What to Wear for Your Newborn Photography Session | A Guide for Moms

Your newborn baby will be arriving soon, and you’re dreaming of his or her first photos… Ahhhhhh. It’s the most magical feeling and as a mom of 2 girls I remember like it was yesterday how excited I was to meet them and thought about their newborn photos way before they were born. But as I imagined them all cute in their little outfits or swaddled so tightly I then realized, “What am I going to wear?? I’m 37 weeks pregnant, nothing fits and I can’t even begin to imagine how I will look in these pictures! Maybe we just focus on the baby and I watch from behind the lens?”

NO! is the answer to that. Moms deserve and NEED to be in the photos. You will regret it deeply if you aren’t in them, and the last thing you should stress about is what to wear. As a Minneapolis newborn photographer, I want you to remove the worries and feel beautiful, comfortable, and completely yourself—so I’ve created this guide to help you choose outfits that flatter, photograph beautifully, and complement my soft, elegant, style.

Think Soft, Elegant & Timeless

When selecting outfits, imagine clothing that feels airy, effortless and classic rather than trendy.
My images lean into gentle tones and glowing light, so the best wardrobe choices are those that blend seamlessly into that atmosphere rather than distract from it.

Here are the tones and fabrics that photograph beautifully:

Best colors:
• White
• Cream
• Soft beige + warm tans
• Pale blush pink
• Muted, dusty blues

These shades reflect light, flatter every skin tone, and create that dreamy softness that you will find in my images. They also allow your baby—swaddled in simple white—to blend in harmoniously so nothing distracts from your connection. Also, if you plan to create artwork from your images, or a beautiful album these colors tend to be more classic in printed products that you’ll hold onto forever.

What to avoid: Bright colors, high contrast clothing, bold stripes or patterns, black, logos, or anything overly trendy. These elements tend to pull attention away from your sweet little one, and can introduce harsh tones or distracting shapes into otherwise gentle imagery.

Silhouettes That Photograph Beautifully

Flowy, feminine shapes always photograph like a dream—especially in those quiet moments when you’re swaying, rocking, or snuggling your baby.

Some of my favorite flattering and photo-friendly styles include:
✔ Long, flowy dresses that catch the light and allow movement (it also gives your hands something to hold onto!)
✔ Soft chiffon, gauze, cotton crepe, and other breathable fabrics
✔ Subtle floral prints or gentle textures—nothing bold
✔ Puffy sleeves or smocked bodices
✔ Shoulder-tie dresses (pretty details without being fussy)

These pieces allow for effortless posing—whether you’re snuggled on a bed cradling your baby or standing with them against your shoulder. They drape gracefully, photograph softly, and allow your movements to feel natural—not stiff or styled.

Medium to long sleeves are especially flattering and look timeless in portraits, though sleeveless options can look beautiful too if you prefer. I find that most postpartum moms (especially 10-14 days after giving birth) do prefer to have a little sleeve on their outfits!

Why Long or Midi Dresses Work Best

Many new moms tell me they don’t quite feel “back to themselves” in the early weeks postpartum—and that is totally normal. Flowy dresses offer a gentle level of coverage and movement that help you feel more comfortable, without sacrificing style.

Shoes? Let’s Keep It Classic

You can leave them at home!

Indoor newborn sessions are intentionally cozy. Whether it’s in your home, or a Minneapolis studio barefoot really looks best—it keeps your images organic, minimal and relaxed, and prevents shoes from becoming a visual distraction.

Gentle, Natural Hair Styling

The best hair? Soft, natural and touchable.

Loose curls, gentle waves, or hair blown smooth and tucked behind your ear feels romantic and effortless. Avoid overly structured curls or stiff hairspray. You’ll spend most of your session holding your baby close—soft styles allow your hair to move naturally and complement those cozy, snuggled-in portraits.

If you love wearing your hair up, consider a low, loose bun or ponytail with a few pieces framing your face.

How Baby’s Wardrobe Works

I keep it beautifully simple. Your little one will be swaddled in a soft white wrap or dressed in classic neutrals so their delicate features remain the focus. White also ensures your baby blends seamlessly with your outfit instead of competing with it. No stressful outfit matching needed—your tiny love is taken care of.

Take the Guesswork Out—Use my Client Wardrobe!

If you want the most effortless experience of all, you’re welcome to borrow a dress from my curated client wardrobe.

Every piece has been hand-selected for comfort, stretch, movement, and beauty on camera.
Sizes range to accommodate postpartum bodies, and every color and texture was chosen to complement my soft, elegant aesthetic. Upon booking, my clients receive a link to the wardrobe options. If you see some you like, you just let me know and I will have them steamed and ready for you on photo day!

Mama, You Deserve to Be in the Pictures!

Those newborn weeks pass in a blink.
Your baby will never be this tiny again, and you deserve photos that capture the love, awe, and joy of beginning this new chapter together—without any stress over what to wear.

Choose softness. Choose simplicity.
Choose pieces that help you feel confident, relaxed, and deeply present as you hold the newest little love of your life.

Interested in More About My Minneapolis Newborn Photography Experience?

I’d love to meet you! Visit my Newborn Photos website HERE for all the details. I hope to hear from you so I can capture your timeless photos soon.

xo,

Angela