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WHAT TO WEAR FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS: 8 OUTFIT IDEAS (NYC STUDIO + AT-HOME GUIDE)

  • Writer: Alice Prenat
    Alice Prenat
  • Jan 12
  • 6 min read

Updated: 6 days ago



Timeless nude pregnancy portrait celebrating motherhood during a NYC studio maternity photoshoot.


Choosing what to wear for maternity photos can feel overwhelming, but the goal is actually quite simple: wear something that highlights your baby bump and makes you feel beautiful.


For most maternity portraits, fitted clothing, dresses, or simple outfits that show the shape of your belly photograph beautifully and create timeless images.


For expecting mothers in New York City, maternity photos are often taken either in a professional studio or at home, so wardrobe choices should work well with interior lighting, textures, and simple backgrounds.



Here are some visual examples & guidelines on different types of outfits for maternity portraits.






INTERACTIVE TABLE OF CONTENT












KEY TAKEAWAYS


✔️ Wear outfits that highlight your baby bump, not hide it.

✔️ Fitted dresses, bodysuits, or simple tops often photograph beautifully.

✔️ Avoid busy patterns and large logos that distract from your silhouette.

✔️ Neutral tones and classic fabrics help create timeless maternity portraits.

✔️ Studio maternity sessions in NYC allow outfits to look elegant and editorial thanks to controlled lighting.







1 - SHOWING YOUR BABY BUMP IN MATERNITY PHOTOS


One of the most important goals of maternity photography is celebrating your pregnancy and the beautiful shape of your body during this moment in life.


For that reason, clothing that clearly shows the belly usually works best.


Avoid overly loose clothing that hides your shape. Instead, choose pieces that allow your silhouette to remain visible while still feeling comfortable.


Usually high-end maternity photographers do provide maternity dresses, fabrics, and other garments directly on-site in their photography studio. It’s the easiest option to avoid having to hunt for maternity outfits that you might never wear again.


Ask the photographer you are booking if they also provide pregnancy wardrobe access for your at their nyc studio and if they have different styles.







2 - TIGHT TOPS, DRESSES OR BODYSUITS

If you want elegant maternity photos full of simplicity, a tight top, dress, or bodysuit is often a great choice.


During maternity portrait sessions, photographers frequently encourage mothers to embrace their belly rather than hide it. Fitted clothing highlights the natural curves of pregnancy and creates a strong visual focus.


So go all the way and enjoy the feeling, show your feminine curves and shapes with a body hugging outfit.







3 - JEANS AND SIMPLE OUTFITS FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS


Another timeless look is wearing regular jeans paired with a simple top.


Maternity Studio Tip

Interestingly, maternity jeans rarely photograph as well as regular jeans because the elastic panel can create visible lines around the belly.


Instead, many photographers recommend wearing your pre-pregnancy jeans unbuttoned, allowing them to sit comfortably below your bump.


Popular combinations include:

  • jeans with a crop top

  • jeans with an open white shirt

  • jeans with a simple fitted tank


These looks feel casual, authentic, and often create beautiful lifestyle maternity portraits.











4 - OVERSIZED BUTTON SHIRT OR JUMPER


For pregnancy photos more on the casual side, another beautiful option are oversize jumpers and tops. It's also very comfortable & feminine to wear.


You can even borrow one of your husband's shirts and it will make that maternity photo even more intimate and meaningful for the 2 of you.









5 - SILK FABRIC AND MATERNITY WRAP

An experienced maternity photographer often keeps a curated collection of silk fabrics, maternity wraps, and flowing textiles in the studio to elevate the portrait experience.


There is no need to bring fabrics yourself — many of these pieces are already available and selected to photograph beautifully.


From soft silks to luminous textures and timeless neutral tones, these materials interact elegantly with studio lighting to create movement, softness, and portraits that feel both refined and deeply feminine.








