Choosing the right outfit plays a key role in how your maternity photos turn out. I’ll show you how to look your best and feel completely comfortable during your maternity photo shoot.
What should I wear for my maternity photo shoot? What outfit will show off my baby bump best? From my experience with many photo shoots, I know that the most beautiful photos are taken when you feel comfortable in your outfit and stay true to yourself.
In this guide, I’ll share my top styling tips with you—from wardrobe essentials to seasonal outfit ideas to the little details that make all the difference.
Here you will find a brief summary of the main content of the article:
- The most important secret to great photos: You should feel authentic and confident in your outfit. Don’t dress up just for the shoot, and don’t follow trends that don’t suit you. Feel free to bring several outfits to create different looks and moods.
- Soft pastel shades, neutral colors such as beige and cream or warm earth tones allow your baby bump to take center stage. Avoid large, eye-catching patterns or very contrasting color combinations that distract from the essentials.
- Figure-hugging or flowing dresses beautifully highlight your baby bump and are a classic choice. Empire-waist styles, wrap dresses, and maxi dresses gently hug your belly and are comfortable. Casual jeans outfits, elegant blazer looks, or comfortable knitwear ensembles also work well. The key is that the outfit suits your body type, your style, and makes you feel good.
- Choose comfortable, flat shoes or low heels that make you feel confident, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. When it comes to jewelry, less is more. Subtle pieces with sentimental value are perfect for your maternity photo shoot.
- Subtle, natural makeup makes you look radiant without looking overdone. Choose a hairstyle that suits your style and will hold up throughout the entire shoot.
- If your partner or siblings are attending, make sure the colors coordinate without everyone looking exactly the same. A shared color palette in different shades creates a cohesive overall look.
- Decorative or sentimental accessories add a personal touch to your photos. Choose items that suit you and aren’t too distracting.
- In a nutshell: The most important outfit tips for your maternity photo shoot
- Stay true to your personal style during your maternity photo shoot
- Harmonious colors and subtle patterns in the photo shoot
- The Most Popular Choice: The Dress for Your Maternity Photo Shoot
- Beautiful alternatives to a dress: comfortable and elegant outfits for a baby bump shoot
- Seasonal outfit tips: Baby bump shoot in spring, summer, fall and winter
- The basis for perfect silhouettes: underwear tips for baby bump shoots
- Well dressed from head to toe: The right shoes for your baby bump shoot
- Accessories and jewelry: personal accents for your baby bump shoot
- Make-up and hairstyle: naturally beautiful in a baby bump shoot
- Coordinated outfits for your partner and family
- Frequently Asked Questions About Outfits for Maternity Photo Shoots
- Take a look at my offer for pregnancy photography
- Take a look at more articles on pregnancy photography
When choosing an outfit for your maternity photo shoot, your first instinct might be to follow current trends or others’ expectations. But in my experience, it’s more important that you feel comfortable in your clothes and that they reflect your personal style. When you feel authentic and confident, it will show in your maternity photos.
Think back to the clothes you’ve felt especially comfortable in so far. Maybe there’s a favorite dress or top that flatters your figure and your baby bump, or a color that complements your complexion.
Before the photo shoot, try on a few outfits at home and look at yourself in the mirror. This will give you a sense of how the clothes fit and how they flatter your baby bump. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask someone you trust—or me—for advice.
Colors and patterns have a significant impact on how your maternity photos turn out. The goal of a maternity photo shoot is to focus the images on the baby bump and the expectant mother. Therefore, you should choose clothing that doesn’t distract from what’s most important, but at the same time highlights your personality.
- Colors: Soft, neutral tones such as beige, white, gray, or pastel shades flatter the skin and keep the baby bump in the spotlight. They create a calm, harmonious atmosphere and are particularly well-suited for natural and authentic photos. Richer natural tones, such as warm olive green or soft rust brown, add beautiful accents without distracting from what’s most important.
- Patterns: While solid-color outfits are usually the safest choice, subtle patterns can be quite charming, as long as they aren’t too dominant or distracting. Fine stripes or subtle floral patterns can add a nice texture. Large, eye-catching patterns or highly contrasting color combinations, on the other hand, draw the eye away from the main motif.
