What to Wear for Maternity Photos
The honest version, from a maternity photographer who's styled hundreds of mothers. The wardrobe rules that actually matter, the ones other photographers won't tell you, and the one principle that makes everything else easier.
"What should I wear?"
It's the single most common question I get. More than posing. More than location. More than timing. After photographing hundreds of mothers, I can tell you why: nothing about pregnancy makes you feel less prepared for clothing decisions than the actual fact of being pregnant.
Your body is changing week by week. Nothing fits the way it used to. The pressure to look amazing in photos you'll keep forever is real. And most of the wardrobe advice you'll find online is recycled Pinterest lists that don't actually understand how clothing photographs.
This page is the long-form version of what I tell my clients. The principles, the trade-offs, the mistakes I see most often, and the categories of looks that work.
If you want the deep dive with examples, brands, fabric breakdowns, and real session photos, the free 20-page Maternity Style Guide covers everything. This page hits the essentials.
The 1 Rule That Matters Most
Before we talk about specific outfits, colors, or fabrics, here's the foundational principle: your outfit should show the bump.
That sounds obvious. It's not.
I see mothers reach for loose, flowy pieces all the time, hoping the wardrobe will somehow flatter them by hiding the very thing we're here to celebrate. Whether you're in a gown, a bodysuit, jeans and a bra, or nothing at all, the goal is the same. The bump is the star. Everything else supports it.
This means looking for pieces that are fitted or contoured through the chest and midsection. A dress that cinches above the belly. A top that hugs rather than drapes. Even when the skirt or fabric below is flowing and dramatic, the area around your bump should be defined.
Here's the thing nobody tells you: you don't need a "maternity outfit" to accomplish this. Some of the most stunning images I've created were with a simple pair of jeans, a bra a client already owned, or a length of fabric draped in the studio.
The pregnant body is the outfit. Everything else is styling.
Outfit Categories That Work
Romantic and flowy
This is the classic maternity photo look. Floor-length maxi dresses, off-the-shoulder gowns, lace details, fabrics that catch the wind. The silhouette is fitted through the bust with a flowing skirt that creates beautiful movement.
Romantic looks work especially well for outdoor sessions where you have natural wind and golden light doing half the work for you.
What to look for: a gown with a defined empire waist or one that contours around the bump before flowing out. Avoid anything that's loose from the chest down.
Editorial and fine art
For mothers drawn to sculptural, minimal, dramatic imagery. Editorial maternity looks tend to be more intentional. Think clean lines, solid colors, dramatic fabric draping, and negative space.
This is where "less is more" really shines. A single piece of sheer fabric, a sculptural bodysuit, or even a simple turtleneck dress can create images that feel like they belong in a gallery.
Studio sessions are ideal for this style because we can control every detail.
Intimate and boudoir
This is where I see the biggest shift in how mothers feel during their session. Many clients arrive nervous about this style and leave saying it was their favorite set of images.
Intimate maternity looks include matching bra and underwear sets, bodysuits, lace pieces, a partner's button-down shirt, or an open robe. The focus is on the bare bump, and the result is images that feel powerful, vulnerable, and deeply personal.
You don't have to show more than you're comfortable with. Implied coverage, creative angles, and thoughtful fabric placement all allow you to look and feel incredible while staying within your comfort zone.
Casual and lifestyle
Not every frame needs to be dramatic. Some of the most genuine images come from a simple, everyday outfit worn well. Jeans and a fitted top. Overalls with a tank underneath. A cozy sweater pushed off one shoulder.
Don't Forget the Creative Looks
Some of my favorite recent sessions have been the ones where a client brought a piece nobody would have predicted. A meaningful shirt from a partner. A wedding dress reworked for the bump. A sweat suit that felt like home. A vintage piece her grandmother passed down.
What makes you smile will make your bump shine.
One creative combination I've been loving lately: fishnets, a towel hat, heels, and sunglasses. Editorial, fun, and unexpectedly sexy. The kind of look that doesn't fit any of the four standard categories but produces images that feel genuinely yours.
If you have a piece that means something to you (a band tee, a sentimental dress, an oversized button-down that smells like your partner, your favorite oversized sweatshirt), bring it. We'll figure out how to style it.
The framework above is the rule. The exceptions are sometimes the best images.
Creative looks that break the rules of what we expect from pregnancy are my favorite to photograph. These moms just grabbed outfits they already had in their closet. These images also all happen to be shot on film.
