Wardrobe is one of those things that feels simple until you're actually standing in front of your closet, eight months pregnant, with a session two weeks away and no idea where to start. I get asked about this , and I love that people ask, because what you wear genuinely shapes how your photos feel.
Here's exactly how I think about it with every client.
Start with how you want to feel, not what you think looks "right."
Before you think about colours or styles, ask yourself one question: do you want your session to feel soft and romantic, or striking and dramatic? Both are completely valid, and both look incredible with the right wardrobe. This single decision: mood first, outfit second. That makes everything else easier to choose.
Fitted or draped. Those are your two directions.
Maternity photography tends to look most beautiful at the extremes. Either something fitted that shows the shape of your belly clearly (a bodysuit, a snug wrap, form-fitting knit) or something loose and draped, like a flowing gown or sheer fabric that moves around you. The middle ground (boxy tops, loose tees, things that just sort of hang) tends to read flat in photos. If you're not sure, lean toward drape. It photographs beautifully in studio light and feels comfortable at any stage of the third trimester.
Colours that work in studio light.
My studio is built around soft, directional light and a mostly neutral backdrop. The tones that photograph most beautifully in this setting are creams, warm whites, dusty mauves, terracotta, sage, and rich earth tones. Deep jewel tones like navy, forest green, and burgundy also work wonderfully if you want something with a little more presence. What tends to compete with the image rather than complement it: large bold prints, neon tones, or anything with a lot of text or branding.
Black is always an option.
Contrary to what you might have seen online, black is not off-limits for maternity. It's just a different mood. It reads dramatic and sculptural. If that resonates with you, lean into it fully. Some of the most striking maternity work I've done has been in a sleek black gown.
What you don't need to bring.
You don't need a fully planned outfit. You don't need to buy something new. I have a client wardrobe: gowns, wraps, and fabrics available at no extra charge. Part of our pre-session consultation is going through those options together so you're never arriving unprepared. If you love what you already have, great. If you'd rather leave the styling to me, that works too.
One thing worth investing in if you want to.
If there's one piece worth buying for a maternity session, it's a good maternity bodysuit in a neutral tone. It's versatile, it shows your shape beautifully, it works under sheer layers, and it's something you'll likely use again. Other than that, save your money and trust the process.
The honest truth about "not feeling ready."
Almost every client who has ever messaged me saying "I don't know if I'll look good, I haven't been feeling great about my body lately" has ended up absolutely floored by their photos. The wardrobe matters, but what matters more is that you're in a space where someone is paying careful attention to every pose, every angle, and every light, specifically to show you at your most beautiful. That's not something a dress can manufacture, but it also means the dress doesn't need to do all the work.
When you're ready to talk through your vision and your wardrobe together, that's exactly what the consultation is for.
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