You've booked your maternity session, picked a date, and now comes the question almost every expecting mom asks: *What am I going to wear?*
If you've been scrolling through Pinterest, saving dresses, and wondering whether you need to buy something new, you're definitely not alone.
The good news? You don't need a closet full of beautiful dresses to look and feel amazing in your maternity photos.
As a maternity photographer based in Salem, New Hampshire, I love helping expecting mothers choose outfits that feel comfortable, flattering, and true to their personal style.
Here are a few of my favorite tips to make getting dressed for your maternity session a little easier.
Start with Colors That Feel Soft and Timeless
One of the easiest ways to create beautiful maternity portraits is to choose a color palette that complements your surroundings without taking attention away from you.
For my photography style, I especially love:
- **Ivory and cream:** Soft, elegant, and beautiful in both studio and outdoor settings.
- **Beige and oatmeal:** Warm neutrals that create a natural, timeless look.
- **Dusty blue:** A gentle touch of color that photographs beautifully.
- **Sage green:** Especially lovely for outdoor sessions surrounded by nature.
- **Soft blush:** A romantic option without feeling too bright.
You don't have to wear neutrals, of course. If there's a color you absolutely love, we can find a way to incorporate it.
I simply recommend avoiding very busy patterns, large logos, or neon colors that can distract from the connection and emotion in your photographs.
Choose a Dress That Highlights Your Baby Bump
One of my favorite things about maternity photography is celebrating the beautiful shape of your growing belly.
Different dress styles can create completely different looks.
Flowing Maxi Dresses
Long, flowing dresses are a wonderful choice, especially for outdoor maternity sessions.
They create movement when you walk, catch the breeze beautifully, and give photographs a soft, romantic feeling.
Fitted Maternity Dresses
If you want to highlight your bump, a fitted dress is a beautiful option.
Simple, stretchy fabrics can create an elegant silhouette without needing a lot of accessories or styling.
Off-the-Shoulder Dresses
An off-the-shoulder neckline can add a delicate, feminine touch to your portraits.
I especially love this look for studio maternity photography, where we can keep the background simple and focus on your silhouette.
The best dress isn't necessarily the most expensive or dramatic one. It's the one you feel beautiful and comfortable wearing.
You Don't Have to Buy a New Dress
Here's something that might make planning your maternity session easier.
At Mavi Photography Studio, I have a small collection of maternity dresses available for clients to use during their studio sessions.
I love being able to offer this because pregnancy already comes with so many things to plan and purchase.
If you're unsure what to wear, we can discuss the available dresses and styling options before your session.
You can also bring your own outfit if you have something special in mind.
Sometimes a simple dress you already own is exactly what we need.
What to Wear for Outdoor Maternity Photos
If you're planning an outdoor maternity session, your outfit should complement the location and season.
For example, at a park like Benson Park in Hudson, NH, soft creams, beige, dusty blue, and muted earth tones look beautiful against the greenery.
During fall, warm neutrals and deeper earthy shades work especially well with the changing leaves.
For beach maternity sessions, I love light fabrics, flowing dresses, and simple colors that complement the sand and water.
One thing I always recommend is choosing shoes you can comfortably walk in.
You can bring a second pair for photographs if needed, but there's no reason to struggle across a park or sandy beach in uncomfortable heels.
What Should Your Partner Wear?
If your partner is joining your maternity session, the goal is to coordinate without looking overly matched.
For example, if you're wearing an ivory dress, your partner might wear beige trousers with a soft white or light blue shirt.
If you're wearing sage green, cream and tan can create a beautiful combination.
Simple, well-fitting clothing usually photographs better than bold patterns or clothing with large logos.
You want your outfits to feel like they belong together while still allowing each person's personality to come through.
What If You're Including Your Children?
Including older siblings in maternity photographs is such a sweet way to document your family before the new baby arrives.
For children, I recommend keeping outfits comfortable and simple.
Soft cotton dresses, neutral sweaters, linen shirts, and comfortable trousers are all lovely options.
Try to avoid anything too stiff or uncomfortable, especially for younger children.
The best family photographs often happen when everyone feels relaxed enough to move, cuddle, and enjoy the moment together.
Don't Forget the Little Details
A few small things can make a difference in how comfortable you feel during your session.
Choose undergarments that work well with your outfit. For lighter dresses, seamless nude undergarments are often less visible than white ones.
If your dress is fitted, take a moment to check how the fabric looks and feels when you're sitting and standing.
Keep jewelry simple unless you have a special piece you'd love to feature.
And don't feel like you need to completely change your usual hair or makeup style.
Whether you love a polished look or prefer something natural, the goal is to feel like yourself.
Bring Two Outfits for a Little Variety
If you'd like two different looks, we can plan them ahead of time.
For example, you might choose a fitted dress for elegant portraits that highlight your bump, followed by a flowing dress for softer, more romantic photographs.
I generally recommend choosing outfits that complement each other while creating a little variety in your final gallery.
We'll also consider your session location and timing so outfit changes feel easy rather than rushed.
The Most Important Thing? Feel Like Yourself.
It's easy to look at maternity photographs online and feel like you need the perfect dress, perfect hair, or perfect everything.
But the photographs you'll treasure most aren't necessarily the ones with the most elaborate styling.
They're the ones that remind you how it felt to be waiting for your baby.
The way you held your belly without even thinking about it. The excitement of imagining who your little one might become. The quiet moments before everything changed.
That's what I want to preserve for you.
Planning Your Maternity Photography Session in Salem, NH?
At Mavi Photography Studio, I offer maternity photography in my Salem, New Hampshire studio and at outdoor locations throughout Southern New Hampshire and nearby Massachusetts communities.
Whether you're dreaming of elegant studio portraits, a beautiful park session, or something simple and natural, I'd love to help you plan a session that feels like you.
Maternity photos are generally best scheduled between 28–34 weeks of pregnancy, so I recommend reaching out early to reserve your preferred date.
Let's create something beautiful to remember this chapter.
Merve
Mavi Photography