What Colors Actually Work
For studio sessions
Studios offer controlled lighting and clean backdrops, which means almost any color can work. That said, neutrals, earth tones, and muted jewel tones tend to produce the most timeless images. Think ivory, taupe, sage, dusty rose, burgundy, navy, and black.
For outdoor sessions
Outdoors, you're working with the natural environment, and Colorado's landscape has a very specific palette. Warm earth tones, soft pastels, and muted colors tend to harmonize beautifully with golden hour light, mountain backdrops, and open fields.
Ivory, blush, terracotta, sage green, dusty blue, and warm browns are all excellent choices.
Colors to approach carefully
Neon or overly saturated colors can compete with the scenery and your skin tone. They also tend to date photos quickly.
Busy patterns and large logos pull attention away from you. If you want pattern, keep it subtle: small florals, delicate lace texture, or tonal stripes.
Fabrics That Photograph Well for Maternity Shoots
Fabrics that work
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Chiffon and sheer mesh
create gorgeous movement and layering, especially in studio sessions.
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Lace
adds texture and visual interest without competing with your body.
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Jersey knit and ribbed cotton
are ideal for form-fitting looks. They stretch comfortably, hold their shape, and contour to the bump without bunching.
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Crepe and gauze
provide a beautiful, slightly textured finish that photographs with dimension.
Fabrics to avoid
Stiff cotton
doesn't drape well, wrinkles constantly, and resists any kind of movement or flow.
Shiny satin and polyester
can create distracting hot spots in photos. Matte finishes almost always photograph better.
Anything overly patterned
reads like you’re trying to hide the bump in a sea of shapes.
Non-stretchy linen or velvet
if it looks hard to get on, it will be. Don’t try to force anything little give on belly. You can, however, make these work over or under bump.
Accessories: Less Is More, With Exceptions
The general principle on accessories is restraint. The bump is already a strong visual element. Stacking jewelry, statement pieces, and chunky accessories competes for attention.
A few exceptions where accessories genuinely elevate the work.
Hats.
A towel hat, a flat-brim, or a classic cowboy hat (it is Colorado, after all) can transform a session. Hats add structure to the frame, create shadow play with the light, and feel intentional rather than fussy. They photograph especially well outdoors.
Sunglasses.
Editorial maternity work with the right pair of sunglasses leans high-fashion fast. Oversized 70s frames, sleek black aviators, or vintage cat-eyes all work depending on the mood you want.
Jewelry.
If it’s important to you, it’s important to me. Don’t be afraid to have jewelry in shots, especially meaningful pieces. Less is usually more here. A subtle necklace looks better than a stack. That said, if you have a statement piece, I’m happy to build an outfit and style around it. It just takes a bit of planning. Feel free to get in touch if you have questions.
Flowers and Props
A simple bouquet is one of the most photogenic additions to a maternity session. It doesn't need to be a professionally arranged piece. A grocery store bouquet works. Wildflowers picked the morning of work too. The point is having something natural, organic, and softly textured to play against the body.
If flowers are something you want included, let me know during planning and I can source a simple bouquet for you with notice. No charge outside the cost of the bouquet, just lead time.
On other props, I generally steer clients away from too much. Ultrasound pictures, tiny baby outfits, baby shoes, "in seven months" chalkboards. They show up in maternity photos all the time, and they almost always read as cliché. The session is about you, not about the baby. Adding too many baby-specific props pulls focus from the pregnant body, which is what these images are actually about.
That said, props can work when they're genuine. A meaningful piece of jewelry passed down through your family. A specific item connected to a story you want to tell. A pet who's been with you the entire pregnancy. The best props are the ones that mean something to you, used sparingly. Two or three over the course of a session, not ten.
Studio vs. Outdoor: How Location Changes Your Wardrobe
Studio sessions
A studio gives you total control. The temperature is comfortable, the lighting is dialed in, and there's no wind, mud, or uneven ground to worry about. This means you can go more minimal. Bodysuits, underwear sets, sheer fabrics, implied or covered nude, dramatic gowns with trains.
Studio sessions are also where my client closet really shines. I have over 20 pieces available.
Outdoor sessions
Outdoors, you're working with the elements. In Colorado, that means thinking about wind, temperature shifts, and terrain. Flowing dresses are incredible outdoors because they catch the breeze and create movement you can't replicate in a studio.
Longer hemlines work better on uneven ground (think trails, fields, dunes).
Want the full Style Guide?
