Wondering what to wear for your maternity photoshoot? This practical photographer’s guide covers flattering maternity outfits, colours, studio and outdoor clothing, partner styling, children’s outfits and what to avoid.
If you are wondering what to wear for a maternity photoshoot, start with one simple rule: choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable, allows your bump to be seen clearly and works with the location and style of your session.
The most flattering maternity photoshoot outfits are often simpler than people expect. Fitted dresses beautifully define the bump, flowing gowns add movement, soft fabrics create an elegant feel, and neutral or earthy colours photograph beautifully in both studio and outdoor settings. You do not need to buy a completely new wardrobe either.
At San Vid Photography, I provide a curated selection of maternity dresses, fabrics and styling options for clients, so you can choose a look designed specifically for pregnancy portraits.
As an award-winning maternity and family photographer based in Sutton, I have photographed expectant mothers from Surrey and South London in many different styles. From elegant studio portraits to relaxed outdoor sessions, I have learned that the best outfit is not simply the most fashionable one. It is the one that helps you feel like yourself while supporting the mood of the photographs you want to create.
This guide will help you choose with confidence.
1. Start With How You Want Your Photos to Feel
Before choosing colours or searching for maternity dress ideas, think about the feeling you want from your photographs.
Do you imagine something:
- Soft and romantic?
- Elegant and classic?
- Creative and artistic?
- Natural and relaxed?
- Bold and editorial?
- Intimate and minimal?
- Family-focused?
Your answer should guide your clothing choices.
For example, a flowing gown may suit a romantic sunset session in Surrey, while a simple fitted dress may be perfect for elegant studio portraits. A relaxed knitted dress can work beautifully for a natural family session, while fabric draping can create something more artistic and sculptural.
My Advice From Experience
One of the most common mistakes I see is choosing an outfit because it looked beautiful on someone else.
But every woman is different.
Your height, bump shape, colouring, personal style and confidence all matter.
During my own maternity sessions, I prefer to think about the woman first and the outfit second. Clothing should support the portrait, not overpower the person wearing it.
2. Colours That Photograph Beautifully
Colour has a huge influence on the final mood of your photographs.
Some colours feel soft and romantic. Others create drama. Some blend beautifully with natural surroundings, while others stand out.
Soft Neutrals
Neutral colours are popular for a reason.
Consider:
- Cream
- Ivory
- Warm white
- Beige
- Taupe
- Soft grey
- Camel
These tones create an elegant, calm look and work particularly well for studio portraits and family photographs.
They also coordinate easily with a partner or older children.
Earthy Tones
For outdoor maternity photography, I often recommend:
- Olive green
- Rust
- Terracotta
- Chocolate brown
- Warm beige
- Mustard accents
- Deep burgundy
These colours can look beautiful against woodland, long grass and autumn scenery.
For example, a warm rust or deep green dress can work wonderfully in natural areas around Surrey and South London, especially during late summer and autumn.
Soft Romantic Colours
If you prefer a more feminine look, consider:
- Dusty rose
- Blush pink
- Soft blue
- Lavender
- Muted peach
- Sage green
These colours work beautifully for spring and summer sessions.
Rich, Dramatic Colours
Do not be afraid of stronger colour.
Some of my favourite maternity portraits use:
- Deep red
- Emerald green
- Navy
- Burgundy
- Black
Rich colours can create powerful, elegant images, especially with carefully controlled studio lighting.
What About White?
White and ivory can look beautiful during pregnancy.
They create a fresh, simple feel and work especially well for:
- Minimal studio portraits
- Summer outdoor sessions
- Couple photographs
- Family images
The key is choosing the right fabric and fit so the dress photographs with shape rather than appearing flat.
3. Best Maternity Photoshoot Outfits for Studio Sessions
Studio photography gives you more control over lighting, background and styling.
This means you can choose clothing specifically for the portrait rather than worrying about weather.
Fitted Maternity Dresses
A fitted dress is one of the most flattering choices for pregnancy photography because it clearly shows the shape of your bump.
Good options include:
- Stretch jersey dresses
- Ribbed dresses
- Long fitted gowns
- Off-the-shoulder styles
- Simple body-skimming dresses
Many women initially worry that a fitted dress will make them feel self-conscious.
In reality, with thoughtful posing and lighting, fitted clothing can create some of the most elegant maternity portraits.
Flowing Maternity Gowns
Flowing gowns create:
- Movement
- Softness
- Drama
- Romance
They are especially beautiful for creative portraits where fabric becomes part of the composition.
Fabric Draping
Fabric draping can create an artistic and minimal look.
This style works beautifully for women who want something:
- Elegant
- Feminine
- Creative
- Slightly editorial
It can be adapted carefully to each client’s comfort level.
Simple Personal Clothing
You do not always need a specialist maternity gown.
A simple:
- White shirt
- Black dress
- Neutral bodysuit
- Soft cardigan
- Knitted dress
can create beautiful photographs.
