What to Wear for Your Maternity Session: A Complete Style Guide

It’s one of the first questions I hear from almost every mama I work with: ‘What should I wear?’ And honestly? It’s exactly the right question. What you choose to wear to your maternity session shapes the entire feel of your gallery — the colors, the mood, the way the light catches you. The good news is you don’t need to overthink it. Here’s everything I tell my clients.

Why Your Outfit Choice Matters More Than You Think

Your outfit sets the emotional tone of your images. A flowy gown in a neutral tone feels different from a casual linen set or a fitted bodysuit — and none of those choices is wrong. Before you open your closet, think about how you want to feel when you look at these photos in ten years. Elegant? Earthy? Light and airy? Let that answer guide everything else.

Colors That Photograph Beautifully

Colors to lean into

Soft, muted tones tend to photograph best: ivory, cream, sage green, dusty rose, warm tan, blush, and warm white. These tones flatter most skin tones and age beautifully in photos. Earth tones are especially stunning in natural outdoor light, particularly during golden hour near Lake Champlain or in the open fields around Plattsburgh.

Colors to avoid

Bright neons, large graphic prints, and heavy dark patterns can compete with the landscape and draw attention away from your face and bump. You don’t have to avoid dark colors entirely — a deep burgundy or forest green can be beautiful — but stay away from harsh contrast patterns or logos.

Dress vs. Casual: What Style Is Right for You?

The gown look

Flowy maternity gowns are a classic for a reason. They drape beautifully over a bump, move well in the breeze, and photograph like something out of a dream. They work in almost any setting — from a wildflower field to the waterfront. If you’ve always imagined that ethereal maternity photo, a gown is how you get there.

The casual lifestyle look

If a big gown doesn’t feel like you, don’t wear one. A fitted bodysuit with linen trousers, a breezy sundress, or even a simple bra top with a flowy skirt can be just as stunning — and more authentic to who you actually are. The best maternity photo is the one where you look like yourself, just glowing.

What to Avoid

Logos, bold words, and busy patterns tend to distract the eye. Anything too tight or uncomfortable will show in your body language — you want to feel good physically so you can relax and be present. Also avoid wearing something new that you haven’t tried on before. The last thing you want is an outfit that shifts or bunches in unexpected ways partway through.

Don’t Have the Perfect Outfit? I’ve Got You Covered.

I keep a small collection of maternity gowns available for all clients to borrow at no extra charge. Browse my Maternity Look Book to see what’s available — there’s a range of styles and colors that photograph beautifully across the North Country’s natural settings

A Final Note on Comfort and Confidence

The most beautiful thing in a maternity photo isn’t the dress — it’s you. Whatever you choose to wear, choose something that makes you feel like yourself. I’ll handle everything else.

  Ready to start planning your maternity session? View session details or reach out — I’d love to hear from you.