One of the most commonly asked questions I get when it comes to a newborn photoshoot is what I should wear.
And I know that it’s not always easy to find an answer without feeling overwhelmed with the suggestions that show up – or not being able to find an answer at all.
As a Newborn, Maternity, and Family Photographer, I’ve learned through the years what works best when it comes to how to style yourself for a newborn photoshoot. That’s why I’m sharing with you my best tips on what to wear for a newborn photoshoot so that you can prep beforehand – since you are likely running on 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep after all.
What to Wear for a Newborn Photoshoot
Let’s dive into my top tips for how you can get ready for your newborn photoshoot and decide what you’re going to wear.
Tip 1 – Don’t stress too much about outfits
First, please, please, please, don’t stress too much about outfits (or really anything related to preparing)!
I know that you have your hands full right now – this is not something I want you to worry about.
I provide lots of details and guidance about the styling in my Newborn Session Prep and Style Guide that you will receive after booking with me. Learn more about the Style Guide I use here.
But I always tell families to take the tidbits that serve them and leave the rest if it feels like too much while you are keeping a brand new human alive.
Picking out what to wear for a newborn session can be especially challenging for Mom because you can’t be 100% sure what will fit well/be flattering post-partum until you’ve actually hit that stage and your session is days away.
I’ve had lots of experience photographing mothers and finding perspectives, angles, and poses that are both beautiful and flattering.
I know that post-partum can definitely hit your self-esteem but these styling tips in combination with my knowledge will ensure photos that mom feels beautiful and confident which is one of my top goals.
I always tell moms not to lock themselves into a particular outfit while still pregnant – just think about it and have some ideas/options picked out that you can evaluate once the baby is here. Often an outfit that you felt great in 1st trimester is a good option.
Tip 2 – Let Mom pick her outfit first
Mom should find something she feels confident and amazing in. The rest of the family is much easier and can pick out coordinating colors to keep it simple and this can be thrown together at the last minute.
When it comes to choosing what to wear muted colors, pastels, and neutral colors are all great choices that photograph beautifully indoors and also compliment a variety of home decor styles, while also being easy to coordinate between family members.
Bright colors like reds, oranges, and yellows can draw the eye too much/create a distraction and often create a color cast on the skin (an unflattering red/orange hue that isn’t natural).
Baby needs no thought at all! For a newborn simplicity and comfort are the goal – what you’ll want is something simple, soft, and comfortable.
If you’re working with me I’ll bring a large selection of neutral/solid swaddles and we’ll be getting lots of diaper shots to capture all those rolls and little details.
Feel free to have an outfit you want your baby to be photographed in laid out as well.
Please make sure it fits your baby well though….better not to try and make that adorable newborn-size outfit work when your baby arrived to this world in premie sizing.
The bunching that can occur (especially over the chin and lower face) can result in less-than-flattering photos.
The same goes with writing on a newborn (or sibling’s outfit!). I know those Big Brother / Little Brother t’s/onesies are incredibly cute, but the reality with active/wiggling kids is that the text often ends up obscured/bunched/only partially visible.
I’m ALWAYS happy to photograph baby in any outfit that is meaningful to you (even if it’s not quite what I normally suggest), just keep the caveats in mind so you can be realistic about the likely results.
Don’t have a particular outfit in mind? Absolutely no problem. The swaddles I’ll bring and the diaper shots will be more than enough! Even a few shots in a simple coordinating onesie can add some variety to your gallery while keeping life stress-free for you. Keep it simple!
Tip 3 – Outfits that look great for Mom
There are some outfits that are universally flattering and forgiving which include a wrap or a v-neck maxi dress – especially if they tie for a customized fit. Another plus is that these outfits also make for easy access if you’ll be breastfeeding at your session and also create beautiful nursing photos.
Some other outfit choices that will look great for your session include a flowy dress or a flowy top with high-waist leggings/jeans. The goal here is to flow at the belly to avoid highlighting this area but fitted enough everywhere else to provide shape and a silhouette.
You’ll also want to avoid anything oversized as you may end up looking larger than you are and also avoid very form-fitting/tight cuts and clingy fabrics and avoid anything on either extreme of the fit continuum. Oversized clothing can make you look larger than you actually are – no thank you, am I right?! Likewise, avoid very form-fitting/tight cuts and clingy fabrics, as no one wants to draw attention to the lumps and bumps they will create.
Small patterns or textures like lace can be fabulous for camouflaging areas you might want to conceal. Fabrics like linen are not only beautiful and provide subtle texture, but often provide a great drape without the clingyness other fabrics have.
Bonus tip – make sure to check for panty/bra lines. You’ll also want to opt in for a thong or even ditch undergarments completely to ensure no unflattering lines/bulges are showing. Opt for a thong or even ditch the undergarments completely to create a smooth silhouette.
Tip 4 – Take a selfie in front of a full-length mirror
With the different outfits that you try on, be sure to take a few selfies with the different
pieces you’ve selected. Take a few selfies holding your phone at chest level with any final outfit choices – front, back, AND side! This will allow you to see any areas where fabric isn’t draping in a flattering way or is clinging and creating bulges or undergarment lines. It will give you an overall view of proportions and colors working together. Basically – that selfie will allow you to see immediately if the outfit works or not. The mirror can lie, but the selfie usually doesn’t.
Final Thoughts on What to Wear for Your Newborn Photoshoot
I hope that after reading this you feel like you can breathe a small sigh of relief as you get ready for your newborn photoshoot now that you have a better idea of what you can wear.
However, remember that the reality of doing a newborn photoshoot is that it might be a bit crazy or hectic – but it’s so worth it. Newborns are unpredictable and you and your partner are probably running on fumes – feeling like you’ve lost control of your life, but that’s all okay! I am expecting this, and you will still be able to have beautiful photos.
If you’re looking for a Newborn Photographer who is going to capture you and your growing family in an intimate and meaningful way you can see my work here or get in touch with me here.
