What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot: A Complete Style Guide

Choosing what to wear for your maternity photoshoot can feel like a big decision—after all, these photos will capture one of the most magical and fleeting moments of your life. Whether you’re planning an indoor cozy session, a dreamy outdoor shoot, or an intimate boudoir-style experience, the right outfit helps set the tone and reflect your unique personality.

Casual and Cozy Looks for Indoor Sessions

For those planning an indoor maternity session, especially in your home or a studio with a cozy vibe, casual wear can be incredibly charming and personal. Think soft knit sweaters, oversized cardigans, simple bralettes paired with unbuttoned jeans or flowy pants, and neutral tones like cream, taupe, or soft pastels. These types of outfits keep the focus on your belly and connection, while adding a warm and natural touch to the photos.

Layers work beautifully in this setting—add a cozy blanket or a cup of tea and you’ve got a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that tells your story. Barefoot is often best indoors, making everything feel more grounded and real.

Outdoor Dresses and Two-Piece Flowing Outfits

If your maternity session is happening outdoors—whether in a field, forest, or near the water—opt for something with movement. Flowy maxi dresses or two-piece sets with high-waisted skirts and crop tops beautifully highlight the bump while dancing in the wind.

Pro tip: Choose a flowy dress that has some definition at the waist—either with a belt, an empire waistline, or a seam that sits just above the belly. This ensures your bump remains the star of the show. Without that definition, very loose dresses can sometimes hide the belly instead of highlighting it.

Earthy tones like rust, olive green, soft blues, or muted florals help you blend seamlessly with nature, while adding visual interest. Don’t be afraid to go barefoot in the grass or wear a straw hat if that fits your style—it’s all about creating something that feels timeless and true to you. Layers like a light kimono or an open linen shirt can also bring dimension to your look and are easy to take on or off throughout the shoot.

Figure-Hugging Dresses

Tight, stretchy dresses are another fantastic choice for maternity photos. Because they cling to your body, they naturally highlight the shape of your bump and your curves. They work beautifully in both indoor and outdoor settings and can be dressed up with accessories or kept minimal for a sleek, modern look. Solid colors—especially white, black, or jewel tones—can create striking, elegant images.

Other Outfit Ideas to Consider

Knit or ribbed midi dresses – They’re comfortable, flattering, and photograph beautifully.
Long cardigans over lingerie or bralettes – Perfect for at-home sessions with a mix of intimacy and coverage.
Matching sets – A fitted top and skirt or pants that show a little belly can feel casual yet stylish.
Off-the-shoulder tops or dresses – These subtly frame the face and draw attention to your neckline while keeping the bump in focus.
Sheer overlays – Wearing a sheer dress or robe over a bodysuit or lingerie adds depth and texture while keeping the silhouette visible.

Boudoir Maternity: Embracing Intimacy

For something more vulnerable and sensual, boudoir-style maternity sessions are becoming increasingly popular—and for good reason. There’s something so powerful about capturing the raw beauty of pregnancy in a soft, intimate setting.

What to wear for your maternity photoshoot in this case? Think lace bralettes, sheer robes, bodysuits, or even going semi-nude with just a blanket or oversized button-down shirt. Neutrals, whites, or soft black pieces create a timeless, elegant look. The focus here is truly on your form and feminine energy—less about fashion, more about feeling.

Coordinating with Your Partner

If your partner is joining the session, coordinating outfits can elevate your photos and create a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy. Start with your outfit first, then choose complementary tones and textures for them. If you’re wearing soft neutrals or earth tones, they can wear something simple like a white or beige t-shirt, a linen shirt, or a cozy knit with jeans or chinos. The goal is to look like you belong together while keeping the focus on the bump and your connection.

Encourage them to avoid big logos or bold patterns unless it fits your vibe. Bare feet or neutral shoes (especially for indoor or outdoor nature sessions) help keep everything soft and cohesive.

A Client’s Story: J & R’s Love-Filled Session

J met R during a spontaneous trip, and what started as a vacation quickly became something life-changing. They fell in love deeply and naturally, and not long after, J made the brave move to another country to be with him. Together, they built a warm and joyful life filled with love, laughter, and two adorable dogs. Now, they’re awaiting the arrival of their first baby—Leo—and I had the honor of capturing this beautiful chapter for them.

We started the session in the cozy nursery they created together, every detail handmade or thoughtfully chosen. J wore a cozy top with jeans, and the light streaming through the window added such a peaceful glow. We then moved outside into their backyard, where the dogs ran freely, and ended the session in the wide-open field behind their home as the sun dipped low. It was one of those shoots where everything just clicked—the emotion, the light, the outfits, the connection. We created absolute wonders together, and I’ll never forget how special it felt.

Final Thoughts

When deciding what to wear for your maternity photoshoot, think about what reflects you. Whether it’s something casual and comfy, flowy and elegant, or intimate and bold, the right outfit will make you feel beautiful, empowered, and authentically you.

Still not sure what to wear for your maternity photoshoot? I’d love to help guide you! Get in touch and let’s plan a session—and outfits—that will make you feel incredible and create memories you’ll love forever.
get inspired by J&R outfits below!
Or find my most recent maternity photoshoot here!