Sometimes the simplest clothing allows emotion and connection to become the strongest part of the image.
4. What to Wear for an Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot
Outdoor sessions require a little more planning because clothing needs to work with the landscape, season and weather.
For Spring
Spring in Surrey can offer fresh greenery and soft blossom.
Beautiful colour choices include:
- Cream
- Blush
- Soft blue
- Lavender
- Sage green
A flowing dress can work beautifully among blossom or fresh spring landscapes.
Locations around Sutton, Cheam and Surrey can change quickly during blossom season, so timing matters.
For Summer
For summer maternity sessions, consider:
- Lightweight fabrics
- Flowing dresses
- Soft neutrals
- Warm earthy colours
- Pastels
Golden-hour light works beautifully with cream, beige, dusty pink and warm rust tones.
For Autumn
Autumn is one of my favourite seasons for outdoor pregnancy photography.
Consider:
- Burgundy
- Rust
- Forest green
- Chocolate brown
- Mustard
- Cream
- Red
These colours complement the changing landscape rather than fighting with it.
A woodland session, open natural location around Surrey, or city backdrop in South London can look especially beautiful at this time of year.
For Winter
Winter sessions can be elegant and atmospheric.
Consider:
- Deep green
- Burgundy
- Navy
- Black
- Cream
- Textured knitwear
Layers can work well, but avoid very bulky coats if you want your bump to remain visible.
Think About the Location
A dress should work with the setting.
For example:
- A flowing gown can look beautiful in open landscapes around Epsom, Surrey Hills or Dorking Woods.
- Soft neutrals work well in the elegant surroundings of Nonsuch Park near Cheam.
- Earthy colours complement natural scenery around Riddlesdown near Purley, or Headley Heath.
- Romantic colours can work beautifully among seasonal greenery around Beddington Park near Wallington.
As a local maternity photographer, I consider both the location and the available light when helping clients plan what to wear.
5. What Should Your Partner Wear?
Partner clothing should complement your outfit without looking overly matched.
The goal is coordination, not identical clothing.
Good Choices for Partners
Consider:
- Cream shirts
- White shirts
- Beige knitwear
- Soft grey
- Navy
- Olive
- Brown
- Simple neutral T-shirts
If you are wearing a soft blush gown, your partner might wear cream, beige or muted grey.
If you are wearing a deep green dress, a neutral shirt or warm earth tone can work beautifully.
Keep It Simple
Avoid clothing that immediately pulls attention away from the connection between you.
Large logos and very busy patterns can become distracting.
A simple, well-fitting outfit is usually the strongest choice.
6. What Should Children Wear?
If older siblings are joining your maternity photoshoot, comfort matters.
A child who feels uncomfortable in formal clothing may quickly lose interest in the session.
Good Options for Children
Consider:
- Soft knitwear
- Linen
- Simple dresses
- Neutral shirts
- Textured cardigans
- Comfortable shoes
For family photographs, I recommend choosing a small colour palette rather than putting everyone in exactly the same colour.
For example:
Mum: cream maternity dress
Partner: beige shirt with darker trousers
Child: soft brown, cream or muted green
This creates harmony without looking too coordinated.
Think About Your Child’s Personality
From my experience photographing families, children usually respond much better when they can move naturally.
If your child loves running, cuddling or exploring, choose clothes that allow them to do that.
The goal is not a perfectly dressed child who is afraid to move.
The goal is genuine connection.
7. Maternity Dresses Are Provided at San Vid Photography
One of the biggest worries clients have before booking is:
“I have nothing to wear.” ”I don’t know want to wear”.
This is exactly why I provide maternity dresses and styling options for my clients.
You do not need to spend money on an expensive dress that you may wear only once.
Depending on the session and your preferred style, we can discuss options such as:
- Fitted maternity dresses
- Flowing gowns
- Creative fabrics
- Elegant styling pieces
- Different colours and textures
Before your session, we can talk about the look you love and which options may work best for you.
Why Specialist Maternity Dresses Make a Difference
Maternity photography gowns are often designed differently from everyday dresses.
They may be created to:
- Define the bump
- Add movement
- Work with professional lighting
- Create shape
- Photograph beautifully from different angles
That does not mean you must wear one.
But having the option removes a lot of stress of constantly thinking what to wear for pregnancy photoshoot.
8. What to Avoid Wearing for a Maternity Photoshoot
There are no strict rules, but some clothing choices can make photography more difficult.
Very Busy Patterns
Large patterns can distract from your face and bump.
Be careful with:
- Strong florals
- Large checks
- Heavy stripes
- Complicated prints
Small, subtle patterns can work, but simplicity is usually easier to photograph.
Large Logos and Branding
Logos immediately draw the eye.
Unless branding is intentional, I usually recommend avoiding them.
Neon Colours
Very bright neon colours can reflect onto skin and create unwanted colour casts.
Uncomfortable Clothing
If you cannot breathe, sit or move comfortably, it is probably not the right outfit.
