Pick the season, the place, how much of the bump to show and who is in the photos: your dress and its colour, what your partner and the kids wear, and a second look, each line quoted from maternity photographers’ own guides.
Fall · Park, field or garden · Hint at the bump
A flowy maxi or wrap dress in rustRust and cream for fall in a park, field or garden.
- Palette
- Rust and cream
- For the place
- One of the guides’ picks
- Second look
- Jeans and an open shirt
Who wears what
- You: A flowy maxi or wrap dress in rust.
Hint at the bump: a flowy maxi or wrap dress
A flowy maxi, wrap or tiered dress in chiffon, lace, linen or soft jersey: it drapes over the bump and moves in the breeze
- “Hint at it: flowy maxi dresses, wrap styles, and tiered dresses give you that beautiful silhouette without being super fitted.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “It covers up anything you don’t want shown, but can also be pulled against the belly to show off your adorable baby bump.” — Little Bunny Photography
- “Opt for lightweight, airy materials like chiffon, organza, or a soft linen blend.” — Candid Studios
- “Flowy fabrics like chiffon, lightweight cotton, gauze, and soft jersey move beautifully and flatter the body.” — Amanda Eubank
Park, field or garden
Blush, cream and earthy tones: let the greenery be the colour, never compete with it
- “In a green field or garden, blush, cream, and earthy tones work better than trying to compete with the greenery.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “an earthy-toned linen maxi complements a rustic, outdoor session” — Candid Studios
- “These colors pair perfectly with outdoor settings like pumpkin patches or forests filled with fall foliage.” — Angel Maternity
In a park, field or garden the guides pick a flowy maxi or wrap dress, or a fitted bodycon dress
- “A wrap-style dress in a soft floral or botanical print is perfect for a garden or field setting.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “The movement of the fabric adds a dynamic, graceful element to photos, especially in outdoor settings where a gentle breeze can bring the dress to life.” — Candid Studios
- “a fitted mermaid-style gown in a rich color like burgundy or forest green looks striking in outdoor settings.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “If you want to highlight your bump more boldly, a bodycon or form-fitting maternity dress is a great idea.” — Angel Maternity
Fall colours
Warm, earthy colours: rust or burnt orange, burgundy or deep red, with cream, camel or beige
- “In fall and winter, warmer tones like rust, mustard, camel, cream, burgundy, and forest green feel right” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Fall maternity photos often incorporate warm oranges, deep reds, and golden hues to echo the changing leaves.” — Kelly Tareski
- “Neutral shades and earth tones like beige, burnt orange, deep red, mustard yellow, or brown complement the fall season beautifully.” — Angel Maternity
Barefoot is lovely on the beach and in a field; otherwise flat, neutral sandals
- “Barefoot is always a beautiful option for beach and field shoots.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Most Seagrove Beach maternity sessions are barefoot, which photographs beautifully and feels natural.” — Amanda Eubank
- “For outdoor shoots, try neutral sandals or barefoot sandals for a bohemian touch.” — Kelly Tareski
Cold? A chunky knit cardigan, a long open kimono or a wrap: off the shoulders for some shots, on between them
- “A chunky knit cardigan or a long open kimono is one of my favorite ways to add dimension to a cooler-weather shoot” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “A chunky knit cardigan or warm maternity sweater adds a relaxed, cozy feel.” — Angel Maternity
- “Layering with shawls, wool coats, or tights keeps you comfortable in chilly weather.” — Angel Maternity
- “In contrast, winter sessions might call for cozy knits and elegant coats.” — Kelly Tareski
A second look
Jeans and an open shirt, at the other end of dressy. Start in the casual one and finish in the dressier one
- “Always go with the casual and dressy option.” — Little Bunny Photography
- “plan the second look as the more elevated option.” — Amanda Eubank
- “A flowy dress for the dreamy shots and a more fitted or casual look for a different vibe gives you so much more to choose from when you’re editing.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Most of our clients bring at least three different options” — HRM Photography
The rules behind every plan
Wear what fits your body today, comfortable enough to sit, crouch and walk for an hour; never a pre-pregnancy dress you squeeze into
- “Anything that doesn’t fit right now. Don’t plan to squeeze into a pre-pregnancy dress. Wear what fits your body today.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Choose the size that fits comfortably on the day of the session.” — Kelly Tareski
