What to Wear to Your Maternity Session (And What to Leave at Home)

I’ve seen hundreds of maternity sessions. And the question I get asked most — more than lighting, more than timing, more than anything else — is some version of: I don’t know what to wear. Help.

So I want to give you a proper answer. Not a mood board of outfits that look stunning on models who aren’t 34 weeks pregnant. A real, practical, honest guide from someone who photographs pregnant women every single month and has learned what works — and what looks completely different in a photograph than it does in your bathroom mirror.

The good news: dressing for a maternity session is actually simpler than most people expect. The goal isn’t to look expensive. It’s to look like you — just the most photographed, most remembered version of yourself.

The Single Principle That Guides Everything

Before I give you a list, I want to give you the one idea that makes every other decision easier:

Your bump is the story. Everything you wear should be in service of showing it.

That sounds obvious. But it’s the thing that makes women second-guess themselves most. They wear a floaty blouse that hides the bump. They choose a structured jacket that makes them look smaller. They pick something they’d wear to a dinner party and wonder why the photos feel formal and a little flat.

The bump is not something to soften or camouflage. It is the most visually arresting, emotionally loaded thing in every single frame. We want to celebrate it — not accidentally talk around it.

What Actually Photographs Beautifully

Defining the Silhouette

The goal for our maternity wardrobe is to define the silhouette of your bump in a way that feels both elegant and effortless. Our curated gowns and maternity dresses are chosen specifically for how they drape and move. We look for pieces that celebrate the curve of your belly—whether that is through a soft, flowing gown that catches the light or a dress designed to highlight your natural shape. These pieces are designed to ensure your bump remains the focal point of every image, creating a timeless and extraordinary look.

Earthy, muted tones

Ivory, stone, sage, caramel, blush, terracotta, deep forest. These colours work with skin in a way that bright whites and saturated brights rarely do under studio lighting. They feel timeless. They don’t date. And they integrate beautifully with the warm, natural aesthetic of my studio.

Simple silhouettes

You don’t need structure. A simple A-line or column silhouette, something that starts at the shoulder and falls cleanly to the floor, photographs like a dream. The simpler the line, the more the focus falls exactly where it should.

Texture over pattern

Lace, ribbed knit, flowing chiffon, soft velvet — texture photographs with depth and richness. Busy patterns, by contrast, compete with the subject. The camera doesn’t know where to look. Your face and your bump do.

What About Partners?

The same principle of visual harmony applies: neutral, intentional, and quiet. The goal is for your partner to complement your look without competing for attention.

I recommend sticking to a palette of warm creams, soft oatmeal, and deep earthy browns. These tones create a rich, timeless feel. Please avoid grey, as it can appear flat in a studio setting. Similarly, steer clear of neons, bright saturated colours, or any heavy patterns.

"The most common mistake is a visual disconnect in 'formality.' If you are dressed softly in a gown, your partner should avoid stiff business shirts. Aim for the same relaxed register—intentional and timeless."

A Note on the Client Wardrobe

My studio keeps a small wardrobe of maternity pieces specifically chosen for photography — wraps, gowns, and layering pieces in shades that work with a wide range of skin tones. If you’re unsure what to bring, or if you’d like to use something from the wardrobe, just let me know when you book. There is no extra cost for this, and sometimes the piece that photographs best is one you’d never have thought to choose yourself.

The Question I Get Asked Every Single Time

"Do I have to show my belly?"

No. You never have to do anything in my studio that doesn’t feel like you.

Some women arrive and want to be wrapped in fabric from shoulder to ankle, and we make that beautiful. Some want to be bare. Most fall somewhere in between — a fitted dress that shows the shape without showing skin, or a soft wrap that’s gently open at the front in a way that feels controlled and intentional.

If you’ve read all of this and still feel unsure, send me a message before your session. I’m happy to look at a photo of what you’re planning and tell you honestly what I think. That’s what I’m here for — and I would rather you arrive feeling confident than spend the first twenty minutes of your session wishing you’d asked.