Pregnancy photography should never feel like an endurance test.
Clothes That Hide the Bump Completely
Oversized clothing can be comfortable, but it may hide the shape you want to celebrate.
If you love a looser style, consider ways to create definition through:
- Hand placement
- A belt above the bump
- Layering
- Side angles
Brand-New Shoes You Cannot Walk In
This matters especially outdoors.
Beautiful shoes are not worth sore feet or feeling unsafe on uneven ground.
For outdoor sessions, practical footwear can be worn while walking between locations and changed when needed.
9. Should You Bring More Than One Outfit?
If your package allows outfit changes, variety can be a wonderful idea.
I often recommend choosing looks that feel genuinely different.
For example:
Look One
A fitted dress that clearly defines the bump.
Look Two
A flowing gown for movement and softness.
Look Three
A simple personal outfit with your partner or children.
This gives your final gallery variety without making the session feel like constant changing.
10. The Best Outfit Is the One That Still Feels Like You
There is a lot of advice online about pregnancy photoshoot clothing.
Some of it is useful.
But please do not feel that you must suddenly become someone else for your photographs.
If you never wear dramatic gowns, you may prefer something simple.
If you love bold colour, you do not need to wear beige because social media says neutrals are fashionable.
If you feel beautiful in a black dress, wear black.
If you dream of something romantic and flowing, choose that.
The most successful maternity sessions usually happen when styling feels intentional but still personal.
From My Experience as a Maternity Photographer
After photographing expectant mothers from Sutton, Cheam, Carshalton, Wallington, Purley, Croydon, Epsom, Ewell, Surrey and South London, I have learned that outfit anxiety is incredibly common.
Many women arrive believing they need to lose weight, buy something expensive or know exactly how to style themselves.
They do not.
My role as a photographer is not only to press the shutter.
It is to help with the decisions that come before the photograph: clothing, colour, location, light, posing and the overall feeling of the session.
I was honoured to receive the Maternity Photographer of the Year 2025 award from The Society of Photographers, but the experience that shapes my client work most comes from photographing real women with different bodies, personalities and confidence levels.
There is no single perfect maternity outfit.
There is only the right choice for you, your session and the photographs you want to create.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best outfit for a maternity photoshoot?
Fitted dresses, flowing gowns and simple clothing that defines the bump usually photograph beautifully. The best choice depends on your style, location and comfort.
What colours are best for maternity photos?
Cream, ivory, beige, earthy tones, dusty rose, sage, deep green, burgundy and other carefully chosen colours can all work beautifully.
Should I wear a fitted or flowing maternity dress?
Both can look wonderful. Fitted dresses define the bump, while flowing gowns create movement and romance.
Do I need to buy a maternity dress for my photoshoot?
No. At San Vid Photography, maternity dresses and styling options are available for clients.
What should my partner wear?
Choose simple, well-fitting clothing in colours that complement your outfit. Avoid large logos and very busy patterns.
What should children wear for maternity family photos?
Comfortable clothing in coordinated colours works best. Soft textures, knitwear, linen and simple dresses can photograph beautifully.
Can I wear black for maternity photos?
Absolutely. Black can create elegant, dramatic and beautifully sculptural maternity portraits.
Can I wear white for pregnancy photos?
Yes. White and ivory are beautiful for minimal studio portraits, outdoor summer sessions and family photographs.
What should I wear for an outdoor maternity photoshoot?
Choose clothing that works with the season and landscape. Flowing dresses, earthy colours, soft neutrals and comfortable footwear are often excellent choices.
How many outfits should I bring?
This depends on your package. If outfit changes are included, two or three varied looks can provide a beautiful range without making the session feel rushed. Please check my Maternity photo packages HERE
What underwear should I wear under a maternity gown?
Neutral, seamless underwear is often the safest option. Nude tones are particularly useful under pale or fitted fabrics.
Should I wear heels for maternity photos?
Only if you feel comfortable and safe. For outdoor sessions, I often recommend practical shoes for walking between locations.
Ready to Plan What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot?
Choosing your maternity photoshoot outfits should feel exciting, not stressful.
You do not need a model’s wardrobe.
You do not need to know what photographs best.
And you do not need to make every decision alone.
At San Vid Photography, I offer creative, emotive, elegant and natural maternity photography from my Sutton studio and at beautiful outdoor locations across Surrey and South London.
Maternity dresses are provided, and I offer styling and preparation guidance before your session. Together, we can plan colours, clothing and a location that suit you.
I welcome expectant mothers and families from Sutton, Cheam, Carshalton, Wallington, Purley, Croydon, Epsom, Ewell, South London and Surrey.
If you are planning your maternity photoshoot and feeling unsure about what to wear, get in touch. I would love to help you create a session that feels beautiful, relaxed and personal to you.
And if you are looking for more information about your pregnancy session, please read my support article ‘The Complete Guide to Maternity Photography in Surrey (2026)’.