What to Wear for Your Maternity Session
Yay, your 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 truly goes by fast and it’s work 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.
Choose Your Color Palette
Start by picking 2–4 colors you love. Your color palette can be based on your personal style aka “your vibe”, skin tone, a pattern of a piece you want to wear, or even the season. It's also important to consider your location and choose tones that complement your surroundings.
Some tried-and-true options that work in most locations are:
Soft pastels
Neutral and organic tones
Creams, earthy hues, and jewel tones
Colors that tend to be a little trickier to work with include bright primary colors, neon shades, and too much bright white or solid black.
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 Everyone in identical outfits can feel a bit forced and outdated, but coordinated tones and textures add cohesion while still allowing individuality. That said, matching outfits can sometimes work, especially with younger kids!
Start with Mom
This maternity shoot is all about celebrating YOU, so start with planning your own outfits! If other family members participate in the shoot, their outfits can be built around yours.
Here are a few suggestions…
Plan two outfits. My favorite combo is one dress or fabric-draping look, and one more laid back option.
Choose pieces that make you feel beautiful and comfortable while also showing off your bump. This does not mean you have to have a bare belly (unless you want that!). A fitted dress, or an outfit with a top that is fitted to just above the bump works great.
Bare bump, semi-nude, or nude are all beautiful options and…require little to no outfit prep!
Here’s a little breakdown of those looks:
Bare bump: Think open-front dresses or tops, button-downs or cardigan left unbuttoned with a crop top or bra, or just a bra and unbuttoned jeans.
Semi-nude: Bra and undies or fabric draping. I will provide the draping fabric if you’d like to go this route. Just prep seamless undies, or skip them if you’re comfortable.
Full nude: Least amount of outfit planning but the most vulnerability. 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; our pregnant bodies are extra sensitive to those.
Tips for the Rest of the Family
Dad
I suggest a casual but elevated look. Avoid logos, graphic tees, and athletic wear fabric. Henleys, sweaters, or casual button-downs are all great choices. You can also save Dad for last; once the rest of the fam is styled, Dad is usually the easiest!
Babies
A simple, neutral and well-fitting onesie is always a sweet and timeless option.
Young Kids
Comfort is key. Pro tip: Make sure they try on outfits before the session—don’t wait until photo day…trust me on this one (aka speaking from experience!)! If the outfit is new or unfamiliar, also bring a backup outfit you know they feel good in.
For little girls wearing a dress, consider a diaper cover, shorts, or tights underneath to avoid peek-a-boo moments!
Older Kids
Let them help choose their outfit! Their confidence will shine through when they feel good in what they’re wearing. Accessories like jackets, hats, jewelry, or purses are also great ways to let their personality show.
Patterns, Textures, and Accessories
Mixing textures—knits, linen, denim, or lace — adds depth and interest to your photos. Layering is also great for comfort.
Use patterns thoughtfully. One or two patterned outfits are great, but avoid overloading the whole group with busy prints. A good rule here is one third of the group in a pattern.
Skip bold graphics, logos, or neon colors. These distract and often don’t age well. Choosing more timeless, neutral elements helps your photos stay classic for years to come.
Accessories like headbands, bows, scarves, belts, and jewelry can add polish and personality—just keep it simple and intentional.
Don't Forget the Details
Little things can make a big difference
Shoes: Neutral and clean are best. Barefoot works great especially for in-home or studio sessions.
Nails: Clean, neat fingers and toes! Fresh polish can be a fun detail as long as it coordinates with the outfits chosen for the shoot.
Pockets: Empty them before the shoot—phones, keys, and wallets create odd bulges that you don't want in your images.
Back-up outfits: Always a good idea when little ones are involved!
Styling Support (You're Not Alone!)
When you book your session, you'll get exclusive access to a Maternity and Newborn Styling Catalog, curated by Whitney Ford of Styled by Whitney Irene. It’s packed with outfit ideas for the Mom and the rest of the family, mood boards, and color palette inspiration. It’s seriously AMAZING—and as my client you get complete access!
You’ll also receive a list of my favorite stylists and Instagram accounts that offer personalized support to help you prep for your shoot.
And of course, I’m always here to help! I’m happy to review outfit choices and offer my professional opinion whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
This is your maternity session. Choose outfits that you feel good in and that will reflect how you want to remember this chapter.
Both of my pregnancies were incredibly hard and I didn’t feel well for the majority of the time. But when I look back at the one photo I asked my husband to take — hair down (not in a messy bun), fitted tank— I don’t see the struggle. I see the beauty of that pregnancy.
And that’s what I want to give to you— photos that capture the beauty and joy of your pregnancy even in the middle of the hard.
Have questions or want a second opinion on outfits? I’m just an email away—don’t hesitate to reach out!