- “Comfort is Paramount: Regardless of the style, your physical comfort is non-negotiable.” — Candid Studios
- “Be comfortable! Above all else, your comfort is the most important thing.” — Amanda Eubank
Close around the belly, so the bump shows: clingy, not necessarily tight
- “Clothing for your maternity session should be tight fitting around the belly.” — HRM Photography
- “It doesn’t necessarily have to be tight, but you want it to be more form fitting so you can see the bump.” — Amanda Eubank
- “Baggy – avoid anything that hangs off the belly.” — LUU Photography
- “Wear things that are tight around your belly.” — Little Bunny Photography
Solid colours; a print only if it is small
- “Wear solid colours for your bump to stand out the most.” — Little Bunny Photography
- “Subtle patterns can work, but solid colors generally photograph better and keep the focus on your bump.” — Angel Maternity
- “Subtle patterns like small florals or delicate stripes work well, especially when paired with solid-colored pieces.” — Kelly Tareski
- “If you want a print, go small (think tiny florals over large checks).” — Elisabeth McKnight
A belt above the bump, or a dress ruched at the sides, defines it
- “An easy way to make that bump stand out a little more is to add a belt between your breast and belly.” — Little Bunny Photography
- “Belts can really help accentuate your bump.” — Amanda Eubank
- “Dresses with ruching at the sides also help give your bump more definition and are a great option!” — Amanda Eubank
- “Maternity-specific tops often feature ruching along the sides, which accommodates your changing shape and creates flattering lines in photographs.” — Kelly Tareski
Simple, small jewellery; nothing large or shiny
- “Keep accessories minimal; a simple necklace or delicate earrings will enhance the look without creating visual clutter.” — Candid Studios
- “Jewelry should be simple and minimal.” — Amanda Eubank
- “avoid large, clunky, shiny jewelry unless you are making a statement.” — LUU Photography
Seamless, nude underwear and no sharp elastic, so nothing shows or marks the skin
- “wear seamless, nude-colored undergarments to prevent visible lines.” — Candid Studios
- “Avoid sharp-edged elastic that you find in lingerie, some camisoles and sock tops.” — LUU Photography
Before you buy a gown, ask your photographer: many lend them
- “It’s always worth asking before you buy anything.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Please let us know ahead of your session if you would like to select some for us to bring for you!” — HRM Photography
What photographers tell you to skip
Logos, graphics and thick horizontal stripes across the bump
- “Logos and graphics. They date your photos and pull the eye away from you.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “thick horizontal stripes can read as widening in photos” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “avoid anything with horizontal stripes across the bump, large logos, busy patterns, or strong color blocks.” — Amanda Eubank
Busy or bold prints
- “Overly busy prints.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Avoid busy prints that can distract from the focal point” — Angel Maternity
- “Avoid overly bold patterns so the focus stays on your bump and expressions.” — Angel Maternity
Neon and very bright colours
- “Neons and very bold prints pull attention away from your face and bump.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “These colors frequently lie outside the color gamut most digital cameras can capture.” — LUU Photography
Stiff fabrics, and anything new you have not walked in
- “Super stiff fabrics. They don’t move well and can look boxy in photos.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Stiff, structured fabrics often look uncomfortable and can pull awkwardly across the bump.” — Amanda Eubank
- “Avoid stiff new pieces you have not walked in.” — Candid Studios
Loose, baggy clothes: they hide the bump
- “Loose and baggy clothes will hide your belly” — HRM Photography
- “It’s really important to capture the under-belly shape.” — LUU Photography
Clothes far from your own style
- “stay normal – avoid wearing any type of clothing that is way outside your normal wardrobe.” — LUU Photography
- “Mothers who feel at ease in what they are wearing consistently photograph more beautifully than mothers wearing something new and unfamiliar.” — Amanda Eubank
- “Remember to always choose clothing that is true to your style and personality.” — Little Bunny Photography
Where the photographers differ
Black: does it hide the bump?
- “solid black and very dark colors (deep navy, charcoal) can actually hide your bump in photos.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “That said, this isn’t a hard rule.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Colors – I like solid colors: white, black, brown, gray.” — LUU Photography
- “A classic black bodycon midi dress creates stunning, high-contrast images, especially in a studio setting.” — Candid Studios
Bright white, or ivory?
