The Short Answer

Start with something you feel good in. I recommend choosing a dress in a color that suits you. A good dress will have you feeling comfortable, beautiful, and feminine.

Then style your husband and the rest of your family. Aim to coordinate the colors. When in doubt, sticking to neutrals can be very helpful.

Also, be sure to pay attention to the overall vibe and how causal or formal you want your look to be. 

Begin with the End in Mind

Think about where you want your photos to live after your session. If you're planning to create a piece of wall art or gallery wall, consider where the photos will be hung in your home and choose something that complements your space rather than clashing with it.

Consider the season aND Location

If you're doing maternity photos in the spring or Summer, a sundress can be an amazing option. For Fall or Winter, a sweater and skirt might be a better choice. 

Keep in mind you want to look at home in whatever location you choose as well. For instance, if you're at the bleak house in the winter, you might choose something more formal than if you're doing a cozy at home maternity session.

When in Doubt Choose Neutrals

By all means, incorporate color if you want to. If you're choosing a colorful pallet, fill any gaps in yours and your family's wardrobe with neutrals. 

But if you're in doubt, go for neutrals. My absolute favorite session have featured neutrals like white, cream, dusty pink, navy blue, and olives. 

Dress Yourself First

This might seem obvious, but it's very important. Chances are, you've booked this session. You're the one carrying a baby. And you're the one who will likely like looking back at these photos the most over the years. 

Give yourself permission to choose your outfit first and build out from there. 

Choose a color that looks amazing on you. Some women like to choose a pink or blue to coordinate the gender of their baby. Others go for a neutral cream or jewel tone. 

I would avoid the color black. It's true that it's a slimming color. So much so, it can actually hide your baby bump. 

You Don't Have to Wear a Dress

If a dress isn't really your vibe, that's totally ok. Some women like to wear jeans and a top to show off their baby bump. Others opt for a shirt and skirt. Others choose overalls. Others choose a comfy lounge set.

If you choose pants, I do recommend showing your belly or making sure your shirt stops intentionally either above your belly for a flattering look

How to style the rest of your family

What Should Your Husband Wear?

While he's an important part of this session, maternity photos are really about celebrating you and what your body is doing. His job is to complement. 

A cream button down or Henley and chino pants is almost always a good option for him. If your look is casual enough, he may even be able to get away with a nice t-shirt. 

I love neutrals and complementing colors for husbands. 

What Should Older Siblings Wear?

I love little dresses for girls and rompers, polos, henleys, or overalls for boys. 

I'd Love to Help You

You don't actually have to figure this out alone. I include a planning consultation with every session. This is when we'll walk through your vision for your session and I'll help you style yourself and the whole family. You'll have access to my client closet, and I'll send you links to anything you might need to purchase to complete your family's look. 

Let's CHat!

Have you been wanting maternity photos, but aren't even sure where to start? I'd love to chat with you and help you craft your vision. Reach out here to start planning together.