfit for maternity photos. The best choice is simply one that feels like you. Years from now, I don’t want you to remember what was trending. I want you to remember how it felt to be waiting for the little person who was about to change your world.
Here are a few things I encourage every expecting family to keep in mind.
Choose Comfort Over Trends
Pregnancy is beautiful, but it also comes with enough to think about without adjusting an outfit every five minutes.
Look for clothing that moves with you, fits comfortably, and allows you to relax. A flowing dress, a favorite knit sweater, well-fitting jeans, or a simple linen button-up can all photograph beautifully when they feel natural to wear.
If you’re comfortable, it shows.
Soft, Timeless Colors Always Win
I recommend choosing colors that complement one another rather than matching exactly.
Creams, warm whites, soft blues, muted greens, warm browns, dusty rose, oatmeal, navy, and classic black all photograph beautifully and allow the focus to stay where it belongs: on your family.
There’s no need to avoid color altogether. Just choose tones that feel timeless rather than trendy.
Texture Adds More Than Pattern
Instead of bold prints or large logos, look for pieces with beautiful texture.
Linen, cotton, knits, eyelet fabrics, wool, and subtle embroidery create depth without distracting from the people in the photograph.
Dress Like You’re Going to the Same Place
If your partner or children are joining you, think of your outfits as belonging to the same story.
That doesn’t mean everyone needs to match. It simply means the colors, fabrics, and level of dressiness should feel connected. One person in a formal dress and another in an athletic hoodie rarely feels intentional.
Bare Feet Are Always Welcome
Some of my favorite maternity photographs happen with bare feet in a field, curled up together on the couch at home, or sitting quietly on the nursery floor.
Simple almost always photographs beautifully.
Most Importantly…
Choose something that makes you feel beautiful.
This season asks so much of your body, and it’s easy to focus on all the ways it’s changing. But years from now, I hope these photographs remind you of something else entirely. The quiet anticipation. The excitement. The love that already existed long before you ever met your baby.
The clothing simply helps tell the story.
You do the rest.
A Few Things to Avoid
- Clothing with large logos or graphics
- Neon colors that reflect onto skin
- Tiny, high-contrast patterns that can distract in photographs
- Shoes that are uncomfortable to walk in
- Anything that feels like you’re wearing a costume instead of yourself
Need a Second Opinion?
I’m always happy to help.
Every maternity session includes outfit guidance, and you’re welcome to send over photos of a few options before your session. Sometimes a quick text is all it takes to narrow it down, and I’d much rather help you decide beforehand than have you worry about it afterward.
Where to Shop
If you’re wondering where to start shopping, a few of my favorite retailers are Bumpsuit for elevated maternity staples you’ll continue wearing after baby arrives, Quince for timeless linen, cotton, and cashmere pieces, and Sézane for beautifully romantic dresses that often work throughout pregnancy without being maternity-specific. For more casual looks, Madewell is always a favorite, while PinkBlush Maternity offers a wonderful selection of dresses designed specifically for expecting mothers. The best part? Many of these pieces can be worn well beyond your session, making them an investment in your wardrobe, not just your photographs.