- “True white can wash out in bright outdoor light or look overly clinical in studio shots, though a soft ivory or off-white is stunning.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “A classic white or cream-colored gown creates a pure, angelic vibe ideal for beach or meadow settings.” — Candid Studios
- “Think whites, creams, light pinks, and soft pastels.” — Angel Maternity
Yellow and mustard
- “Colors – avoid yellow, lime green and bright pink.” — LUU Photography
- “In fall and winter, warmer tones like rust, mustard, camel, cream, burgundy, and forest green feel right” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Earth tones such as beige, orange, brown, red, and mustard yellow look gorgeous against fall foliage.” — Angel Maternity
Clingy, or flowy?
- “Look for dresses that cling to your shape, not the loose, comfortable style.” — LUU Photography
- “Loose and baggy clothes will hide your belly” — HRM Photography
- “Your bump reads in photos but the overall look feels softer and more ethereal.” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “You certainly can’t go wrong wearing a maxi dress for your shoot.” — Little Bunny Photography
Do you need maternity clothes?
- “Don’t assume you need to buy something specifically labeled “maternity.”” — Elisabeth McKnight
- “Many of the most flattering maternity images feature simple flowy dresses that the mother already owns and feels comfortable in.” — Amanda Eubank
- “Ensure all pieces are designed for maternity wear to guarantee a proper fit that accommodates and celebrates your bump.” — Candid Studios
A button-down shirt on you?
- “Women should avoid all the men’s traditional necklines like crewnecks, polos and button-downs, as well as the sloppy women’s styles like cowlnecks.” — LUU Photography
- “You can wear it over a tank, or if you want to expose your belly, we can use this shirt to do so, while keeping the rest of your upper body modest.” — Amanda Eubank
- “Casual and real: jeans, a crop top or bralette, and an open button-up is a look many moms love for its authenticity.” — Elisabeth McKnight
Your partner’s trousers: dark or light?
- “Dark Pants, if possible. Jeans, beige or khaki pants are fine.” — Little Bunny Photography
- “Men should bring jeans or khaki pants or any other dark bottoms.” — LUU Photography
- “lightweight chinos in tan or stone” — Amanda Eubank
A print at all?
- “Since the main focus in your maternity shoot is your bump, then don’t let anything take attention away” — Little Bunny Photography
- “I prefer solid colors, but if you adore prints and plaids and they’re part of your identity, bring them!” — LUU Photography
- “If you want a print, go small (think tiny florals over large checks).” — Elisabeth McKnight
Every line is quoted from 9 maternity photographers’ guides, each on at least two of them. Checked 2026-10-17. Ours: the two palettes per season (each colour is named for that season in a quote), which goes first for each place, the second look, the swatches (close to each named colour) and the short line over each quoted list. No dress, brand or size is promised to fit.
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Quick answer: wear one solid colour from the season in something that fits your bump today and sits close around the belly. Outdoors, a flowy maxi or wrap dress; in a studio, a fitted bodycon dress or a floor-length gown; at home, jeans and an open shirt. Your partner and the kids wear neutrals from your palette. Skip logos and busy prints.
How to use it
Pick when the photos are, where (a park, field or garden, the beach, a studio or at home), how much of the bump you want to show, and who is in the photos with you. The planner gives you a dress and a colour, a palette of one colour and one neutral for the season, draws you (and your partner and the kids) in it, and says who wears what. The dot on the looks shows the ones photographers pick for that place; you can choose any. Under every line are the photographers’ own words. Open The rules behind every plan, What photographers tell you to skip and Where the photographers differ for the rest. Every plan has its own link to send to your partner or your photographer.
Maternity photo colours by season
| Season | Palette 1 | Palette 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Blush and cream | Sage and ivory |
| Summer | Dusty blue and sand | Ivory and taupe |
| Fall | Rust and cream | Burgundy and camel |
| Winter | Forest green and cream | Winter white and soft grey |
The pairs are ours, built from the guides we read: each colour is one a photographer names for that season, and each neutral one they pair with it. Elisabeth McKnight: “In spring and summer, lean into lighter, softer colors such as cream, blush, sage, dusty blue, and soft neutrals.” And: “In fall and winter, warmer tones like rust, mustard, camel, cream, burgundy, and forest green feel right”. Which one the planner starts with for each place is ours too, from the place’s own colour line, and you can always take the other.
