Updated at: 29-11-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Is there a certain dress code for maternity pictures? It is important to prepare in advance for maternity photo sessions. This is due to the fact that the clothes you wear have a significant effect on how you come across to others, which in turn has an effect on the final outcome.

Wearing white when taking images outside or near water might be risky because it can appear that your garments are see-through when they get wet.

You should only take pictures that make you appear good, therefore it’s important that you feel confident in what you’re wearing.

You don’t want anything constricting, especially around the midsection, so a looser fit may be preferable in certain circumstances. You should try on as many outfits as possible before the shoot so you can pick the one that flatters you the most.

My Tips on How To Dress For Your Maternity Photo Session

I know you could choose any number of outfits for your pregnancy photos, but please wear something that makes you feel and look beautiful. What you normally wear may not be the ideal choice for photos, so read on for my suggestions. There is a list of my preferred dress shops and online boutiques at the end.

What To Wear For Maternity Photos | Ideas For Partners & Kids

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Choose a Flattering Silhouette for Your Maternity Photos

This is the first thing I’m including because it’s the most vital. Even if you don’t read another word, at least you’ll have seen this helpful hint! For your pregnancy photos, you want to make sure you’re wearing a dress that highlights your most attractive features. The indicators are as follows.

  • A garment or top that is fitted through the bust and upper abdomen.
  • An outwardly shirred garment that begins at or slightly above the waist. One thing you don’t want is for it to be too snug in that area. I’m aware that such dresses abound; call it a personal quirk, but I prefer the freedom of movement afforded by a skirt with a lot of fabric. In my opinion, it enhances your appearance and gives you an enjoyable accessory to twirl and play with.
  • The ideal length is floor length. Do not make it any longer than that, as you do not want to trip over it. And if you want to show off your shoes, a shorter length is OK. However, a long gown is the most flattering option.

Please note that when I give you these suggestions, I am referring to your most frequently worn outfit. You can bring something completely different if you like, but this is my favorite look for the bulk of the session.

What Color Should You Wear?

If you’ve scheduled a maternity photo shoot, it’s likely so that you can flaunt your growing bulge, so consider dressing accordingly. That’s right, avoid donning any shades of black, navy, or dark gray. This is counterproductive because it makes the bump less noticeable. You shouldn’t wear dark hues, but neons are out, too. It’s advisable to stick to pastels or neutrals.

What fabric should you wear for maternity photos?

If you ask me, this is something that moms forget about when they are preparing for their maternity photos. The fabric makes a world of a difference!

Okay, so let’s start with some no-go materials. Not only does stiff cotton not move well, but it also tends to wrinkle quite easily. Simply said, it’s not my cup of tea. Another material to avoid is the ultra-stretchy one. It’s a common misconception that this will be a fantastic idea because there are so many maternity clothes created from it. If you wear a bra, the lumps and bumps on your back and sides will be highlighted. It also has the annoying tendency of sticking to your legs as you walk. Here is a dress made from this fabric that you should not buy.

Now, onto the fabrics I suggest. Fabrics with a crepe-like texture, like this one from Jen’s Pirate Booty, are a dream come true for me. The swiss dot fabric and the supple cotton of this Free People dress are both fantastic, but the texture is what really sells it for me (pictured below). The drape of polyester is excellent. This Free People outfit is made of rayon and is perfect for a picture shoot. This dress by Baltic Born is lined, and I like it in chiffon because of the extra airiness it provides. You can swish just about anything that has a beautiful flow! And lace is another one of my favorite fabrics.

Be Careful With Patterns

Dresses in simple colors and with subtle texture are always safe bets (like maybe some lace or crepe fabrics). Of course, patterns are awesome sometimes too! You need to pick the correct one, though. Patterns can be distracting if you choose one that is too small. However, it’s possible to choose unflatteringly large designs. This is the place to aim for patterns of a moderate scale. Make sure the design and dress color don’t have too much of a contrast with one another. A pattern in navy on a white dress, for instance, would be too striking. However, if you were to pair a dusty rose dress with a cream-colored pattern, the result would be stunning.

Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas - How To Dress Up

Dress for the Season

When planning what to wear for your pregnancy pictures, keep the weather in mind. Choose a lighter, more breathable fabric if the weather is expected to be warm. Look for a dress with long sleeves, or bring a chunky knit sweater to wear over it, if the weather forecast calls for chilly weather. Wearing a chunky knit off the shoulders is not only stylish, but also practical; you can snuggle up in it in between rounds to stay warm.

Avoid Matching Your Partner/Family

To look well together, you should coordinate your outfits without exactly matching your partner’s. It will be difficult to tell you apart if your uniform colors are the same. Everyone in your family needs to have their individuality, too; we don’t want anyone to disappear. Pinterest is a great place to look for color combinations and for inspiration. If you need help deciding what to dress, you can check out my website for suggestions.

Bring an Extra Maternity Outfit

Bringing a change of clothing to your pregnancy photo shoot is a wonderful idea. Changing on the spot is hassle-free because I can bring my changing tent with me. Sometimes the ‘extra outfit’ consists of nothing more than a lace cardigan worn over a bra and briefs in order to draw attention to your lovely tummy. Another option is to take some casual pictures while wearing your overalls. Maybe you simply need more than one garment in your closet. Just let me know in advance what works best for you in terms of attire, and we can schedule the session accordingly. I have a client closet full of goodies, and I just might have something you can use!

With any luck, you now have a better idea of what to wear for your maternity photos, but if not, just let me know and I’ll be happy to help! Please feel free to ask me anything you want to know about my personal style and the clothes in my client closet when we meet for a session.

Where to Shop for Maternity Dresses

You are welcome to borrow dresses from my client closet, but you may find it more convenient to purchase your own.

Choosing an outfit for your maternity photos shouldn’t be difficult, so I’m here to help! Here are some of my favorite gowns from Amazon to wear during my pregnancy photos. Additionally, they are available in a wide range of colors, not only the ones pictured here. Here’s a hint: before you buy, read the reviews to figure out what size to order. Unless you’re pregnant, you should order a size up from your regular dress size while shopping for non-maternity gowns.

Small, specialized web boutiques are another excellent source for pregnancy attire. An wonderful non-maternity garment has the added bonus of being wearable again after giving birth. Look for larger waistlines, elasticized waistbands, and stretchy fabrics. Also, check to see if the dress is fully lined; some are lined only at the bottom, making them too short to accommodate a growing belly.

More specifically, I adore outfits by Joyfolie. Here’s a photo shoot I did with mum wearing the Dawn dress:

The Gia Dress and the Aniya Dress are two more Joyfolie gowns that I think would be perfect for a pregnancy photo shoot. I can attest to their usefulness for pregnancy and delivery because I already own them all.

These are some additional stores that I frequently frequent:

  • Baltic Born
  • Free People
  • Jen’s Pirate Booty
  • Wren & Ivory
  • Piper and Scoot
  • Pink Blush

Spring And Summer Maternity Outfits For Photos

Numerous expectant mothers choose the warmer months of spring and summer for their pregnancy photo shoots. The warmer weather during these months makes it easier to wear the quintessential maternity ensemble, the fitting maxi dress. The form-fitting maxi dress is a common choice for expectant mothers to wear during their photo shoots because it emphasizes the most beautiful part of their bodies. With the heat and brightness of the sun, a dress is the ideal garment for a day of photography. Maxi dresses are the perfect way to flaunt your curves while still giving your photographs a sophisticated air.

The maxi dress has numerous advantages, but you should not restrict yourself to dresses for your picture shoot. Make sure to wear clothes that will allow you to show off your bump in the photographs. You can do this by wearing a button-up shirt or a crop top. If you want to feel good when you’re out and about, that’s more important than the clothes you wear. See below for some fashionable yet functional suggestions for pregnant women during the spring and summer months.

