Celebrating Your Journey to Motherhood: What to Wear for a Dreamy Maternity Photoshoot

You are about to embark on the greatest adventure into motherhood, and it’s time to celebrate YOU with a dreamy maternity session. As a family photographer in the Metro Detroit Area with a love for fashion and style choice, I'm here to help with my recommendations for what to wear for your maternity photoshoot. I believe that wardrobe can enhance or distract from the beauty of our photos. Since you are investing in professional photography, you’ll want to give extra attention to what you are going to wear. I want you to cherish these photos for a lifetime!

Color Choices

My first recommendation for maternity photos is to wear your favorite color that makes you feel most beautiful! For outdoor photos, I lean towards more solid-colored dresses or subtle patterns. Depending on the season, I love muted pastel or earthy tones in Spring and Summer and more jewel-toned shades in Fall and Winter to pair with the outdoor environment. For timeless photos, stick to neutrals or black and white. Avoid overly bright clothing that can cast color on skin tones or too much pattern, as it can look busy with all the greenery and foliage around you. My advice is to stick to solids or clothing with texture.

Coordinating with Others

Once you decide on your outfit, you can build the rest of the details. Think about what your significant other is going to wear to complement you, any props you want to add (like hats or baby items), as well as shoes and jewelry choices. If your dress has some pattern to it, it’s best for everyone else to wear solid and neutral clothing because this photoshoot is all about you and the amazing miracle you are carrying for nine months! The road to motherhood is challenging and transformational. Let’s celebrate you and make you the focal point the entire time!

My Favorite Places to Shop for Maternity Dresses

1. Baltic Born: https://balticborn.com

2. Pink Blush Maternity: https://www.pinkblushmaternity.com

3. Lulus: https://www.lulus.com

4. Petal and Pup: https://petalandpup.com

5. Altar’D State: https://www.altardstate.com

6. Amazon: You would be surprised what you can find on Amazon in the maxi dress department! Check labels for fabric (see below for more details).
   

If you want to splurge on a dress:

7. Etsy (We Are Reclamation): We Are Reclamation - They sell earthy, boho dresses that I absolutely love! They all look one-of-a-kind and so dreamy!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Dress

Tip 1: You can wear a dress even if it’s not labeled as maternity, as long as it has a high waistband. Look for dresses that are not banded around the waist and have some give to the fabric.

Tip 2: Read labels and identify fabrics while shopping for clothing.

Fabric Choice: My favorite fabrics to wear in dress form include satin, tulle, silk, lace, chiffon, taffeta, and polyester blends, as well as velvet in the Fall and Winter. Most of the time, I avoid 100% cotton or linen material because it doesn’t lay right in dress form, and I’ve also never had luck with viscose rayon fabric. A lot of cheaper clothing is made with it, and it has never held up well in washing, steaming, and I've found it uncomfortable to wear.

As you prepare for your maternity photoshoot, remember that this is a time to celebrate you and your journey into motherhood. Choose outfits that make you feel beautiful and confident, and enjoy the process of capturing these precious moments. Happy shopping and I cannot wait to capture your beautiful journey into motherhood!