What to Wear for Your Maternity or Family Photo Session (And What to Skip)

So you've booked your photo session—yay! Now comes the big question that has you staring at your closet at 2 AM: what on earth do we wear?

Take a deep breath, mama. You're not alone in this wardrobe panic. This is hands-down the #1 question every single one of my clients asks, and I totally get it. You want to look stunning, feel comfortable, and create images that your great-grandkids will treasure someday. No pressure, right?

Here's the thing: choosing the perfect outfits for your maternity or family photo session doesn't have to send you into a shopping frenzy or leave you second-guessing every piece in your closet. I'm here to share some tried-and-true styling secrets that will have you looking effortlessly gorgeous and feeling confident in front of the camera.

Why Your Wardrobe Choice Actually Matters

I know it might seem obvious, but let me tell you why getting your outfit right is such a game-changer for your photos.

Your clothes literally set the tone for your entire portrait session. Think about it—when you look back at family photos from the 80s (hello, neon windbreakers!), what do you notice first? Probably not the sweet family moments, but rather that very dated outfit choice. The goal here is creating timeless, heirloom portraits that will look just as beautiful hanging in your great-granddaughter's home as they do in yours today.

But here's what's even more important: how you feel in your clothes directly impacts how you look in photos. When you're comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, it shows. Your shoulders relax, your smile becomes more genuine, and those candid moments we're after happen naturally.

And let's be real for a second—as a photographer, I can tell you that softer tones and classic styles photograph beautifully under any lighting condition. Those neon SpongeBob pajamas your toddler insists on wearing? Not so much. (Though I admire their confidence!)

What to Wear for Maternity Sessions

1. Flowy Dresses That Move With You

There's something absolutely magical about fabric that moves and flows during a maternity session. Those gentle, sweeping movements create stunning images that celebrate your beautiful bump while adding an almost ethereal quality to your portraits.

When choosing dresses, think about pieces that drape beautifully over your curves without clinging. Maxi dresses, A-line silhouettes, and anything with a bit of movement will be your best friends. Neutral tones like cream, soft gray, dusty pink, or sage green photograph gorgeously and never go out of style. 

Can't find a flowy dress that you love?  I have two dozen different colors of silk and chiffon that look gorgeous on everyone.  We can find the perfect color and drape for you!

2. Solid Colors Over Busy Patterns

Here's a little photographer secret: solid colors keep all the attention exactly where it should be—on you and that precious bump. While that adorable floral dress might look stunning on the hanger, busy patterns can become distracting in photos and sometimes create unflattering optical effects.

If you're absolutely in love with patterns, choose something with a very subtle, small-scale print. Think tiny dots, delicate florals, or soft stripes rather than bold, contrasting patterns.

3. Texture Adds Beautiful Depth

Want to add visual interest without going bold with color or pattern? Texture is your answer. Lace details, cozy knits, flowing silk, or even subtle embroidery can add that extra something special to your photos without overwhelming the overall look.

I love when clients choose pieces with different textures—maybe a soft knit cardigan over a flowing dress, or a lace-detailed top with simple pants. These elements photograph beautifully and add dimension to your portraits.

4. A Little Wardrobe Tip From Me

Here's something that makes me a bit different from other photographers in the Nashville area: I keep a carefully curated collection of maternity gowns available for my clients to borrow. These are pieces I've specifically chosen because I know they photograph beautifully and flatter every mama.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed by the shopping process or just can't find anything that feels quite right, don't stress. We can explore options from my client closet during our pre-session consultation. It's one less thing for you to worry about, and honestly, some of my favorite images have been created using pieces from this collection.

What should your family wear for a maternity session?

1. Coordinate, Don't Match

Think about coordinating within a color palette. Choose 3-4 colors that work beautifully together and let each family member wear different combinations of those shades. For example, if you're going with soft, earthy tones, dad might wear a cream button-down with khaki pants, mom could choose a sage green dress, and the kids might wear combinations of cream, soft brown, and that same sage green.

This approach creates visual harmony while still letting everyone's personality shine through their individual style choices.

2. Comfort and Movement Are Key

This is especially important when little ones are involved. Kids need to be able to move, play, and be themselves during the session. Stiff, uncomfortable clothes lead to cranky kids, and cranky kids don't make for the best family portraits. Trust me on this one!

Choose fabrics that have a little stretch, avoid anything too fitted or restrictive, and please don't put your toddler in their first pair of dress shoes right before our session. Comfortable kids are happy kids, and happy kids make for those genuine, joyful moments we're after.

The same goes for parents—if you're constantly tugging at a too-tight dress or worried about a button popping, it's going to show in your face. Choose pieces that fit well and make you feel confident.

3. Timeless Over Trendy

I know it's tempting to incorporate the latest fashion trends into your family photos, but remember—these images are meant to be treasured for generations. What looks super current today might look dated in just a few years.

Instead of that graphic tee with this year's popular slogan, consider a classic linen shirt. Rather than the trendy jumpsuit that might look dated in five years, opt for a simple, well-fitted dress in a beautiful color. These timeless choices ensure your portraits will look just as stunning in 20 years as they do today.

What to Skip (For Both Maternity and Family Sessions)

Let's talk about the outfit choices that just don't work well for photos, so you can avoid them altogether:

Neon colors and bold logos are photography kryptonite. They're distracting, can cast unflattering color reflections on your skin, and pull focus away from your faces and emotions. Save the hot pink workout top for the gym and the college t-shirt for weekend errands.