Which maternity dress for which place
| Where | The looks photographers pick | The colours there |
|---|---|---|
| Park, field or garden | A flowy maxi or wrap dress, or a fitted bodycon dress | Blush, cream and earthy tones: let the greenery be the colour, never compete with it |
| Beach | A flowy maxi or wrap dress, or a floor-length gown | Soft blues, ivory, white and sand: the colours of the water and the sand |
| Studio | A fitted bodycon dress, or a floor-length gown | More freedom: richer, bolder colours and jewel tones stand out on a plain backdrop |
| At home | Jeans and an open shirt | Soft neutrals and solids keep a home session light and airy |
A flowy dress moves in the wind outdoors: “The movement of the fabric adds a dynamic, graceful element to photos, especially in outdoor settings where a gentle breeze can bring the dress to life.” A studio is where the bump can be the star: “Studio shoots are where fitted looks really shine”. At home, “This is the setting where jeans, a simple bralette, and an open linen button-up looks perfect.”
Examples
- Fall, in a park, just you: a flowy maxi or wrap dress in rust, with cream, and a chunky knit cardigan or a long open kimono if it is cold. Barefoot in the field, or flat, neutral sandals.
- Summer, on the beach, with your partner: a flowy maxi in dusty blue; your partner in a linen shirt in sand with chinos. Light, breathable cotton, chiffon or linen in the heat.
- Winter, in a studio, a fitted dress: a bodycon dress in forest green with cream; a black or deep jewel tone works too there, if you tell your photographer.
- Spring, at home, everyone: jeans, a fitted tank and an open shirt in blush; your partner in denim and a plain cream crew neck, the kids in a lighter or darker cream with a touch of blush.
What to wear for maternity photos: the dress that shows the bump
Whatever you choose, it fits you today and is close around the belly. LUU Photography: “Baggy – avoid anything that hangs off the belly.” Amanda Eubank: “It doesn’t necessarily have to be tight”, but form fitting, so the bump shows. Then pick how much of it to show:
- Hint at the bump: A flowy maxi, wrap or tiered dress in chiffon, lace, linen or soft jersey: it drapes over the bump and moves in the breeze.
- Show it all: A bodycon or fitted jersey dress in a thick, opaque ribbed or jersey knit, or a fitted top with trousers: the bump is the star.
- A dressy gown: A floor-length gown in chiffon, mesh, lace or tulle, often off the shoulder; ask your photographer first, many lend gowns.
- Casual and real: Jeans (maternity, or your own unbuttoned), a fitted tank or bralette and an open button-up or linen shirt over the bump.
A belt above the bump, or a dress ruched at the sides, gives it more shape: “Belts can really help accentuate your bump.” Before you buy a gown, ask: many photographers lend them. HRM Photography: “We have a large selection of beautiful maternity gowns in different colours, styles and sizes available for our clients to borrow for their session.”
What your partner and the kids wear
Pick your outfit first: “pick your outfit first and build everyone else’s around yours.” Everyone else wears neutrals from your palette, chosen to go with yours and never the same colour as you. Your partner: a button-down or linen shirt with chinos or trousers next to a dress, or denim and a plain crew neck, a henley or a button-up next to your jeans. Blue Bean Photography: “Think soft greys, warm browns, dark navy, and classic blacks.” The kids: neutrals a shade lighter or darker than whoever stands next to them, one small piece in your colour, and a knit or denim for texture: “make sure no one is wearing the same shade as the person standing right next to them.”
What not to wear for maternity photos
- Logos, graphics and thick horizontal stripes across the bump.
- Busy or bold prints.
- Neon and very bright colours.
- Stiff fabrics, and anything new you have not walked in.
- Loose, baggy clothes: they hide the bump.
- Clothes far from your own style.
- A pre-pregnancy dress you have to squeeze into: “Don’t plan to squeeze into a pre-pregnancy dress.”
Where the photographers differ
- Black: Elisabeth McKnight says solid black and very dark colours can hide your bump, and “That said, this isn’t a hard rule.” LUU Photography likes black among its solid colours, and Candid Studios shows a black bodycon dress in a studio.
