Maternity photoshoot styling in 2025 moved decisively toward authenticity, elevated elegance, and deeply personal expression. Expecting mothers embraced looks that genuinely reflected their personalities rather than following cookie-cutter trends. From glamorous flowing gowns to minimalist neutrals and bold editorial statements, this year celebrated individuality above all else.
As Maternity Photographer of the Year 2025, we had the privilege of capturing these styling choices across hundreds of sessions in Surrey and London. Here’s what expecting mothers actually wore and loved throughout the year.
The Dominant Colour Palettes of 2025
Jewel Tones Made a Statement
Rich emerald, deep sapphire, and warm ruby emerged as the standout colour choices for mothers wanting photographs with visual impact. These sophisticated hues photographed beautifully against both natural outdoor settings and studio backdrops, creating images with depth and luxury.
Soft Neutrals Remained Timeless
Ivory, warm beige, blush pink, and soft grey continued their reign as the most requested colour family. These tones create that dreamy, ethereal quality many mothers associate with maternity photography, and they complement virtually any skin tone while keeping the focus firmly on the bump and the mother’s natural glow.
Earthy Elegance Gained Ground
Terracotta, warm browns, and soft olive tones gained significant popularity, particularly for outdoor sessions. These colours harmonise beautifully with natural landscapes – from Surrey’s woodland locations to golden hour beach sessions.
Gown Styles That Dominated Sessions
Flowing Chiffon and Tulle
Long, flowing gowns with dramatic movement remained the most-requested style throughout 2025. Fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and silk create that beautiful sense of motion when caught by a gentle breeze, adding an ethereal, almost painterly quality to photographs. Empire waistlines proved particularly flattering, sitting just below the bust to elegantly showcase the bump.
Form-Fitting Bodycon Silhouettes
For mothers wanting a sleek, modern aesthetic, fitted dresses that hugged every curve became increasingly popular. These styles put the baby bump front and centre with confident simplicity. Ribbed fabrics added texture while remaining comfortable, and the minimalist approach created striking, contemporary images.
Off-Shoulder and Romantic Necklines
Off-shoulder styles, sweetheart necklines, and romantic details like lace overlays added elegance without overwhelming the overall look. These feminine touches created images with a timeless, classic quality that mothers will treasure for decades.
The Classic Black Dress
Black made a significant comeback in 2025 maternity styling. Whether in a fitted turtleneck silhouette or a dramatic flowing gown, black photographs with sophisticated contrast and timeless appeal. Against lighter backgrounds, black dresses create striking, magazine-worthy results.
Beyond the Gown: Alternative Styling Approaches
Intimate and Artistic Implied Styling
Fine-art maternity sessions with strategically draped fabrics gained popularity among mothers seeking something more artistic. Using silk, chiffon, or textured cheesecloth draped around the body, these sessions celebrate the natural beauty of pregnancy while maintaining tasteful modesty. The results feel like Renaissance paintings – artistic, emotive, and utterly unique.
Casual Lifestyle Looks
Not every mother wanted formal gowns. Many chose comfortable, authentic styling that reflected their everyday lives – unbuttoned jeans paired with simple bralettes, cosy knit sweaters, or soft loungewear. These lifestyle sessions, often captured at home, produced warm, intimate images that feel genuinely personal.
Coordinated Partner Styling
Including partners became more popular than ever in 2025, and thoughtful coordination (without being overly matchy) elevated these sessions. Complementary colour palettes, balancing formal and casual elements, and ensuring both parents feel comfortable created images celebrating the growing family together.
Accessories and Finishing Touches
Flower Crowns and Floral Elements
The boho-inspired flower crown maintained its place in maternity styling, particularly for outdoor sessions among wildflowers or woodland settings. Fresh florals incorporated into the session – whether worn, held, or scattered in milk baths – added natural beauty and soft colour.
Statement Jewellery
Bold earrings, delicate layered necklaces, and meaningful pieces (like heirloom jewellery or push presents) added personal significance to sessions. These details photograph beautifully in close-up shots and add dimension to portraits.
Veils and Dramatic Fabric Additions
Sheer veils and additional fabric layers created movement and drama, particularly in studio sessions with controlled lighting. Wind machines or simply tossing fabric during outdoor shoots produced dynamic, editorial-quality images.
Location-Specific Styling Considerations
Studio Sessions
Clean, minimalist backdrops called for gowns with visual interest – dramatic trains, textured lace, or bold colours. Studio lighting allowed for more adventurous styling choices, including silhouette work and high-fashion editorial approaches.
Outdoor Natural Settings
Surrey’s beautiful parks, woodland areas, and open fields paired wonderfully with softer styling – flowing fabrics in neutral or earthy tones that complemented rather than competed with the natural surroundings. Golden hour sessions particularly suited warm colour palettes.
Home and Lifestyle Sessions
Authenticity drove styling choices for home sessions. Comfortable, meaningful clothing that reflects the mother’s actual style created images that feel genuinely personal. Coordinating with bedroom or nursery aesthetics added cohesion.
What 2025 Taught Us About Maternity Styling
The overarching theme across all 2025 maternity styling wasn’t a specific colour or garment – it was intentionality. Mothers chose styling that felt meaningful to them, whether that meant a dramatic haute couture gown or a simple white dress in a sunlit field.
The most successful sessions shared common elements: comfortable fabrics that allowed natural movement, colours that complemented the mother’s complexion and chosen location, and styling that reflected genuine personality rather than fleeting trends.
Planning Your Own Maternity Session
When considering styling for your maternity photoshoot, focus on what makes you feel beautiful and confident. Think about where your photographs will ultimately be displayed and choose colours that will complement your home. Consider whether you want timeless images in neutrals or bold statements in rich colours.
Most importantly, wear something that feels authentically you. The best maternity photographs capture not just how you looked during pregnancy, but how you felt – and genuine comfort and confidence always photograph beautifully.
At San Vid Photography, we offer styling guidance and access to our curated collection of maternity gowns to help you achieve your vision. Whether you dream of fairy-tale elegance, contemporary minimalism, or intimate lifestyle portraits, your styling choices will help tell your unique story.
Ready to capture this incredible chapter? Contact San Vid Photography to discuss your maternity session and styling preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colours photograph best for maternity sessions? Soft neutrals like ivory, blush, and beige create timeless, dreamy images. Jewel tones such as emerald and sapphire add drama and sophistication. The best choice depends on your skin tone, session location, and personal style.
When should I book my maternity photoshoot? The ideal timing is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, when your bump is beautifully round and you’re still comfortable enough to enjoy the session.
Should my partner wear matching colours? Coordinating within the same colour palette works better than exact matching. Complementary tones create visual harmony without looking overly staged.
Can I bring multiple outfit changes? Absolutely. Many mothers bring two or three options to create variety in their gallery – perhaps one flowing gown and one more casual, intimate look.
What if I don’t own a maternity gown? For styled maternity sessions, we provide a range of beautiful gowns and fabrics for free of charge.