The free 20-page Maternity Style Guide covers everything in this page in deeper detail, with real session photos, brand recommendations, partner and family wardrobe guidance, and where to actually shop.
What Your Partner or Family Should Wear
For your partner
Solid, neutral colors that complement yours. If you're wearing blush, they might wear charcoal or navy. If you're in burgundy, cream or olive works well. Avoid bold patterns, graphic tees, or anything with large logos. Simple, clean, well-fitted clothing is always the move.
For your kids
Comfort first. A toddler in stiff dress clothes is a recipe for a meltdown. Choose soft, simple pieces in tones that work with the rest of the family.
The key principle
Mom is the focal point. Everyone else's wardrobe should support the frame without competing for attention. The goal is coordination, not matching.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Buying something you've never tried on
Ordering a dress online and saving it for the session without doing a test run is risky. Bodies change fast during pregnancy. Try everything on at least a week before your shoot, and send your photographer (me) a photo if you want feedback.
2. Forgetting about undergarments
Visible bra straps, panty lines, and seams through thin fabric are incredibly distracting and difficult to edit out. Invest in seamless, nude-toned undergarments, or consider pasties and seamless underwear if your outfit is form-fitting or sheer.
3. Over-accessorizing
One or two delicate pieces of jewelry can add a beautiful finishing touch. Chunky statement pieces, scarves, and layered accessories compete with your bump and your face for attention.
4. Playing it too safe
I get it. Showing your body while pregnant can feel vulnerable. But I've watched hundreds of mothers leave a session saying they wish they'd been braver with their outfit choices. The images where you pushed slightly outside your comfort zone are almost always the ones you treasure most.
5. Waiting too long to plan
If you're shopping for a specific dress, start looking at least 3 to 4 weeks before your session.
6. Choosing an outfit that hides the bump
It happens more than you'd think. Oversized sweaters, bulky layers, and loose-cut dresses can make you look like you're trying to conceal the very thing that makes this session meaningful.
Where to Shop
is one of the most popular maternity fashion brands for a reason. Wide range of styles from casual to formal, reliable sizing, and pieces that consistently photograph well. Their lace and chiffon gowns are a solid starting point.
Pink Blush
has a surprisingly deep selection of maternity gowns. You can find solid lace gowns and bodycon dresses for under $40. Quality varies, so read the reviews carefully, order early, and size up if you're between sizes.
Amazon
has been my go-to recommendation lately. Strong selection of styles, body-conscious cuts, and pieces that lean editorial without going over the top. Worth a look before anywhere else.
Mommy Knows
offers a modern, elevated approach to maternity wear. Their pieces lean editorial and clean, which makes them great for moms who want a polished look without the traditional "maternity dress" aesthetic.
Bumpsuit
offers a rental model for high-end maternity gowns. If you want a show-stopping dress without the full purchase price, this is a smart option. I rent from them regularly when clients want a specific gown that isn't in the studio closet.
Mama Bump Rentals
is a great option for someone wanting both affordable and more sustainable. Buying used is a great way to save on one-time clothes like maternity shoot gowns. You can even re-sell after your done and continue the cycle!
Poshmark/Facebook Marketplace
The Client Closet
This is the part most clients underestimate.
At my studio in Denver's Art District, I maintain a curated client wardrobe with over 20 pieces specifically chosen for how they photograph. During your session, you can try pieces on in the studio, and I'll style them in real time. No online guessing games. No return shipping.
Client closet access is included with the Signature Collection and Goddess Experience, and available as a $75 add-on with the Glow Session. It's one of the things my clients mention most in their reviews.
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Toupe Sheer Parachute Dress
Size L
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Black Belly Cut Out Dress
Sizes M and L
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Brown Belly Cut Out Dress
Size M
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White Belly Cutout Dress
Size M
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White Pearl Gown
Size S
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Black Scoop Neck Maternity Body-Con Dress
Size L
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Black Sheer Body Con Mesh Dress
Size M
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Black Turtle Neck Ribbed Mini Dress
Size L
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Black Long Sleeve Crop Top
Size M
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Taupe Sheer Fabric
One Size
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Gold Fabric
One Size
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White Pearl Fabric
One Size
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Black Body-Con Unitard
Size L
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Red Pearl Fabric
One Size
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Pink Sheer Fabric
One Size
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White Sheer Fabric
One Size
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Black Body Con Skirt and Crop Top
Size L
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Black Bodysuit
Size L
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White Ultrasheer Fabric
One Size
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Black Long Sleeve Turtleneck Dress
Size M
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White Long Sleeve Turtleneck Dress
Size M
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White Open Belly Sheer Gown
Size M
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Red Open Belly Sheer Gown Long
Size M
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White Off-Should Gown
Size M
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Red Bod Con Off-Shoulder Dress
Size L
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White Floral Lace Flare Sleeve Dress
Size M and L
Studio vs. Outdoor Wardrobe: Which Matters More
If you're booking only one session, the wardrobe decision is straightforward: pick the style that matches the location.