- Coordinating with the Background: If you already know where you want to do your maternity photo shoot, think about which colors and patterns will best complement the surroundings. For example, a dress in earth tones can look beautiful in a forest or park, while a cream-white, sand-colored, or navy blue outfit can really stand out on the beach. In fields of flowers, pastel shades or warm natural tones will help you blend in perfectly with the blooming surroundings.
Although colors and patterns play a role, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your outfit and that it matches your personal style. You should feel authentic and good about yourself.
A dress is and always will be the classic choice for maternity photo shoots. Dresses naturally accentuate a woman’s curves, are usually comfortable to wear, and offer many styling options. From my experience, I know that about 80% of my clients choose to wear at least one dress during their photo shoot.
The selection of maternity dresses and baby bump-friendly styles is huge. Depending on your body type, personal style, and desired look, there are different styles that will show off your baby bump to its best advantage. I’ll briefly introduce you to the three most popular styles.
Figure-hugging dresses: your baby bump takes center stage
Figure-hugging dresses gently hug your curves and highlight your growing baby bump. Perfect if you want to show off your pregnancy with confidence.
- Empire waist: Fits just below the bust and falls loosely over the stomach, concealing small problem areas and accentuating your beautiful curves. A great choice if very form-fitting dresses are too much for you.
- Wrap dress: Adapts to your changing figure; the V-neck creates a slimming effect, and the wrap design accentuates your waist even with a baby bump.
- Bodycon dress: Form-fitting and made of stretchy fabric, it highlights every curve of your body. Ideal if you want to show off your baby bump.
Flowing dresses: romance and movement
Loose, flowing dresses have a magic all their own; they move beautifully in the wind and give your photos a romantic atmosphere.
- Maxi dress: Long and flowing, it looks particularly elegant and is perfect for outdoor photo shoots. Chiffon, tulle, or flowing cotton create beautiful movement effects.
- A-line dress: Fitted at the top and flaring out toward the bottom, it flatters virtually every body type and leaves enough room for your growing belly.
- Boho style: Loose sleeves, natural fabrics, and playful details create a relaxed, authentic vibe.
My styling tip: Use your hands and arms to consciously create a flattering silhouette—for example, by gently touching your stomach or holding the dress slightly to the side. That way, it won’t look baggy.
Skirts as an alternative: versatile and combinable
Skirts offer you even more flexibility than dresses, since you can pair them with different tops. This lets you create a variety of looks with just a few pieces.
- Midi skirt: Reaches about mid-calf; looks elegant and timeless when paired with a form-fitting top or a soft blouse.
- Maxi skirt: Long and flowing, very comfortable and dynamic in movement, looks great with a crop top or a short, form-fitting top.
- Tulle Skirt: Adds a fairy-tale touch to your outfit—perfect for anyone who wants to feel like a princess for a day.
Look for a skirt with a high, elastic waistband that sits above your baby bump and flatters your figure. Feel free to bring several skirt lengths to create different moods in your photos. When choosing fabrics, natural, breathable materials like cotton, linen, or modal work best—they’re comfortable to wear and look high-quality in photos.
Whether it’s because of personal preferences, for the sake of comfort, or simply because you prefer your own style: there are beautiful alternatives that will showcase your baby bump just as radiantly as the classic maternity dress. As a photographer, I see time and again how relaxed and authentic women look when they choose outfits that suit them well.
Casual looks: relaxed and authentic
Casual outfits have a special charm. They radiate naturalness and relaxation and are perfect for anyone who feels uncomfortable in formal clothing.
- The jeans-and-top combination: A well-fitting pair of maternity jeans paired with a figure-hugging top is a timeless classic. Choose jeans with an over-the-belly waistband for optimal comfort and pair them with a soft shirt that flatters your belly. Open blouses or cardigans worn over a form-fitting top also look especially nice.
- Boyfriend jeans for a relaxed look: Loose-fitting boyfriend jeans create a casual, unconventional style. Paired with a form-fitting top or bodysuit, they create an interesting contrast between casual and feminine.
- Leggings and longer tops: Comfortable maternity leggings paired with long tunics, long shirts, or open cardigans create a relaxed yet stylish look. This combination allows for plenty of movement and is perfect for longer outdoor photo shoots.
