Comment to dress well for successful maternity photos (with what you already have)

Pregnancy photos are much more than a keepsake: they are a tribute to this incredible journey you are experiencing. And good news: you don’t need a brand-new wardrobe or a studio session to feel beautiful and capture this unique moment. With what you already have in your closet, you can create a soft, natural atmosphere and above all highlight your body as it is today. 

Because every pregnancy is different, every body deserves to be celebrated – with its shapes, its small or large belly, its stretch marks that tell a story. Here are all our practical tips to dress and shine in front of the camera.

Choose soft and natural colors

Soft neutral and autumnal tones are your best allies: beige, cream, rust, terracotta, light khaki, taupe, pearl gray, etc. Why? Because they enhance shapes without stealing the spotlight from your belly. These colors go well with all settings: nature, cozy interiors, or an improvised home studio.

Say yes to solid clothes, no to logos and patterns

Clothes with busy patterns, logos, or texts catch the eye… and distract attention from the essential: you and your belly. Prefer solid pieces, which bring softness, elegance, and timelessness to your shots. Bonus: you can easily find them among your everyday basics.

Forget maternity clothes

As comfortable as they are, maternity clothes are not always the most flattering in photos. Instead? Wear your favorite jeans and leave them unbuttoned or open — it’s a super photogenic classic. It subtly reveals the belly and adds a natural and stylish touch.

Oversized or fitted? Both work!

Two approaches, two vibes:

• Oversized: a white shirt, a chunky knit cardigan, a loose sweater… create a soft and cozy atmosphere while emphasizing the belly. You can let it fall off the shoulders for a sensual but natural effect.

• Stretch and fitted: knit sweater dress, bodysuit, ribbed top… it hugs the shapes, slims the arms, and beautifully highlights the belly. All without overdoing it.

Tip: if you don’t have a bodysuit or stretch dress, a fitted top or a slightly long t-shirt works just as well.

Comfort above all

If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in the photos. Choose soft fabrics you can move in, sit down, or even lie down in. Avoid itchy materials, tight seams, or outfits where you have to suck in your belly (spoiler: you don’t have to suck in at all!).

Underwear in which you feel yourself

You don’t need super sophisticated lingerie. What matters: that you feel beautiful and comfortable. Underwear can be THE outfit.

A pretty cotton bralette or a great top, a light lace set, to reveal a little more skin without vulgarity.

You can also accessorize with an open shirt, a light kimono, or a cotton gauze scarf. 

A few well-chosen accessories

A few simple elements can really make a difference:

A hat, a dried flower, or a symbolic piece of jewelry like your pregnancy bola or afamily ring… These little details add texture and personality to your photos. No need to buy: dig through your closet or borrow from your circle!

And what about the partner?

If your other half is joining the session, coordinate your outfits! No need to match exactly, but stay within the same palette (neutrals or warm tones).

Example:
You in cream and beige → them in natural linen, soft khaki, or light gray, even with jeans.

T-shirts with text or logos are forbidden. The idea is to keep the focus on the belly and emotion, without creating a “Christmas photo” effect. 

A practical reminder

This guide helps you put together your outfit, but a beautiful photo also depends on organization: lighting, the right moment, the atmosphere.
You can find all our tips to organize your home session step by step here:
Organizing your home pregnancy photo session: the step-by-step guide

And after? Bring your memories to life for real

Once the photos are taken, don’t let them sleep on your phone! Turn them into magnets to stick on your fridge or give to your family. It’s a simple and emotional way to keep a little piece of this magical time in sight every day.

So, ready to create beautiful memories with what you already have on hand?