If you're booking the double-session bundle (one studio shoot, one outdoor shoot), you can leverage both wardrobe registers. Studio session for the editorial, intimate, sculptural work. Outdoor session for the romantic, flowy, sense-of-place work.
This is one of the strongest reasons clients book the bundle. You're not choosing between visual modes. You're getting both.
Sara split the best of both worlds by shooting studio photos with a more intimate look and outdoor photos with a more Colorado themed romantic outfit.
Questions Maternity Clients Ask About Wardrobe
Should I bring multiple outfits?
1
Yes. The number depends on your package: Glow Sessions include one outfit change, Signature includes two, Goddess includes three. Bring options for each change. We can adjust on session day.
What if I'm uncomfortable with intimate or implied nude work?
2
Nothing in my sessions requires it. Every package can be shot fully clothed. That said, if you are just wanting to feel it out, it’s always an option once you meet me and see how I work.
My partner doesn't have anything that goes with my outfit. What do I do?
3
This is one of the most common wardrobe issues, and it's solvable. The short version: solid colors in complementary tones, well-fitted clothing, no logos. A plain white tee and dark jeans works in 80% of cases.
Can I shoot in lingerie?
4
Yes. Many clients do. Lingerie sessions are typically shot in the studio for privacy and lighting control.
What about hair accessories or headpieces?
5
Less is more. A delicate headband, a piece of fabric in your hair, or natural styling tends to work better than dramatic headpieces.
Do I need to buy maternity-specific clothing?
6
No. A lot of my best work has been shot in non-maternity pieces sized up: regular bodysuits, partner shirts, fabric drapes, vintage finds. The key is fit, not whether the tag says "maternity."
What if I want to wear something specific that doesn't fit any of these categories?
7
Send me a photo and we'll figure it out. Some of my favorite sessions have been driven by a specific piece a client brought that I didn't expect.
Should I shop for outfits before booking?
8
No. Book the session first. We'll plan wardrobe together during the planning phase, after you've seen the Style Guide and have access to the client closet.
What to Bring on Session Day
Wardrobe.
All outfit options you plan to wear, plus one or two backups. Bring more than you think you need. Worst case it stays in the bag.
Matching undergarments.
This one matters more than you'd think. Bring matching bra and underwear sets in black, white, and nude at minimum. I can't tell you how many times mamas have brought only nude underwear and a black bra and we have to work around the mismatch. You can't have too many. You can wish you brought more.
You’d be surprised how often maternity clients bring mismatched bras and underwear. Even if it’s going under and outfit or subtle, bring a matching set. Good options to have regardless of your package are white, black, and neutral. Calvin Klein also makes sets that are both matched and photograph incredibly well!
A robe or wrap
to wear between outfit changes.
Light jewelry options.
One or two pieces, nothing chunky.
Shoes.
Comfortable shoes for arrival and departure. Even if you plan to shoot barefoot or in heels, you'll want something easy to walk in between setups.
Water bottle and a snack.
Hydration matters during a 60-90 minute session, especially in late pregnancy.
Hair tools.
Pins, a hair tie, and a small brush for touch-ups.
Lip color
you can refresh during the session.
Anything sentimental
you want included in the photos. Rings, sentimental jewelry, partner items, a meaningful shirt, a piece passed down through your family.
For Goddess Experience clients, hair and makeup is included, so you don't need to bring makeup beyond a personal lip color for refreshing.
If it’s part of who you are, we will find a way to incorporate it in your maternity photos. I’ve seen moms bring things like: their baby blanket from their childhood, a meaningful photo, ultrasound pics, skis, snowboards, their college merch, their first pair of cowboy boots, baby shoes, their favorite tea cup, Louis Vuitton heels, and their favorite bathrobe. I also love dogs! Both the studio and outdoors works great with them.
Wardrobe stress is the easiest part of session planning to fix.
Book the session, download the Style Guide, and use the client closet if you want to skip shopping entirely. Show up pregnant. I handle everything else.