- Bright white or ivory: Elisabeth McKnight says true white can wash out in bright light, where a soft ivory works; Candid Studios and Angel Maternity pick white or cream for the beach.
- Yellow and mustard: LUU Photography says avoid yellow; Elisabeth McKnight and Angel Maternity name mustard among the fall colours.
- Clingy or flowy: LUU Photography and HRM Photography want a dress that clings, never a loose one; Elisabeth McKnight and Little Bunny Photography say a flowy maxi still shows the bump.
- Maternity clothes: Elisabeth McKnight says you do not need anything labelled maternity, and Amanda Eubank that many of the best images are of a dress the mother already owns; Candid Studios says every piece should be made for maternity wear.
- Your partner’s trousers: Little Bunny Photography and LUU Photography ask for dark trousers or jeans; Amanda Eubank suggests light chinos in tan or stone.
- A print at all: Little Bunny Photography says solids, so the bump stands out; LUU Photography says bring the prints you love; Elisabeth McKnight says keep a print small.
Outfit ideas
For the clothes, see NeedleStyle’s summer maxi dresses, spring outfits, fall outfits and light blue jeans outfits for the casual look. The Family Photo Outfit Planner dresses the whole family once the baby is here, the Engagement Photo Outfit Planner does it for two, the Which Bra for This Dress? finder picks the bra for a fitted or off-shoulder dress, and the Outfit Color Matcher checks which colours go together. Your baby shower comes next? What to Wear to Your Own Baby Shower picks the dress and its colour for the theme.
The pages we read
Elisabeth McKnight: What to Wear for Maternity Photos: Outfit Ideas, Tips, and Where to Shop; Candid Studios: What To Wear For Maternity Photos: Outfit Ideas; Candid Studios: Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas For Beautiful Pregnancy Photos; Little Bunny Photography: Guide, Maternity portrait session London; Blue Bean Photography: What should dads-to-be wear to a maternity photo session?; Amanda Eubank Photography: What to Wear Tips, Watercolor Maternity Photographer; Amanda Eubank Photography: What should you wear for a Seagrove Beach maternity session?; LUU Photography: Maternity shoot prep; HRM Photography: Maternity FAQ; Kelly Tareski Photography: Wardrobe Essentials for Stunning Maternity Photos; Angel Maternity: What to Wear for Christmas Photos When Pregnant; Angel Maternity: What to Wear for Fall Maternity Photos; and Angel Maternity: What To Wear for Beach Maternity Photos. Every quote was checked against its page on 17 October 2026. Your photographer knows the place and the light: send them the plan.
FAQ
What should you wear for maternity photos?
Something that fits your body today, is comfortable for an hour and sits close around the belly, in one solid colour that suits the season. A flowy maxi or wrap dress outdoors, a fitted bodycon dress or a gown in a studio, jeans and an open shirt at home.
What colours are best for maternity photos?
Light, soft colours in spring and summer, such as blush, sage, dusty blue or ivory with cream or sand; warm, earthy ones in fall, such as rust or burgundy with cream or camel; forest green or winter white with cream or grey in winter. Solid colours keep the eye on the bump.
What kind of dress is best for a maternity shoot?
One that shows the bump: a flowy maxi or wrap dress hints at it, a fitted bodycon or jersey dress shows it all, a floor-length gown is the dressy choice. Ask your photographer before you buy a gown: many lend them.
What should you not wear for maternity photos?
Logos and graphics, thick horizontal stripes across the bump, busy or bold prints, neon, stiff fabrics, loose and baggy clothes that hide the bump, and anything new you have not walked in.
What should my partner wear for maternity photos?
Neutrals from your palette that go with your outfit, never the same colour: a button-down or linen shirt with chinos or trousers next to a dress, or denim and a plain crew neck or henley next to jeans. No bright colours, bold patterns or logos.
Should you bring two outfits to a maternity shoot?
Photographers suggest one casual look and one dressier one. Start in the casual one and finish in the dressier one, such as jeans and an open shirt, then a flowy dress or a gown.
Can you wear black for maternity photos?
Photographers differ. Some say black and very dark colours can hide the bump; others like black, and a black or deep jewel-tone dress can look striking in a studio when you choose it on purpose. Tell your photographer, so they light for it.