  • When planning your maternity shoot, keep in mind that classic photos are best accomplished with understated, neutral-colored clothing. Keep to a lovely, pastel palette year-round, but in the summer, emphasize warmer tones.
    • White
    • Cream
    • Beige
    • Dusty Peach/Pink
    • Warmer tones to match the season.
  • Many different types of attire are appropriate for maternity pictures taken in the spring and summer. If you want to show off your pregnancy, you should wear something that fits closely around the stomach and is gathered at the sides. Spring and summer are the best seasons to show off your bump because the temperature is milder and more clothing options are available. Give one of these a shot:
    • Maxi dresses
    • Dresses that tie at the waist
    • Long flowy skirt with a crop top or bandeau bra
    • Sheer/lacy pieces
  • Pregnancy photographs are a great opportunity to flaunt any number of cute, seasonally appropriate accessories.
    • Protection from the sun in the form of a hat. A sun hat serves two purposes: it shields your face and neck from the sun, and it completes your polished style. You can mix and match styles until you discover the perfect complement to your existing furniture.
    • A lovely addition to your scarf collection.
    • If you want to show off your flat stomach, all you need is a thin belt.
    • In order to keep the focus on your growing baby, avoid wearing any large, flashy jewelry.

36 Creative Maternity Photoshoot Ideas

Fall And Winter Maternity Outfits For Photos

Capturing some of these precious moments on camera during your pregnancy is a wonderful idea, and the cooler weather of fall and winter is ideal for doing so. Whether you’re taking pictures in the snow or among the falling leaves, the cooler months are ideal for taking pictures that will capture the beauty of the scenery and the warmth of your clothing for a lifetime of memories.

Use these suggestions and ideas for what to wear for your maternity session if it is scheduled for the fall or winter months. These suggestions will help you find a comfortable and flattering outfit for your photoshoot, whether you’ll be shooting indoors or out.

  • When thinking about what colors to wear throughout the colder months, remember that the neutral palette is always a safe bet. Incorporate additional cold tones into your design during the fall and winter months.
    • White
    • Cream
    • Beige
    • Light Blue/Mint
    • Cooler tones to match the season
  • Pregnancy-friendly fashions for the fall and winter months are abundant.
    • Maxi dresses with a long off the shoulder sweater
    • Oversized knit sweaters
    • Cozy/Knit pieces
    • Jeans and a fitting top
  • Fun accessories are a great way to stay warm during the fall and winter months.
    • Scarfs
    • Beanies
    • A small waist belt is the perfect piece to accentuate that belly.
    • Stay away from statement jewelry pieces like earrings or necklaces as they will take away from your bump.

Think about where you’ll be displaying your framed print of your maternity photos and where you might utilize them in a personalized birth announcement when deciding what to wear for your photos. For the best results and least amount of stress, follow our guidelines for scheduling your pregnancy photo shoot. By remembering these guidelines, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect item for you. Best of luck with your hair!

What To Wear For Maternity Photos | Ideas For Partners & Kids

Maternity Photo Shoot Outfit Ideas: The Dos And Don’ts

With these suggestions for what to wear and how to pose, your growing baby bulge will steal the show in your pregnancy photos. Here are some short suggestions for what to wear during your pregnancy photos, followed by some seasonal options, so you won’t have to worry about it:

  1. Think about the feel you want to convey through your photographs. This first stage can be simplified by giving some thought to your preferred aesthetic and preferred activities. The direction of your shoot should become clearer after reading this. Consider something warm and inviting, or something outdoorsy and airy. Your decision is final.
  2. Make a decision as to whether the shoot will take place indoors or outside.
  3. Even this is subject to your own tastes and preferences.
  4. Maternity portraits taken inside are warm and personal. While many couples choose to have their engagement photos taken in the nursery or at home, there are plenty of beautiful outdoor settings to pick from if you and your partner want to spend time together in nature. You should decide ahead of time how you want to use the pictures from a holiday photo shoot, such as in baby shower invites or as a Christmas baby announcement.
  5. Pick out the people you want to include in your pictures.
  6. It’s great fun to get your partner in on the action, too. It’s normal practice to capture some family or relationship shots during a maternity session. Photographs of the older sibling cuddling the unborn child in the mother’s womb are among the most endearing keepsakes. If you want to include the rest of the family in your maternity shoot, you can still make your developing belly the focal point of the images by having everyone wear complementary colors and fabrics.
  7. Make sure you think about the weather before you start shooting.
  8. Depending on the time of year you plan on taking your pictures, you can make some educated guesses about the weather. As a rule of thumb, you want things to be darker and cozier in the winter and lighter and more airy in the summer. You can also use the seasons as a guide to determine what hues to wear in your portraits. Take in the changing of the seasons and the vistas that each month has to offer. Leaves will turn brilliant colors in the fall, and snow may occur in the winter.
  9. Try not to follow fashion too closely.
  10. Avoid using fad-driven color schemes and clothing eras in your photographs.
    You shouldn’t choose something that might become outdated in a few years because of the way fashion changes. You don’t want to look back on these photographs and wonder what was going through your mind when you chose your clothes. If you want your gorgeous belly to be the focal point of your photos, we recommend sticking to neutral colors.
  11. Reduce the number of extra items you wear.
  12. You want the focus of the images to be on your growing belly, so choose understated jewelry and accessories. However, clothing that draws attention to your growing baby bump can be a terrific choice for your photo session.
  13. Get creative by preparing multiple clothes in advance.
    Spending money on professional portraiture is a good opportunity to attract at least a few viewers. This can be accomplished by preparing two separate costumes and performing a quick change in between takes.
  14. You should lay out your outfit to evaluate how the pieces complement one another.
  15. This is something you can do at home, or you can make a Pinterest board.
  16. If you want to look your best in your portraits, you need to feel at ease in the clothes you wear.
  17. Possessing a wardrobe that is both stylish and functional will make you feel at ease during the photo session. You’ll have a great time, and your images will showcase your unique character.

FAQs

What to wear for your Maternity photo shoot?

  1. When it comes to color, I prefer neutrals like black, white, brown, and gray.
  2. Look for thin, clinging materials with some elasticity; they need not be tight.
  3. Trousers – black pants, black jeans, or colored jeans (yoga pants work well). It makes no difference if you’re donning a pair of pregnant jeans with an extra-wide elastic waistband. I’m the one who makes it all possible.
  4. Dresses, which can be stunning in their aesthetic potential, merit cautious selection. Try to avoid baggy gowns in favor of those that hug your curves. Beautiful results can be achieved by wearing a dress with rouching at the side seams.
  5. In terms of tops, a large, white, button-down, men’s shirt is my preference. We recommend any button-down top or cardigan. Sleeves – Long-sleeved shirts are the most universally flattering, although sleeveless and spaghetti-strapped tops are acceptable alternatives.
  6. You can choose between a deep scoop, a square, or a v-neck when it comes to the neckline.
  7. Solid-colored, form-fitting tops, such as tanks or camisoles (white, black, pink, blue…)
  8. If you can help it, try not to buy any jewelry or watches unless they have a particularly interesting backstory. Except for wedding and engagement rings, of course! Pearl or diamond studs, which are both classic and petite and stylish, are a good choice.
  9. Rare and one-of-a-kind, such as expansive textiles. Think about saris or other elaborate scarves.
  10. Think of using sheer or shiny materials.

 What should the “New Dad” wear?

  • Men are encouraged to wear dark bottoms, such as jeans or khakis.
  • White, non-starched shirts should be worn. You can’t go wrong with either cotton or linen.
  • You should also include a standard, crew-neck, white and/or black t-shirt.
  • wear all-solid black, dark brown, navy, or charcoal for your tops and bottoms. Put on the tee as an underlayer under a sweater or jacket with a crew or v-neck.

