You’ve scheduled your portrait session and suddenly you begin to wonder what outfits you should wear. Outfits can make or break a portrait session and shouldn’t go overlooked. After all, you want to look your absolute best! For this reason, I decided to create a series titled, “What to Wear,” in which I will give you ideas with regards to your outfits for each type of portrait session - Engagement, Family, Maternity and Lifestyle Newborn.
Maternity Portrait Sessions
Most clients choose to purchase their maternity outfits from Amazon (great variety) or borrow one of the dresses I have available for client use from our Client Closet. Whichever outfit you choose, there are some things to consider to help you look your very best.
flattering silhouette
The number one thing to look for when planning what to wear for your maternity session is an outfit that is flattering for your silhouette. You want to look pregnant with a cute, round belly. Some characteristics to look for are:
a dress/top that shows off your cute tummy - either tight at the top to just above the belly OR tight at the top and tight over your belly
a dress/bottoms that are full length
color
You want to have portraits that show off your beautiful baby bump so make sure to choose a color that you love and are comfortable wearing. You want to feel gorgeous and confident! Another consideration should be the gender of your child. Most clients go one step further and take the baby’s gender into consideration when choosing a color to wear to their maternity session.
Patterns and texture
Solid colors are timeless. Many maternity dresses include texture with the solid color, such as lace or crepe fabrics. But patterns can be an amazing choice as well. With that being said, patterns can by a tad tricky. You need a nice, medium sized pattern that isn’t too busy. If you choose something too small, it can give the appearance of being too busy and is a distraction to the viewer. If you choose something too large, it is not flattering.
dress for the season
Consider the season when choosing your maternity outfit. If it is hot outside, choose a breathable fabric. If it’s cold outside, look for long sleeves and add a cardigan to your look. You can wear it off your shoulders for your portrait and then wrap it around you to warm up.
avoid matching your family
The key here is coordinate, not match. If you are wearing the same colors, you will blend together. It can seem logical to have everyone wear the same color shirt, but it really does make everyone blend together for those portraits when everyone is close to one another. There are so many great ideas on Pinterest about coordinating outfits for photo sessions.
bring an extra outfit
An extra outfit is great to give your gallery some variety. While a nice maternity dress is great for those more posed, formal images, an outfit that is more casual that truly defines your style is great for capturing you in a more natural state.
client closet
We have several dresses to choose from within our Client Closet. If you don’t see what you’re looking for there, feel free to let me know what you are looking for. Sometimes I will buy the dress from you so I can add it to my collection.
The use of one dress is included in our “Just the Bump” maternity session. All dresses are cleaned after each use.
“No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you’re the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside.”