6 - ROBE OR LINGERIE PIECE

There is nothing more beautiful than a woman comfortable in her own skin.

Despite what you might think, a maternity photoshoot can definitely be the occasion to unveil yourself safely & elegantly.



So feel free to bring any lingerie piece, robe or nightingale to wear on your pregnancy photos.











7 - WEAR NOTHING: ELEGANT NUDE MATERNITY PHOTOS

If you feel comfortable, maternity is an amazing moment to be captured in the most elegant nude. Let yourself guided safely by your photographer and you will be stunned by the results.








8 - ELEGANT MATERNITY DRESSES

For a more classic maternity portrait look, dresses remain one of the most popular outfit choices.

Long dresses in soft fabrics can create elegant shapes and movement in photographs.


When choosing a dress for maternity photos, look for:

• a fitted bodice

• an empire waistline under the bust

• soft flowing fabric



Good to know:

If you get photographed at the NYC maternity portrait studio Portrait Madame, you are given access to a full maternity wardrobe at the studio where there is a whole collection of dresses available.


This combination highlights the baby bump while keeping the silhouette graceful and flattering.








9 - A SUIT: WHEN AMBITION MEETS MOTHERHOOD

Some of my clients really want to also show the ambitious working Madame facet of their personality to feel super empowered. YES for that !!


Being a mother doesn’t have to suppress who you are as a woman.


If you have a specific aspect of your personality or life that you want on those pictures, never hold back and bring specific pieces or accessories.








10 - WHAT WORKS BEST FOR NYC STUDIO MATERNITY PHOTOS


Many maternity portraits in New York City are taken in a studio environment where lighting and backgrounds are carefully controlled.


In studio maternity photography, outfits that usually work best include:

  • neutral colored dresses

  • fitted black outfits

  • soft textures like knit or silk chiffon

  • minimal patterns


Studio lighting helps emphasize textures, shapes, and silhouettes for a timeless maternity portrait style.


Portrait Madame specializes in studio maternity portraits and at-home maternity photography in NYC, where wardrobe and styling are discussed together before the session and a full access to a maternity wardrobe is included at the studio.







11 - WHAT SHOULD YOUR PARTNER WEAR ON MATERNITY PHOTOS?

If your partner will join your maternity photoshoot, their clothing should complement your outfit without overpowering it.


Simple combinations usually work best.


Examples include:

• neutral shirts

• soft sweaters

• simple button-down shirts

• dark jeans or tailored pants


The goal is to create a cohesive look while keeping the focus on you, the expecting mother.









FAQ



What should I wear for maternity photos?

Fitted clothing that highlights your baby bump usually photographs best. Dresses, bodysuits, fitted tops, or simple outfits like jeans and a shirt are popular options.


Should maternity clothes be tight or loose?

Clothing that is slightly fitted tends to photograph best because it clearly shows the shape of your belly.


Can I wear jeans for maternity photos?

Yes. Many photographers recommend wearing regular pre-pregnancy jeans unbuttoned rather than maternity jeans, which often create visible fabric panels.


What colors work best for maternity photos?

Solid colors and neutrals usually work best because they keep the focus on your face and baby bump rather than distracting patterns. Check also the complete guide on what are the best colors to wear on maternity photos.


What should my partner wear for maternity photos?

Your partner should choose simple, neutral clothing that complements your outfit rather than matching it exactly.









ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ALICE PRENAT, TOP MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC



Portrait of maternity photographer Alice Prenat, founder of Portrait Madame maternity photography studio in New York City


Alice Prenat is the sought-after NYC photographer you want to get photographed by: the excellence of her craft mixed with her big warm personality & french accent gets her to create the type of portraits of yourself or executive headshots that you most probably haven't seen before.


You won't walk out of a portrait session with her feeling the same way than you came in:

she curates a safe & very empowering portrait experience

that will truly impact the way you feel about yourself. 





You want experience a Maternity photoshoot with Alice?

















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