What to Wear for Your Maternity Session
Bare bump look for Mom
Updated August 2026Your maternity session is booked! I’m so glad you’re choosing to document this unique chapter in your story. While it may not feel fleeting when you're in the thick of it, this season passes more quickly than you think, and it's worth preserving.
Now, the big question…what should you wear?! Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Let’s go through a few things to consider to help make your session exactly what you envision.
Start with You!
This maternity shoot is all about celebrating YOU, so start with planning your own outfits! But before you start shopping, consider these three things: how much coverage you want, who will be joining you, and whether you'd like one look or multiple looks.
Draping look for Mom
Bare bump: Open-front dresses or tops, button-downs or cardigans left unbuttoned with a crop top or bra, or just a bra and unbuttoned jeans or lounge pants for a more laid-back look.
Semi-nude: Bra and undies or fabric draping. I will provide the draping fabric if you’d like to go this route. With draping, I'll carefully position the fabric and guide your posing so you're only showing what you're comfortable having photographed.
Nude: This option requires the least amount of outfit planning, but understandably can feel the most vulnerable. I always take care to pose and photograph you beautifully and respectfully. If this feels right for you, try to wear loose clothing to the session to avoid leftover pressure marks from clothing or undergarments.
Fully clothed: Fitted dresses, bodysuits, and tops are beautiful options for emphasizing your bump, but flowing dresses can work just as well when they create shape around your belly. Layers like cardigans, button-downs, or jackets can also add texture and dimension.
You don't have to choose just one. Combining two looks—for example, a fully clothed look followed by draping or a bare-bump look—can add beautiful variety to your gallery.
And if you'd rather keep things simple, one outfit is absolutely enough for a short-and-sweet maternity session. An outfit change isn't a requirement for a beautiful, varied gallery.
Choose Your Color Palette
Once you've chosen your outfit, build your color palette using colors from that piece along with a few complementary shades. If your partner or children are joining you, these colors can help guide their outfits too.
Fully clothed maternity look
Some tried-and-true options that work in most locations are:
Soft pastels
Earthy neutrals
Creams and warm organic tones
Rich jewel tones
Colors that tend to be more challenging in photographs include bright primary colors, neon shades, large amounts of bright white, and solid black from head to toe.
If other family members are going to be included in the session, aim to coordinate rather than match outfits. Everyone in identical outfits can feel a bit forced and outdated, but coordinated tones and textures add cohesion while still allowing individuality.
Don’t Forget What’s Underneath
Your undergarments can make a difference depending on the looks you're planning. Nude or seamless underwear works well under fitted dresses, while a simple bra and underwear set can double as part of a bare-bump or semi-nude look. If you're planning multiple looks, we’ll talk beforehand about what you'll need (or won't need!) to complete each one.
And remember, since pregnant bodies can be a little more sensitive, avoid tight bras, waistbands, socks, or other clothing that may leave marks on your skin right before your session.
More Help
If your partner or children will be joining you and you'd like more styling suggestions for them, head over to my post on What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot.
You’re also always welcome to send me questions or pictures of what you’re considering. I’m happy to help you troubleshoot!
Remember the Why
This is your maternity session. Choose outfits that you feel good in and that reflect how you want to remember this chapter.
Both of my pregnancies were incredibly hard, and I didn't feel well for much of either one. But when I look back at the one photo I asked my husband to take—hair down instead of in my usual messy bun, wearing a fitted tank instead of an oversized sweatshirt—I don't see the struggle. I see the beauty of that pregnancy.
And that’s what I want to give to you: photographs that let you see the beauty and joy of this chapter, even if some of it feels hard while you're living it.
Have questions or want a second opinion on styling? Don’t hesitate to reach out!