What to Wear for Maternity Photos (So You Feel Like You)

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First Things First — Wear What Makes You Feel Good

If there’s one rule for dressing for maternity photos, it’s this: comfort and confidence come first. Whether you’re 30 weeks or nearly full term, your maternity session is about capturing this season authentically — so your outfit should reflect you.

That might be a flowy dress from my client closet, a cozy knit sweater at home, or even a dressy jumpsuit you already own. There’s no “right” look — just the one that helps you feel beautiful and at ease.

Consider Your Setting

The location of your session can help guide your outfit choices:

  • In-home sessions are perfect for soft textures, sweaters, bare feet, or even more intimate outfits like robes or bump-hugging basics. Think cozy, not formal.
  • Outdoor sessions at a park or in nature tend to photograph beautifully in flowy dresses, soft neutrals, or earthy tones that complement the landscape.
mom and dad holding belly during in home maternity session
Mom sitting in flower field during maternity pictures

What’s In My Client Closet?

If you’re not sure what to wear, you’re welcome to borrow from my curated client closet. It’s full of bump-friendly dresses in sizes XS–2XL (and growing!), including:

  • Flowy neutral gowns
  • Form-fitting bump-showcasing dresses
  • Earthy and jewel-toned pieces
  • Textured fabrics like lace and gauze

You’re always welcome to try things on or mix-and-match with pieces from your own wardrobe.

Close-up of expectant couple embracing, showing pregnant belly in flowing beige dress

A Few Things to Avoid

To keep the focus on you and your family’s connection, and not distractions in photos, I generally recommend avoiding:

  • Neon colors
  • Busy or bold prints
  • Spandex-style tight dresses (unless it’s a specific gown meant to show off your bump)
  • Logos or writing on clothing

Dressing the Whole Family

Mom, dad, and daughter playing on an infinity wall during studio maternity session

Whether you’re including a partner, kids, or even pets — I’ll help style everyone so the whole group looks cohesive. That doesn’t mean matching outfits — it means complementary colors, layers, and textures that feel like your family, not a catalog. Unless we’re shooting like it’s a JCPenny shoot, I’ll help you to not copy and paste each person.

Neutrals, earthy tones, and soft colors photograph beautifully. If you’re not sure where to start, shoot me a message! I’ll send personalized outfit ideas based on your location and color preferences.

When Should You Schedule Your Maternity Session?

This is a whole topic of its own, but the short answer: I typically recommend scheduling your maternity session between 30 and 36 weeks. You’ll have a noticeable bump, but (hopefully) still feel mobile and comfortable enough to enjoy the session. At the end of the day, your comfort is key.

More on scheduling here → Coming Soon

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be “photo ready.” You don’t need the perfect dress. You just need to show up as you are — growing a whole human — and let me take care of the rest.

If you’re not sure what to wear, I’ve got you. Between my client closet, personalized styling, and experience with all kinds of locations and family dynamics, I’ll help make it easy.

Ready to book your maternity session?

Let’s plan something that feels true to you — wardrobe and all.