Styling tip: Roll up the sleeves of cardigans or blouses and let the top fall loosely over a tight-fitting base. This creates interesting layering effects.
Elegant Combinations: Sophisticated and Stylish
Elegance doesn’t necessarily mean a dress. With the right combinations, you can create sophisticated looks that are both comfortable and stylish.
- The business-chic look: A well-tailored blazer over a figure-hugging top, paired with elegant pants or a midi skirt, exudes confidence and professionalism. Perfect for women who want to show their strong side even during pregnancy.
- Blouse-and-skirt combinations: A flowing blouse paired with a well-fitting skirt looks feminine and elegant without being too formal. Blouses with interesting details—such as lace, delicate buttons, or unique sleeves—are especially beautiful.
- The two-piece set: Matching sets consisting of a skirt and top or pants and a blouse in the same color look very put-together and elegant. They create a harmonious silhouette and can be worn beautifully even after pregnancy.
- Monochrome Looks: An outfit in different shades of the same color—for example, various shades of beige—looks very sophisticated and photographs especially well.
Boudoir and intimate looks: sensual and artistic
Boudoir shoots are becoming increasingly popular as they celebrate the feminine beauty of pregnancy in a very artistic and aesthetic way.
- Beautiful Underwear as an Outfit: High-quality, well-fitting maternity underwear or special maternity lingerie can make for a special outfit for intimate photos. It’s important that you feel comfortable in it and that the underwear fits well.
- Bodysuits and Bodies: Figure-hugging bodysuits elegantly accentuate your silhouette and are perfect for anyone who wants to confidently show off their pregnancy curves.
- Silk coats and kimonos: A flowing silk coat or kimono worn over beautiful lingerie creates romantic, atmospheric images. You can leave it partially open or drape it artfully.
- Wraps and scarves: Large, soft scarves or special maternity wraps can be draped creatively to produce very artistic, aesthetic photos. They offer both comfort and the option to reveal only as much as you want.
My styling tip: No matter which option you choose, make sure all your clothes fit well and that you can move freely. The best photos come out when you feel relaxed and authentic.
The season influences not only your choice of location but also your outfit. Each season brings its own colors, moods, and practical challenges. As a maternity photographer, I especially appreciate how seasonal outfits harmonize with the natural surroundings, creating atmospheric, authentic images.
Spring outfits: delicate pastel shades and awakening nature
Spring symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and fresh energy. These feelings are a perfect fit for pregnancy. Your spring outfits for the photo shoot should reflect this hopeful, delicate mood.
- Spring Color Palette: Opt for soft pastel shades like rosé, mint green, pale yellow, or lavender. These colors harmonize perfectly with the first blossoms and the fresh greenery of nature coming to life. Creamy white and warm beige tones also pair well with them.
- Fabrics and Silhouettes: Light, flowing fabrics such as chiffon, thin cotton, or modal are ideal. An airy maxi dress that sways gently in the spring breeze, or a combination of a loose-fitting blouse and a flowing skirt, creates romantic, dreamy looks.
- Layering for fluctuating temperatures: Spring weather can be unpredictable. A delicate cardigan, an open-fronted sweater, or a light scarf can be quickly put on or taken off, while also offering great styling options.
Summer outfits: airy, light and sun-kissed
Summer photo shoots offer many possibilities, since warm temperatures allow for lighter clothing. Take advantage of this freedom to create especially airy, flowing outfits.
- The perfect summer colors: Light, cheerful shades reflect sunlight and look fresh and vibrant. Think cream white, soft coral, sky blue, or warm sandy tones. Pure white and off-white shades also work especially well in the summer.
- Lightweight fabrics are a must: linen, thin cotton, chiffon, or silk are not only comfortable to wear, but also look light and natural in photos. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which can become uncomfortable in the heat.
- Maxi dresses and flowing skirts: Long, flowing dresses are the epitome of summer romance. They create beautiful movement while also being very comfortable. Long, loose skirts paired with light tops also work perfectly.
- Practical considerations: Don’t forget sun protection. A nice hat can be both stylish and practical. When it’s very hot, it’s better to change outfits several times quickly than to do a long photo shoot in just one outfit.
