What to Wear for

Choosing Your Outfit

When choosing the perfect outfit for your maternity session, your first impulse might be to follow trends of the moment or others' expectations. However, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your clothing, as this confidence will shine through in your photos.

Think back to pieces of clothing in which you’ve felt comfortable and beautiful in. 

Maybe there’s a favourite dress or top that flatters your figure and bump? Or a colour that complements your complexion and makes you glow.I t’s a good idea to try on a few outfits at home before the session. 

This way, you’ll get a sense of how the clothing fits and how it highlights your bump, where it flows and collects on you. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we can talk about it. I also have a small selection of dresses that you are more than welcome to use for the maternity session too. 

This is a special moment, and you should spend it in clothing that reflects your personality and uniqueness. Don’t be swayed by what others want or think you should do, but trust your own style and taste.

Patterns and Colours for Your Maternity Session

Colours and patterns play a major role in how maternity photos turn out. The focus of a maternity session is the bump and the expectant mama, so it’s important to choose clothing that doesn’t distract from this but enhances your personality.

Colours: Soft, neutral tones like beige or pastels flatter the skin and keep the baby bump as the focal point. They create a calm, harmonious atmosphere, ideal for natural, authentic shots. Darker colours like black can also be elegant and flattering, especially when paired with lighter shades.

Patterns: While some patterns can be charming, they shouldn’t be too bold or distracting. Subtle patterns, like fine stripes or delicate floral prints, can add beautiful texture. It’s best to avoid large, bold patterns or highly contrasting colours, as they may draw attention away from the main subject.

Matching the Scenery: If you know where the session will take place, consider which colours and patterns will complement the surroundings. A dress in neutral tones could look stunning in a forest or park, while a black outfit could stand out beautifully on the beach. You will look beautiful and stand out in the photo against the gorgeous scenery. 

Comfort First: Choose clothes that allow you to move freely and don’t feel restrictive. Loose tunics, flowy t-shirts, or simple wrap dresses can be ideal for combining comfort and style.

Natural Materials: Fabrics like cotton, linen, or modal not only feel good on the skin but also look natural. They allow the skin to breathe and ensure a pleasant wearing experience.

Simple Colour Palettes: A simple colour scheme, perhaps in earth tones or soft pastels, can have a calming effect and highlight the baby bump without being distracting

Layering: Layering clothing can add interesting textures and depth to your outfit while also providing flexibility. For example, a cardigan or open blouse over a top can be added or removed during the session to create different looks.

Dresses for Your Maternity Session

A dress can be a beautiful choice for a maternity session. It not only highlights the growing belly in a feminine and elegant way but also offers comfort and freedom of movement. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting the perfect dress for your session:

Flowing Fabrics: Dresses made from flowing, lightweight materials like chiffon or silk can look stunning, especially when they catch the wind. They add a dynamic and romantic touch to the photos.

Accentuate the Bump: Choose a dress that emphasises your baby bump, either through an empire waistline, a form-fitting design, or with a belt or sash that sits just under the bust.

Dress Length: Maxi dresses can look especially elegant and majestic, while midi or mini dresses offer a more playful and casual look. The choice depends on your personal style and the location of the session.

Colour Choice: As mentioned earlier, neutral and soft colours can be especially flattering. However, bold colours can also make an impressive impact depending on the season and location.

Changing outfits: If you plan to change outfits during the session, the dress should be easy to put on and take off. This is especially important if there are no changing facilities on-site, I will bring a blanket with me to hold around you for some privacy. 

Choosing the Right Underwear for Your Session

Underwear may seem like a minor detail at first glance and not so important, but it plays an big role in the overall look of your outfit. It not only affects the fit and appearance of your clothing but also helps you feel confident and comfortable during the session.

The right underwear can make a big difference, both in terms of how you look and how confident you feel during the session. Try different options to find the perfect fit.

Seamless Underwear: To avoid visible marks or lines under your clothing, opt for seamless underwear. It provides a smooth, invisible look, especially under form-fitting dresses or fabrics that may be slightly sheer.

Colour Choice: Nude-coloured underwear is often the best choice as it stays invisible under most outfits. However, if you’re wearing darker clothing, black or dark blue underwear might be more appropriate.

Supportive Underwear: If you want to feel more secure in certain areas, shapewear could be a good option. It helps create a smoother silhouette.

Bras: If your chosen outfit has a special neckline or is backless, be sure to choose a matching bra. There are many options like strapless bras, adhesive bras, or bras with transparent straps that work well for such outfits.

BE COMFORTABLE!: At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your underwear and clothes.

Shoe Ideas for your Maternity Session

It’s important that you feel comfortable and stable, especially in the later stages of pregnancy so shoes to match and go with the clothes is another part to think of when deciding what you’re going to wear. 

Comfort Comes First: Above all, the shoes should be comfortable. 

High heels: These may look elegant but aren’t always the most practical choice, especially if the maternity session is outdoors or on uneven terrain. Flat shoes or sandals can be just as stylish and offer more stability for the poses and for walking. 

Match Your Outfit: The shoes should complement the style and colour of your outfit. If you’ve chosen a casual look, sneakers or ballet flats could work well. For a more elegant look, chic flats or low heels might be a good choice.

Barefoot Option: For beach or nature sessions, going barefoot can be a beautiful and natural option. It gives the photos an intimate and earthy feel, emphasising the connection with nature.

Consider the Season and Weather: The season can play a role in your shoe choice. Open sandals or flip-flops are suitable for summer, while warmer boots or ankle boots are a better choice for autumn or winter.

Preparation: Don’t forget to clean your shoes before the session if they will be visible in the maternity photos. If you choose to go barefoot a little nail polish can also be a nice touch.

Jewellery for Maternity Sessions

Jewellery and accessories can be the finishing touch for your outfit during a maternity session. They add a personal touch and can enhance the overall look. Here are some tips and considerations to help you choose the right pieces:

Less is More: In a maternity session, the focus should be on your bump and your face. Choose subtle jewellery that isn’t too dominant or distracting. A simple bracelet, delicate necklace, or understated earrings are often enough.

Personal/Special items: Perhaps there’s a piece of jewellery that holds special meaning for you, like a family heirloom or a gift from your partner. Personal items like these can be a lovely addition and make the photos even more meaningful.

Match with the Outfit: Make sure your jewellery and accessories match the style and colour of your outfit. For example, if you’re wearing a simple dress, bolder accessories could be appropriate, whereas with a more detailed outfit, subtle jewellery might work better.

Hair Accessories: Simple hair clips, flower bands and headbands can be a beautiful addition, especially if you’re wearing your hair down.

Maternity Photos with Your Partner and Family

Pregnancy is a special and exciting time not only for the expectant mama but also for the partner. It can be a beautiful idea to include your partner and siblings in the maternity session, capturing this special phase as a couple or family. Make sure you find the outfit (s) that you feel comfortable in and would like to wear and then the fun begins on finding outfits for the family

Coordinating Outfits: If you want your partner to be part of the session, it’s important to coordinate your outfits. This doesn’t mean matching, but the colours and styles should complement each other. For example, if you’re wearing a pastel dress, your partner could choose a shirt in a similar shade or a neutral colour. The same with any children joining in the session too. I know it’s not always easy to dress the older ones so maybe bring some extra clothes that they like to put on for a more casual photo later on.