Maternity photoshoots are a beautiful way to capture the precious moments leading up to your baby’s arrival. Whether you’re planning a session with your partner, family, or solo, choosing the right outfit can make all the difference in creating timeless, flattering images. At Savvy Shoots Photography, we understand that finding the perfect look can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together some tips on what to wear for maternity photos to make sure you get the best pictures!

1. Opt for Flattering, Fitted Outfits

When preparing for your maternity photoshoot, it’s important to wear something that highlights your baby bump. While flowing dresses can be gorgeous, fitted pieces are often the best option for showing off your curves and the beautiful shape of your pregnancy. A fitted dress or top hugs your body in all the right places, accentuating your growing belly without overwhelming the frame.

What to Wear:

• Form-fitting dresses: Consider a long, elegant gown or a tight-knit sweater dress that highlights your belly. A dress with a slightly stretchy material can emphasize your curves while remaining comfortable.
• Fitted tops and skirts: Pair a fitted maternity top with a high-waisted skirt to showcase your bump. A soft, stretchy fabric will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the shoot.
• Maxi dresses: For a more relaxed yet flattering look, a flowy maxi dress with a cinched waist can provide movement while still accentuating your belly.

What to Avoid:

• Avoid overly baggy or loose clothing. While oversized items can be trendy, they often hide the bump and create a less flattering silhouette. You want your maternity photos to capture the beauty of your pregnancy, and loose clothing can take away from that.

You can find a curated list of maternity photoshoot outfits on our Amazon Storefront here to make shopping easy and convenient for you!

2. Stick with Solid Colors and Simple Patterns

While bright patterns and bold prints can be eye-catching, they can also be distracting in photographs. For maternity photos, it’s best to choose solid colors that allow you to be the focal point of the shot. Soft pastels and earthy neutrals often look stunning and timeless in photos.

What to Wear:

• Solid colors: Soft colors like blush pink, white, and sage green can give a dreamy and serene vibe, while deeper shades like navy, burgundy, and emerald add a rich, classic touch.
• Simple patterns: If you prefer patterns, go for subtle, simple prints like small florals or stripes. These add texture to your outfit without drawing attention away from your face or your bump.
• Muted tones: Neutral tones like beige, cream, and gray often work well for maternity photos, creating a soft and elegant feel.

What to Avoid:

• Bold patterns and logos: Steer clear of large, attention-grabbing patterns or clothing with big logos. These can compete with your natural beauty and make the images feel dated. Also, avoid bright neon colors or anything too harsh, as they can create a jarring effect in the photos.

3. Dress for Comfort

A maternity photoshoot should be a fun and relaxing experience, and that means you need to feel at ease in your outfit. Choose fabrics that are comfortable and breathable, especially if you’re having an outdoor shoot in Metro Detroit’s varying weather.

What to Wear:

• Soft fabrics: Look for cotton, chiffon, or jersey fabrics, which are gentle on the skin and comfortable for long sessions. These fabrics will move with your body and help you feel confident.
• Stretchy materials: Maternity clothing with some stretch, like spandex blends or ribbed knits, allows for comfort and flexibility while still showing off your bump.

What to Avoid:

• Stiff, uncomfortable fabrics: Avoid fabrics that don’t breathe, like heavy polyester or anything that may make you feel too hot or too tight. A photoshoot should be fun, not a struggle to stay comfortable in your outfit.

4. Coordinate with Your Partner (or Family)

If your partner or family members will be joining you in the maternity photos, it’s a good idea to coordinate your outfits to ensure a cohesive look. This doesn’t mean you all need to wear the exact same color, but you should choose colors and styles that complement each other.

What to Wear:

• Coordinating colors: If you’re unsure about color choices, neutrals or soft tones work well across the board. Think light blues, pale pinks, and soft grays. You want your family’s outfits to enhance the photo, not clash with yours.
• Keep it simple: Avoid wearing too many competing patterns or colors. If you wear a bold color or print, ask your partner to wear something simple and solid, or vice versa.

What to Avoid:

• Over-clashing colors: Avoid dressing in overly clashing colors or too many patterns in one frame. The goal is to have everyone looking their best without one outfit overshadowing the others.

5. Accessorize, But Keep It Simple

Accessories can be a great way to personalize your maternity photos, but it’s important not to go overboard. A few carefully chosen pieces can add elegance, but too many accessories can distract from the star of the show — you and your baby bump!

What to Include:

• Delicate jewelry: Simple necklaces, bracelets, or stud earrings can add a touch of elegance without drawing attention away from your face or bump.
• Sonograms: Including sonograms is always recommended to include in maternity photos. This is a simple prop that help tell your pregnancy story!
• Booties/Onsie: Including baby booties or a onesie that helps tell your story is always fun to include. Whether you have baby Crocs or a onesie of your college alma mater, these can add variety to your maternity photo collection.

What to Avoid:

• Heavy or bulky jewelry: Avoid chunky necklaces or statement pieces that may overwhelm your outfit. Keep accessories light and subtle. Be wary of scarves or baggy layers that can take away from your bump and become less flattering.

Booking Maternity Photos

Choosing the right outfit for your maternity photoshoot is essential to ensure you look and feel your best while capturing this special time in your life. By focusing on flattering, comfortable clothing in solid colors or subtle patterns, and coordinating with your partner or family, you can create beautiful, timeless images that will last a lifetime.

At Savvy Shoots Photography, we can’t wait to help you document this special journey. We recommend planning your maternity photoshoot between 31-35 weeks to ensure you have plenty of time for photos in case the baby comes early. 

We offer outdoor and in-studio maternity photography options. You can learn more about our maternity and newborn photography packages on our website here. Contact us today to reserve your photoshoot date!