Autumn outfits: warm earth tones and cozy elegance
Autumn probably brings the most atmospheric colors for baby bump shoots. The warm, earthy tones of nature create a particularly cozy, emotional atmosphere.
- Autumnal Color Palette: Use these fall shades: warm terracotta, rust brown, deep olive green, warm mustard yellow, or creamy beige. These colors harmonize perfectly with the golden autumn light and the colorful backdrop of falling leaves.
- Textured fabrics: Fall is the perfect time to experiment with interesting fabrics. Soft knits, corduroy, warm wool blends, or textured cotton add extra depth and coziness to your photos.
- Layering as a Styling Element: Take advantage of the cooler temperatures to create beautiful layered looks. A sweater over a flowing skirt, a cardigan over a dress, or a warm scarf as an accessory can create interesting, multi-layered looks.
- Warm Accessories: A beautiful scarf, an elegant cardigan, or even a stylish hat can not only keep you warm but also add great style accents to your outfit.
Winter outfits: cozy elegance for the cold season
Winter photo shoots have a magic all their own. They exude a sense of comfort, warmth, and intimacy. With the right clothing, you can capture beautiful maternity photos even in cold temperatures.
- Warm Winter Colors: Opt for warm, cozy shades like creamy white, warm gray, soft beige, or deep earth tones. An elegant black can also look beautiful in winter, especially when paired with lighter accents.
- Warm, luxurious materials: Cashmere, soft wool, warm knitwear, and cozy fleece not only keep you warm but also look luxurious. Make sure the materials look high-quality.
- Indoor-Outdoor Combinations: Plan for the transition between warm indoor spaces and short outdoor sessions. A warm coat that you can quickly take off for the photos is essential. Thermal underwear worn under your outfit will keep you warm without being visible.
- Cozy Accessories: Soft scarves, warm cardigans, or even an elegant wool blanket can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. They provide a sense of comfort and warmth—perfect for looking forward to the baby’s arrival.
My seasonal tip: Make a point of using the unique characteristics of each season to your advantage during your photo shoot: spring blossoms, summer sunshine, fall foliage, or winter coziness. Every season offers its own opportunities for special photos.
At first glance, underwear may seem like an insignificant detail, but it plays an important role in the overall look of your outfit: Visible seams or the wrong color—such as dark underwear under a light-colored dress—can ruin even the most beautiful outfit.
Seamless underwear is the best choice; it ensures smooth lines and prevents visible lines, which is especially important with form-fitting clothes or sensitive pregnancy skin. When it comes to color: Underwear in your skin tone is invisible under most outfits; black underwear goes well with black clothing, while white underwear should only be worn under pure white outfits—it can show through even under cream-colored clothing.
Depending on your outfit, you’ll need different bras: a maternity bra with wide straps for classic necklines, strapless or adhesive styles for off-the-shoulder looks, and special styles with a low back for backless dresses.
Many people pay little attention to their choice of shoes for maternity photo shoots —or overlook it entirely—but the right shoes can add the finishing touch to your outfit. Especially during pregnancy, it’s important to feel secure and stable without having to sacrifice style.
- Comfort comes first: Above all, the shoes should be comfortable. While high heels may look elegant, they aren’t always the most practical choice, especially if the photo shoot takes place outdoors or on uneven ground. Flat shoes or sandals can be just as stylish and offer more stability.
- Matching Your Outfit: Your shoes should complement the style and color of your outfit. If you’ve chosen a casual outfit, sneakers or ballet flats might be a good match. For a more elegant look, chic flats or low heels could be a good choice.
- Going barefoot as an option: Especially during photo shoots on the beach or in nature, going barefoot can be a beautiful and natural choice. It gives the photos an intimate and earthy feel and emphasizes the connection to nature.
- Consider the seasons: The season can play a role in your choice of shoes. In the summer, open-toed sandals or flip-flops are appropriate, while in the fall or winter, warmer boots or ankle boots may be a good choice.
- Care and Preparation: Don’t forget to clean and condition your shoes before the shoot if they’ll be visible in the maternity photos. If you decide to go barefoot, a pedicure or some nail polish might also be helpful.
The right shoes are the perfect finishing touch to your outfit. It’s a good idea to find a good balance between style and comfort so that you feel comfortable throughout the entire shoot.