What are the best pants to wear while pregnant?

Even though pregnancy is a blessing for many women, it is not without its difficulties. What to wear during pregnancy is a huge dilemma for expectant mothers.

The current market is flooded with fashionable maternity wear from a wide variety of well-known brands. After a baby is born, it can be challenging to figure out how to best combine your wardrobe pieces.

L: If you fall in love with something during your pregnancy or before, it’s a good idea to inquire about postpartum sizes when you make your purchase.

M: If an item may be worn again, take good care of it by cleaning it as soon as possible. N: If you want to make things work, I recommend being open to expanding your scope or trying something new.

O: Having a dryer provides me more options; if you think you’d benefit from having one, let me know. The appropriate decision may be aided by reading some advice on how to find your style at this stage in your life.

Some quick advice:

Just say no to dressing in pregnant clothes 24/7. Don’t go telling everyone from head to toe just because you’re expecting! Ladies, remember to cover your ankles! Wearing tight pants that sit just above the waist will help you feel more confident about your legs.

While pregnant, you shouldn’t feel that you have to give up on jeans or any other denim garments. There is a wide variety of maternity jeans available now.

They design them to be loose and elasticized at the waist so that you may move freely. And they’re stylish to boot! Black or dark-wash straight-leg jeans are always an option for those times when you need to dress up a bit more formally. You can feel confident wearing these to a formal event without anyone thinking twice about your pregnancy.

Maxi dresses are great for the pregnant woman because they may be worn by anyone regardless of their size or form. You can wear them all the time because of how comfy and fashionable they are.

Maternity shorts are a terrific option if you want to feel comfortable and appear stylish during your pregnancy. You’ll get your money’s worth because they’re cheap, widely available at retailers like Old Navy and Target, and available in a wide variety of styles. I’ve seen some adorable ones with palm trees or flowers printed on them.

Mall-hopping and a search for a bargain Pregnant women have enough to worry about than just finding stylish maternity clothes and shoes. It’s definitely easier to just purchase yourself a pair of pregnant flats instead of spending hours searching for something that’s both comfortable and fashionable (and hopefully doesn’t cost an arm and a leg). They are inexpensive and available in a wide variety of designs.

7 Tips For What To Wear To Your Maternity Shoot

How do I find maternity pants that fit well?

There is a wide range of options when it comes to maternity pants. Online retailers have a large assortment of pregnancy pants at affordable costs, therefore many ladies shop there for their maternity pants.

It is becoming increasingly usual for expectant mothers everywhere to purchase from the comfort of home, while some women who live in large cities may choose to visit specialty stores or boutiques for more possibilities.

In order to help you select the most comfortable and flattering pregnant jeans and dress, we’ve compiled this quick and easy guide. * Look for labels that use elastic materials.

You can feel confident in your appearance both during and after pregnancy when you wear clothes made from stretchy fabric that accommodates your developing tummy.

Always avoid skintight clothing, as it does not look good on anyone. It’s a good idea to get a pair of maternity tights if you’re expecting to be pregnant all through the colder months.

Do not wear anything that is too constricting. Planning to be pregnant during the cooler months? Stock up on pregnancy leggings to wear beneath all your favorite skirts and dresses!

It’s possible you could go out and buy those expensive plus-size clothes now if they fit, but you probably won’t get much use out of them once the kid arrives. Why wait when there are so many lovely pregnant clothes out there to buy? In addition to their intended purpose, these garments can be worn when breastfeeding a child.

How many outfits should you bring to your maternity photo shoot?

To get the most out of your studio pregnancy session, pack multiple outfits. This will give your final photo collection more visual interest and flexibility by allowing you to combine different aesthetic approaches.

You might, for instance, choose to dress casually one day, formally another, and in between, wear either nothing but underwear or simply lingerie and a shirt.

A third option is to wear multiple garments of the same type, such as three formal dresses or gowns.