Busy, distracting patterns fall into the same category. While you might love that zebra-print top, it's going to compete with your beautiful smile in every single image. Small, subtle patterns can work, but when in doubt, go solid.

Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothes will stand out in every photo. If something needs to be ironed, pressed, or tailored, take care of that before your session. It's worth the extra effort for images you'll treasure forever.

And here's a big one: don't wear anything you don't feel completely comfortable in. If you're going to be adjusting your straps every five minutes, pulling at a too-short hem, or worried about a wardrobe malfunction, it's going to show in your expressions. Confidence is the best accessory you can wear.

Accessories and Extras That Work

When it comes to accessories for photo sessions, less is definitely more. Simple, classic pieces work best—think delicate necklaces, small earrings, or a classic watch. Chunky, statement jewelry can be distracting and might not photograph well.

For footwear, simpler is better, and honestly? Going barefoot often looks the most natural and beautiful, especially for outdoor sessions. If you do want to wear shoes, choose something comfortable that you can easily slip on and off.

As for props, I prefer to keep things minimal and meaningful. A soft blanket, a favorite family heirloom, or fresh flowers can add a lovely touch without overwhelming the composition. But remember—you and your family are the stars of these photos, not the accessories.

Nashville Seasonal Styling Guide

Living in Middle Tennessee gives us the gift of four distinct seasons, each offering unique opportunities for stunning portraits. Here's how to dress for each season while still looking timeless:

Spring in Nashville is absolutely magical with all the blooming trees and fresh greenery. This is the perfect time for soft florals (but keep them subtle!), pastels like blush pink or lavender, and flowing fabrics that move with our gentle spring breezes. Light cardigans and wraps work beautifully for layering.

Summer sessions call for breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Neutral sundresses, lightweight button-downs, and comfortable pants in lighter colors help you stay cool while looking elegant. Just remember that very light colors can sometimes wash out in bright light, so soft, muted tones often work better than pure white.

Fall is pure magic in Nashville, and it's my personal favorite season for family portraits. Rich, earthy tones like rust, deep cream, sage green, and soft brown complement our gorgeous autumn foliage perfectly. Cozy knits, textured fabrics, and layered looks work beautifully during this season.

Winter sessions offer opportunities for jewel tones and richer colors that might be too heavy for other seasons. Deep burgundy, navy, emerald, or classic cream and gray combinations look stunning against winter's muted landscape. Textured knits, elegant coats, and layered looks help create visual interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color looks best in maternity photos?

I encourage you to choose colors that you love.  My client closet is filled with neutral colors, but my silk stash is bold and beautiful.  You just want to choose something that won't compete with your beautiful bump for attention.

Should dads wear jeans or dress pants for family photos?

Both can work beautifully! The key is choosing pieces that fit well and coordinate with the overall color palette. Well-fitted dark jeans with a nice button-down can look just as elegant as dress pants with a sweater. It really depends on the style you're going for and what makes dad feel most comfortable and confident.

Is your guy not a dress up kind of guy?  Jeans or khakis with a solid black tee shirt work great.  Simple, easy and elegant.

Do you provide wardrobe for maternity sessions?

Yes! I maintain a curated collection of maternity gowns and silks specifically chosen for their photogenic qualities and flattering fits. These pieces are available for my clients to borrow, which takes a lot of stress out of the preparation process. We'll discuss options during your pre-session consultation, and you're welcome to try on a few different styles to see what feels best.

What if my toddler refuses to wear what I picked out?

Oh honey, I've been there! Toddlers have opinions, don't they? Here's my advice: have a backup plan ready, and don't stress too much about it. Sometimes the outfit they choose themselves leads to the most authentic, joyful photos. As long as it's not neon or covered in cartoon characters, we can usually make it work within your family's overall color palette.

If you know your little one is particular about clothes, involve them in the selection process beforehand. Let them choose between two parent-approved options, or bring a few different pieces to the session so they can pick what feels right that day.

Still unsure?  I also have a kid closet full of carefully chosen pieces that I know will photograph beautifully.  

How many outfits should I bring to a session?

For maternity sessions, I usually recommend 2-3 outfit options. This gives us variety without overwhelming the session timeline. For family sessions, one well-coordinated set of outfits is typically perfect, though having one backup option (especially for little ones) is never a bad idea.

Remember, we want to spend most of our time capturing beautiful moments together, not changing clothes!

Ready to Create Timeless Family Memories?

Choosing the perfect outfits for your maternity or family photo session really doesn't have to be stressful. With these guidelines in mind, you're well on your way to creating stunning, timeless portraits that you'll treasure for generations.

But here's the best part—you don't have to figure this out alone. As your photographer, I'm here to guide you through every step of the process, from wardrobe selection to posing to creating those genuine, joyful moments that make the best family portraits.

During our pre-session consultation, we'll discuss your style preferences, review your outfit options, and make sure everything coordinates beautifully. Plus, with access to my client wardrobe collection, you have even more options to create the perfect look for your session.

The memories you're creating with these portraits will last for generations. Your children will show these images to their children, and their children after that. What a beautiful legacy to leave behind.

Ready to book your maternity or family session? I'd love to help you create timeless images that celebrate this special season of your life. Let's chat about bringing your vision to life and creating photographs you'll cherish forever.

For more helpful tips about preparing for your session, check out "What to expect at a newborn photo session" and "What to expect at a maternity photo session". And if you're thinking about the perfect gift for new parents or grandparents, don't miss "How to choose the best frames and prints for your family's pictures"