Jewelry and accessories are the finishing touch for your outfit during your maternity photo shoot; they add a personal touch and enhance the overall look.
- Less is more: The focus is on your stomach and face, so subtle pieces like a simple bracelet, a delicate necklace, or understated earrings are usually enough.
- Personal items: An heirloom or a gift from your partner makes the photos even more meaningful.
- Harmony with the outfit: Simple dresses pair well with more eye-catching accessories, while outfits with lots of details look better with subtle jewelry.
- Hair accessories: Flower crowns, headbands, or hair clips add a romantic, feminine touch to loose hair.
You can find more ideas and inspiration in my post, ” Accessories for Your Maternity Photo Shoot.”
Makeup and hairstyles are optional, but they can enhance your natural beauty. The right makeup and hairstyle can help you feel confident and radiant during your maternity photo shoot.
A subtle, natural makeup look is usually enough: light foundation, a touch of blush, neutral lipstick, and a little mascara. A good skincare routine beforehand—such as exfoliation and moisturizer—ensures a fresh complexion, and long-lasting products like primer and setting spray help your makeup stay in place throughout the several-hour shoot. In natural light, a more subtle look is fine; in the studio, it can be a bit bolder.
Your hairstyle should complement your outfit and personal style: loose hair with soft waves looks natural, a casual side braid is perfect for everyday wear, and a bun is elegant. Try out your desired hairstyle beforehand; heat protectant and hairspray will help it hold better.
Pregnancy is a special time full of anticipation—not just for the expectant mother, but also for her partner. Waiting for a child together strengthens your bond and creates unforgettable moments. That’s why it’s worth including your partner and any siblings in the maternity photo shoot to capture this phase together as a couple or a family.
Partner outfits: Harmonious without a partner look
If your partner is part of the photo shoot, your outfits should complement each other without looking like you’re wearing matching outfits. Choose a base color and vary it with different shades: For example, a white shirt with beige pants goes well with a cream-colored dress, or you can stay within the same color family, such as different shades of blue. The style should also complement each other: A polo shirt or Henley goes better with a casual look than a dress shirt, while your partner can dress a bit more elegantly with an elegant dress.
Tried-and-true outfits for expectant fathers: A well-fitting shirt in white, light blue, or beige paired with dark chinos or jeans looks timeless and elegant; roll up the sleeves for a more casual look. Alternatively, a high-quality T-shirt or polo shirt paired with well-fitting jeans works well, as do sweaters and cardigans for fall and winter photo shoots. Avoid flashy logos, bright colors, or patterns that might distract from you, as well as clothing that’s too tight or too loose.
You can find more ideas on this topic in my post ” Maternity Photo Shoot with Your Partner.”
Incorporating Siblings in a Stylish Way
If you already have siblings, they can be easily incorporated into the maternity photo shoot. The same rule applies here: The outfits should coordinate in color without everyone looking exactly the same.
- Color Coordination for Children: Choose two or three primary colors and vary them among all family members. For example, if Mom is wearing a blue dress, the children can wear white or cream-colored tops with blue details.
- Practical considerations: Children’s clothing should be comfortable and allow for easy movement. Avoid clothing that is too stiff or uncomfortable shoes. You may want to bring a change of clothes in case something gets dirty.
- Age-appropriate choices: Younger children can wear cute accessories like hair bows. Older children should be involved in choosing their outfits so they feel comfortable.
- What to Avoid: Make sure—especially when it comes to your children—that they don’t wear logos that are too conspicuous, garish colors, or patterns. Also pay attention to hands, fingernails, nail polish, tattoos, and similar details, which can have a surprisingly strong impact on the visual language.
Plan your outfits together and try them on at home. That way, you can see if everything looks good together and if everyone feels comfortable. Remember: The best family photos are taken when everyone feels relaxed and natural.
You can find more information on how to involve siblings in a natural way in my post “Maternity Photo Shoot with a Child.”
Maternity Photo Shoot Studio: Professional Photos at a Photo Studio
Maternity Photo Shoot with Child: Pregnancy Photos with Siblings
Baby bump shoot with partner: Capturing the anticipation as a couple
The Process of a Maternity Photo Shoot: What to Expect During the Shoot
Dresses for a Maternity Photo Shoot: How to Find the Right One