What Kind Of Outfits Work Well For Studio Maternity Photos?

To get the most out of your maternity session, in which your photographer’s main objective will be to capture your stunning new figure, it’s smart to dress in a way that does just that.

The camera has a tendency to amplify excess fabric, so if you wear loose or baggy clothing, your bump may get ‘hidden’ and we may not be able to tell what your body actually looks like. So pick out an article of clothing that will highlight your growing belly.

Here are some examples of clothing that accomplishes this and also looks fantastic in studio pictures:

  • A figure-hugging, body-con dress will highlight your growing bump.
  • Long, billowing skirts are a trademark of the empire-cut dresses.
  • Wear your lingerie, either on its own or layered with an open-buttoned shirt or cardigan if that’s more your style.
  • bandeau or crop top and jeans; pregnant pants are not allowed. Unbuttoning your pre-pregnancy jeans will provide a more figure-flattering silhouette than maternity jeans.
  • Bandeau top with a long, flowing skirt.
  • Whether it’s a lace dress or underwear, the textured fabric makes for captivating visuals in images.

What Are The Best Colours To Wear For A Studio Maternity Photo Shoot?

Always remember that less is more when it comes to studio photography’s color palette.

Putting together outfits with no more than two colors. Studio-appropriate colors include black, white, cream, and denim.

When you’re trying to draw attention to yourself and your baby belly, a monochromatic palette is your best bet. All-black, all-white, or an off-white color scheme would look stunning.

Patterns and printed materials are best avoided in the studio since they are both distracting to the eye and can quickly date your photographs. Solid fields of color are far more classic.

What About My Partner Or Older Children. What Should They Wear?

There are a few things to keep in mind as you coordinate your ensemble with that of your significant other and/or children.

Dress for the same occasion.

Your images will look more unified if you all dress similarly for the event.

If you’re going for a casual style in jeans and a bandeau top, your significant other should also dress casually, perhaps in jeans and a basic shirt or t-shirt.

If your partner is wearing shorts and a t-shirt and you’re wearing a formal dress, neither of you will look like you belong in the same picture.

Choose complementary colours

Although it may seem excessive, picking complementary colors unifies a series of images and ensures that the subjects, rather than their clothing, are the focus of our attention.

Pick a primary color and a secondary accent color to use as the backbone of your family’s color scheme. Remember to only use the colors I suggested at the beginning of this piece: black, white, cream, and denim.

Then, have everyone dress in clothes that feature these hues.

Finishing Touches

Some of the photos will feature your hands or the hands of your family members prominently, so you may want to get a manicure or at least examine the health of your fingernails before the shoot.

What week should I do maternity photos?

While 28–36 weeks is optimal for a maternity photo shoot, any period throughout pregnancy is fine as long as the mother is still mobile and not too near to her due date.

Do I need maternity photos?

Pregnancy is a fleeting time in your life, and you should make the most of it by taking lots of pictures and video. Having photographs taken during your pregnancy will serve as a constant reminder of the miraculous moment when your unborn child was developing inside of you.

Is 37 weeks too late for maternity photos?

Professional maternity photographers typically advise their clients to schedule their photo shoot for between the 32nd and 37th week of pregnancy. Don’t put off your impromptu photo shoot too long, just in case you go into labor before the due date!

What to wear for your maternity photo shoot | Mama Rentals, Australia

Is 32 weeks too early for maternity photos?

Between 30 and 33 weeks is ideal for a maternity photo shoot. Currently, the baby bump is visible but the due date is still a ways off. When taking pictures before 30 weeks, the expectant mother’s stomach may not look as round as it does later on.

Do you tip your photographer for maternity photos?

Would you tip a photographer who took your pregnancy pictures? There is no need to stress about extra money for tips before your maternity photo shoot. The expecting mother is not expected to tip for maternity photo sessions. There is no need to provide a gratuity on top of the set charge for the photographer, as they are probably paid by the hour.