Maternity Photo Clothing

What to Wear for Your Maternity and Newborn Photos: Style Guide

There’s something sacred about these early chapters of motherhood—the curve of your belly, the sleepy softness of a newborn, the quiet magic in your family’s everyday. But knowing what to wear to capture that beauty can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why I created this guide to help you feel calm, confident, and truly seen in your maternity and newborn sessions.

Let’s walk through how to style your session with ease, beauty, and a little dose of wardrobe magic.

A Client Closet Curated Just for You

You don’t have to spend hours scrolling online or stressing about shopping trips. I offer a curated client wardrobe that makes getting dressed for your session feel like slipping into something just right. For mamas, you’ll find soft, neutral-toned dresses in timeless silhouettes—pieces that move beautifully, flatter every stage of motherhood, and align with a clean, romantic aesthetic.

Partners aren’t left out either. I have shirts and layers in classic tones that pair effortlessly with our overall look. And for your little ones? We stock darling outfits for children under five and newborn wraps and knitted pieces that are sweet, simple, and photograph like a dream.

One of my favorite parts of the process is our optional wardrobe consultation. You’re welcome to come into the studio ahead of time to try on dresses, piece together looks, and just feel taken care of. It’s like shopping with a stylist, minus the overwhelm.

Elegant but Easy: What Photographs Beautifully

My style leans into softness, simplicity, and subtle elegance. The goal? To keep the focus on connection, not clothes. That’s why I always suggest soft neutrals, minimal patterns, and cozy textures like linen, muslin, and knits.

Muted tones like cream, taupe, sage, dusty blue, and blush work beautifully across skin tones and settings. Classic silhouettes—think flowy maxi dresses, wrap styles, and cozy cardigans—bring movement and dimension to your images without pulling attention away from your love and connection.

If you prefer to purchase your own outfits, I send out a monthly Looks Book that includes fully styled outfit boards with links to pieces that coordinate and photograph well. It’s a simple way to shop with confidence, knowing your look will harmonize with the session vibe. This extra touch ensures your maternity photo clothing doesn’t just look good—it tells your story beautifully.

Styling the Whole Family with Intention

The trick to dressing the whole family? Coordinate, don’t match. Choose a color palette with two or three complementary tones and build everyone’s outfit from there. Start with mom’s look and layer in subtle textures or tonal variations for everyone else.

Picture dad in a soft oatmeal or stone-colored shirt, your toddler in muslin overalls or a sweet vintage-inspired dress, and your baby bundled in a textured knit wrap. Comfort is key—if your kids are itchy, tight, or restricted, it will show.

Clients often tell me they can’t believe how easy the wardrobe part felt. One mama shared, “I didn’t have to buy a single thing. Michele had everything, and somehow I looked more beautiful than I felt in months.” Another said, “The styling was so cohesive without looking staged. It felt like us, just a little more polished.”

These are the kind of wins I love delivering.

Studio, Home, or Nature: Dressing for the Setting

Your wardrobe should reflect the mood of the setting. In the studio—with its clean light and minimalist design—we often lean into softness and flow. Think neutral gowns, barefoot snuggles, and wraps that melt into baby’s skin.

In-home sessions add a cozy, personal layer. Here, lighter knits, relaxed textures, and barefoot comfort reign. Your favorite chair or nursery nook becomes the backdrop, so you want clothing that complements your space.

Outdoor sessions bring the romance of light and landscape. Here, linen dresses that catch the breeze and warm-toned layers shine. Footwear can be optional—many families go barefoot or opt for classic leather sandals or neutral flats.

Whatever the location, the focus remains on capturing connection in a way that feels elevated but real. Whether you’re wrapped in a soft robe in your nursery or dancing barefoot in golden-hour grass, your maternity photo clothing should feel like an extension of your story.

Let’s Make It Beautiful (and Easy)

Above all, I want you to feel beautiful, comfortable, and present. You deserve to be in the frame. This is your story too.

If you’re planning a session and wondering what to wear, just know—you don’t have to figure it out alone. From curated wardrobe pieces to personalized style guides, I’m here to make it simple and soulful. Whether you choose something from the studio closet or get inspired by one of my Looks Books, you’ll find maternity photo clothing that reflects your grace, your strength, and your love.

Ready to feel confident in front of the camera? Leave a comment below with any questions, thoughts, or favorite looks you’ve worn. I’d love to hear from you—and I’d be honored to help you feel seen in this season.

Michele Quattrin is a Minnesota-based photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and family portraits that feel as heartfelt as they are timeless. With over 15 years of experience and a background in journalism and photojournalism, she brings both artistic vision and emotional intuition to every session. Michele is known for her calm, nurturing presence and her ability to transform the everyday chaos of motherhood into refined, emotive imagery. Her light-filled studio offers a curated wardrobe, heirloom products, and a full-service experience designed to help busy moms feel cared for and beautifully seen. For Michele, photography isn’t just about pictures—it’s about preserving the story of motherhood with grace and honesty.

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