What’s the best clothing for maternity photos?  Are you stressing because you’re terrible about picking something?  Now let’s throw in the fact you’re pregnant and forget it!  This is too hard!

Actually, I got you!  Stop worrying and keep scrolling for some ideas to help! Then head to the bottom for some visuals if that’s more your thing.

Tight clothing!  Yes, tight.  You are pregnant and by wearing tight clothing, your belly will be easily shown off.  Trust me when I say that by wearing something loose and baggy you’re going to look way bigger than you actually are!  Wear something that hugs those curves and show off the belly!  If that’s beyond your comfort level, be sure there is a band or some type of tightness between your bust and belly to help define that area.  Just no muumuus, k thanks.

Layers and accessories! Wearing some pieces of flair can help you create some dimension to your outfit (and if you get my movie reference, you’re now my best friend).  A dress is great, but throw on a cute boho hat that you can pop on and off for photos for a fun look that can help create some variety in your final gallery.  Or in the colder months, wearing a cute cardigan or shrug can also help create some dimension to your outfit.  Plus, if you’re being photographed with other family members the layers can give you some more options of colors and textures to help tie everyone together.  Plus, I know many of us are self-conscious of our arms while pregnant.  Wearing a fashionable shawl or cardigan can help hide those areas we’re self-conscious about.  Plus its mega cute, so win-win.

Colors!  Wearing colors that help you stand out from your scenery great idea.  For example, wearing greens in the forest in the middle of summer when everything is green isn’t the best idea.  Or late fall when things are brown, wearing brown won’t be good, either.  So think of the scenery, think of the dominant colors of where you’ll be photographed, then don’t select colors that will make you blend into it.  You’re being photographed to be seen, so make sure you are visible!  Note: that doesn’t mean wear neon colors! That neon is going to reflect all over the place and make your skin, your partner’s skin, and anything else nearby that same color.  So don’t do it.

Solid colors or patterns?  Both are 100% acceptable.  HOWEVER, sometimes wearing solid colors can hide your curves.  For example, wearing a solid black dress can make it hard to see your belly because any shadows that help to define you won’t show up as well as they would on another color.  Same for wearing solid white, but the highlights don’t show as they should.  The compromise?  Wear something with some pattern or texture to it.  For example, instead of black, go with a charcoal or a black that maybe has some lace or pattern embedded in it.  Or wear a sash or belt around the to of your belly to help give definition.  Go back to the previous suggestion of layers and accessories to help give that definition that you need and want for yourself!

Ask your photographer!  Yes, you read that correct – ask them.  Odds are pretty good that if they have experience with this type of photography then they will have some ideas for you!  Some have a very distinct style you’re drawn to in their work, so all the more reason to ask them for help.  Or, if they’re like me, their studio may also have a wardrobe for you to choose from.  For example, I’m sure you’ve seen the photos out there of the long, flowing dresses. Some which may also split to show off the belly.  You most likely don’t own one of those and have no idea where to find one. They’re not your typical dress, but I know that some photographers (myself included) offer it for their families!  I have a closet filled with tops, gowns, dresses, etc that I know will look great on those round bellies and you can check some of them out here!  If you want to shop on your own, check out Sew Trendy (this link will give you an extra 20% savings)

Need some visuals?  Wish granted!

Tight clothing/accessories:

Wearing colors that’s don’t blend into the scenery/tight clothing/mustard dress is photographer’s wardrobe:

Solid colors with some pattern to it (last photo has this + tightness):

Dark/solid color with accessories:

Tight clothing/photographer’s collection

Blogged maternity sessions for more photos of the samples above:

Wearing white with texture

Wearing white with some texture and flair

Colors/tight clothing/photographer’s wardrobe

Solid with texture/tight clothing/accessories

Tight clothing/colors

Solid color with texture

White boho dress and lacy top.

If you’re stuck, I hope that helps guide to towards a better idea of what to wear.  Or not to wear.  Don’t wear a muumuu.  Or neon colors. Or colors that match everything else.  (Your photographer will thank you if you avoid those, trust me).

If you’re in the Chicago area, I’d love to chat with you about maternity photos!  You can read more about my sessions or you can contact me and I’m happy to chat!  My studio (and maternity clothes) are in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in Lake Zurich IL, but I photograph pregnant mommas from all over!  I’d love to chat with you.