Tips and advice on what to wear during your Maternity photoshoot
This is surely the most asked question after you have booked your maternity session.
What should I wear for the maternity photos? What should I bring?
So let me start by saying that clothing is super important and planning what you want to wear is what will make the difference between a good and a great image!
The general advice I give all my clients is:
- Wear something comfortable, that you feel great in and feel yourself – Opt for clothing that allows you to move freely and doesn’t constrict your growing belly, like maxi dresses or stretchy fabrics.
- Choose a palette of 2-3 colours that coordinate well – especially if you are with a partner or children.
- Plain and simple clothing – avoid logos, text or big patterns –
- Choose solid colours – soft and pastel shades are a timeless choice for maternity photos. They create a clean and elegant look that highlights your belly beautifully (cream and whites are a classic, blush pink, mint green or light grey)
These are basic guidelines for every type of shoot, with me at least!
Specifically for maternity photos, I ask to bring along different types of underwear. Ideally, you should have white, black and nude underwear. For this, I will suggest a simple plain and smooth bra that could go under any fabric or dress and not be seen. Same for underwear, we want super simple ones.
Another thing is if you plan to have photos just in your lingerie, in that case, you can go with a more sophisticated bra with lace. Again maybe have it in black and white, depending on what set-up or background you will go for.
These photos are very intimate and are great for showing off your pregnant belly. They are good when your partner is joining you and have a sweet and innocent feeling.
So what to wear for your Maternity photos?
It all depends on the style of photos you want to have but these are some good tips to start with.
Flattering dresses that will enhance your shape
Showing a flattering silhouette is very important and it’s done through the right pose and the right outfit.
I like to see tops or dresses that are tight to the body on the upper part, above your belly. They can have a belt under the breast.
Flowy and large skirts you can move freely and play with to create movement.
Maxi dresses. And long dresses (floor length) that will make you feel elegant and beautiful.
I suggest bringing more options that you actually need, then we’ll decide together what the best one for you.
Dresses with a slit
These dresses are quite popular and look good on different body types. You can buy them online if you have a specific requirement or you can borrow them from my studio wardrobe. I have a simple white one like you see in this photo or a black one with a lace slit.
They are quite elegant and you can get a bit creative too. They are usually open at the front so you can decide to show a little bit of the belly or keep it close.
The power of fabric
When you come to my studio you are welcome to borrow some of my gowns or fabrics. A simple piece of fabric can actually go a long way and create not only some artistic images but some proper dresses too!
I have different types of fabric like chiffon, tulle, cotton, gauze . . . they all give effects and feeling but it is something surely worth a try.
Casual look of jumpers
If you prefer a more casual look jumpers and cardigans look great. You can wear them on top of your lingerie and can look sexy at the same time. Long-sleeve jumpers and cardigans can be great to hide arms if you are concerned about that part of your body. Woollen jumpers and cardigans are great to add texture to the photos, and textures always look great!
The casual look of jeans
Jeans always photograph well and they can make you feel yourself if you are used to dressing casually. I would recommend wearing your normal jeans, pre-pregnancy ones if you can fit in. You don’t have to close them of course, you just leave them unbuttoned and it makes great images.
You could wear a crop top, a simple bra, an open cardigan. There are so many combinations you can do with them and will give a different feeling.
Simple and elegant with lace
You can’t go wrong with lace. This could be an option if you want to see the belly but not completely uncover it. The lace with the see-through effect will help you in that look
Semi nude look
If you feel confident in your body and are proud of showing off the beauty of your body changing and its shape nude or semi-nude images can be powerful and elegant too. I had clients feeling very shy and not secure about this style but once they tried it, they love it.
I hope I gave you some ideas and inspirations on what to wear for your maternity photos. Here is a little summary.
Related article: Are Maternity Photos Worth it?
| To show off your pregnant belly | Lingerie shoot Dresses open up in the front Jeans and crop top or cardigan Underwear and cardigan on top. |
| To look elegant and hide part of the body you are not too comfortable with | Long sleeve dresses Maxi dresses Floor length dresses Floaty dresses Use of fabrics |
| Semi nudes | See-through lacey tops or dresses Bodysuits Arms and hands to cover part of the body/underwear Fabrics |
You are pregnant and you are powerful. You are bold and you are beautiful. Go forward in your boldness, in your beauty and your contentedness.
You are welcome to borrow whatever you like from my studio wardrobe. If you want something specific you can shop online for maxi dresses, floaty dresses, off-shoulder dresses, beach cover-up, button-down dresses on Asos, Zara, H&M just to name a few.
On my website, you can find all the information about Maternity Photography and how to book a session or you can fill out the form below and I will be in touch.
