What to Wear for Maternity Photos for an Elegant, Feminine & Dreamy Vibe

Choosing what to wear for your maternity photos is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your session. This season of your life is tender, fleeting, and full of anticipation—and the right outfit can elevate the entire experience. As a Minneapolis maternity photographer who loves soft, elegant imagery, I’ve learned just how much the wardrobe sets the tone. Your clothing should highlight your natural glow, flatter your changing body, and help create the dreamy, romantic feel so many expecting mothers love.

If you’re wondering where to start, I’ve put together this guide to help you feel confident, prepared, and beautifully styled on the day of your session.

Choose Soft, Neutral Colors That Photograph Beautifully

Color plays a huge role in the feeling of your final images. I always recommend choosing a palette of soft, neutral tones, which keep the focus on you and your connection with your baby-to-be. Some of my favorite shades for maternity photos include:

• Creams and whites
• Soft blush pinks
• Light baby blues
• Sage green
• Soft taupes, beiges, and warm neutrals

These tones photograph effortlessly in every location—whether we’re shooting outdoors at sunset, in your home, or in the studio. They complement all skin tones and create that refined, serene, elevated feel you see throughout my maternity portfolio. I’ll include a photograph of my recommended color palette in your prep guide so you can visually match outfits to these tones.

Dresses: The Most Flattering & Elegant Option for Dreamy Maternity Photos

While there’s no “right” outfit for maternity photography, a dress is almost always the most flattering, timeless choice. Flowing, feminine dresses create softness and movement that bring images to life. A dress naturally highlights your bump, elongates your silhouette, and adds that dreamy touch that maternity photography is so known for.

Here’s what I recommend when choosing a dress:

1. Look for Movement

Chiffon, tulle, or lightweight cotton blend fabrics photograph beautifully as they catch the breeze or sweep across the ground. Movement adds a romantic, poetic quality and creates those effortless, cinematic images my clients love.

2. Prioritize Comfort

You should never feel restricted or squeezed into an outfit during your session. Choose a dress that feels good on your body and allows you to move freely. When you’re comfortable, you relax—and that makes your photographs softer, more natural, and full of genuine emotion.

3. Find a Silhouette That Makes You Feel Amazing

Empire waists, wrap styles, and dresses with gentle volume all tend to be incredibly flattering. They emphasize your bump while adding just the right amount of drape and softness. If you plan to show your belly for a few photos, a two-piece set with a flowy skirt can also be beautiful.  A nice fitted sweater dress looks beautiful as well, if that’s what is most comfortable for you!

Add Texture, Details, and Layers

The little details matter, and add so much interest to your photos. Delicate ruffles, soft pleats, lace, eyelets, embroidery, or a gentle off-the-shoulder neckline all add dimension and femininity without overwhelming the image.

Light layers—like a long, open cardigan, a gauzy robe, or a draped shawl—can also bring texture and interest while allowing for easy variety in your gallery.    Adding a flower bouquet as an accessory is the icing on the cake!  I love the feminine touch that it adds to any outfit!

The AWP Client Wardrobe: Stress-Free, Curated Style for Moms-to-Be

To help you feel confident and beautifully styled, I offer a full client wardrobe available to all maternity clients at no additional cost. It’s a curated collection of dresses in the exact tones, silhouettes, and textures that photograph best—all maternity-friendly, all bump-flattering, all aligned with the elegant, ethereal aesthetic you see on my website.

Every dress in the wardrobe has been thoughtfully selected to:

• Complement my soft, natural editing style
• Coordinate beautifully with partners and siblings
• Enhance your natural glow
• Create a romantic, feminine look
• Bring movement and grace to your photos

Many clients tell me this is one of their favorite parts of the process—it removes the stress of shopping and ensures your chosen dress aligns perfectly with the artistic vision of the session.  Before your session, I’ll share the wardrobe gallery and invite you to choose a few favorites. On the day of your photos, you’ll be able to try everything on, compare options, and select the piece you feel most beautiful and confident in.  

Outfits for Partners and Siblings

If others will be part of your session, keeping everyone in the same soft, neutral palette helps the whole gallery feel cohesive and timeless. Think creams, tans, grays, soft blues, or muted greens for partners and siblings. Simple, clean, minimal clothing—without logos or bold patterns—helps maintain that refined, elevated look.

The Most Important Rule: Wear Something You Feel Beautiful In

Ultimately, the best outfit for your maternity photos is the one that makes you feel radiant. If you feel amazing, it will show in every photo. Maternity sessions are about celebrating your strength, your beauty, and this extra-special time in your life! Your wardrobe should lift you up and help you feel like the most confident version of yourself.

If you’d like personalized recommendations or help choosing the perfect dress from the client wardrobe, I’m always here to guide you. Together, we’ll create images that feel timeless, elegant, and true to you.  

Ready For Your Own Maternity Photos?

Click HERE for my Maternity website, where you can see more photos, browse pricing and book online! I hope to see you soon!

xo, Angela