What to Wear to Your Maternity Photoshoot: A Complete Guide From a Cincinnati Maternity Photographer

If you just booked your maternity session and immediately thought "okay but what do I WEAR," first of all, same. Every single one of my clients asks this question. You are not alone and you are not overthinking it.

Second of all, take a breath. Because I'm about to walk you through everything you need to know about what to wear to your maternity photoshoot so you can stop spiraling and start getting excited.

I'm Jess, a Cincinnati maternity photographer, and I've been doing this for over 10 years. I've seen every outfit, every style, every "I have no idea what I'm doing" face. And I'm going to tell you right now: there is no wrong answer. But there ARE some things that photograph better than others, and I'm about to share all of it.

The Golden Rule: Wear What Makes You Feel Like YOU

Before I get into specific outfit ideas, I need to say this. The best thing you can wear to your maternity session is whatever makes you feel the most confident and the most like yourself. Not what some Pinterest board told you to wear. Not what your friend wore in her maternity photos. Not what you think you're "supposed" to wear.

If you're the type of person who lives in leather jackets and combat boots, don't show up in a flowy white dress just because that's what you saw online. You'll feel weird, you'll look uncomfortable, and the photos won't feel like you.

If you're the type of person who loves soft, romantic, flowy things, don't force yourself into something edgy just because you saw my blog post about. Wear what lights you up.

The whole point is to capture who YOU are during this incredible time in your life. So start there.

Outfit Ideas That Look Amazing in Photos

Now let me give you some actual ideas to work with. These are styles that I shoot regularly and they all photograph beautifully.

Flowing Gowns and Dresses

This is the classic maternity photoshoot look and it works for a reason. A long, flowing gown creates movement and drama in photos. The fabric catches the light, it moves when you move, and it makes every shot look like a painting. Solid colors tend to photograph best. Think deep jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, navy, plum), neutrals (cream, white, tan), or bold colors (red, hot pink, black).

If you don't own a maternity gown, don't buy one. I have gowns and dresses in my studio wardrobe that you can use at no extra charge. Seriously. Save your money for diapers.

Bodycon and Fitted Dresses

If you want to really show off that bump, a fitted dress that hugs your body is the way to go. These photographs beautifully because there's no fabric hiding anything. Your bump is the star and the dress just frames it. Ribbed fabrics, stretchy knits, and jersey material all work great. Again, solid colors are your friend.

Lingerie and Sheer Fabrics

This is for the mamas who want something intimate and bold. Bralettes, lace bodysuits, sheer robes, anything that has that boudoir energy but celebrates your bump. These shots tend to be more artistic and editorial, and they're honestly some of the most stunning maternity photos I take. You don't have to be "brave" to do this. You just have to be open to seeing yourself the way I see you.

Jeans and a Bra or Crop Top

The casual cool look. Unbutton your jeans (because let's be real, they're probably already unbuttoned), throw on a cute bralette or crop top, and let that bump breathe. This look is effortless and real and it photographs SO well because it feels genuine. If you want something that looks like a cooler version of your everyday life, this is it.

Leather Jacket or Edgy Pieces

For my baddies. A leather jacket over a bralette. Combat boots with a flowing dress. Chains. Dark colors. Whatever makes you feel like you could headline a rock concert while eight months pregnant. If you've read my Edgy maternity Blog post and that's your vibe, lean into it. Hard.

Your Partner's Button-Down or Oversized Shirt

This one is simple and it works every time. An oversized button-down (usually your partner's) left open or half-buttoned over a bra or nothing underneath. It's intimate without being too much, it's comfortable, and there's something about wearing someone else's shirt that just hits different emotionally. Bonus points if it's actually their shirt and not one you bought for the photoshoot. The authenticity shows.

Draped Fabric and Artistic Nudity

Some of my most powerful maternity images involve no clothing at all. Just beautifully draped fabric, creative posing, and intentional lighting. Nothing is "shown" that you don't want shown. Everything is tasteful and artistic. This is for the mama who wants something that feels like fine art. And before you say "I could never," most of the women who do this said the exact same thing before their session. You'd be surprised what you're comfortable with when the environment is safe and the person behind the camera makes you feel protected.

This is always 100% your choice and there is zero pressure either way. Some women love it. Some women aren't into it. Both are completely valid.

Colors: What Works and What Doesn't

Colors that photograph beautifully: Deep jewel tones like emerald green, burgundy, sapphire blue, plum, and mustard. Neutrals like cream, white, beige, and tan. Bold solid colors like red, hot pink, and black. Earth tones like olive, rust, and terracotta.

Colors to maybe avoid: Neon anything (it reflects color onto your skin in weird ways). Busy patterns or small prints (they can look chaotic in photos and distract from you and your bump). Logos or graphic tees (unless that's genuinely your vibe and we're going for something casual and fun on purpose).

When in doubt: go solid. A solid color in a rich tone is almost always going to look stunning.

How Many Outfits Should I Bring?

Your session is 90 minutes so you have plenty of time for multiple looks. I usually recommend bringing 2-3 outfits so we have variety. Here's a good formula:

Look 1: Something dressy or dramatic (a gown, a fitted dress, something that feels "wow")

Look 2: Something more casual or intimate (jeans and a bra, your partner's shirt, a bodysuit)

Look 3: Something that's just purely YOU (whatever you feel the most like yourself in, whatever that means for you)

You can always bring more than 3 and we'll decide together what works best once you're here. And remember, you have access to my studio wardrobe too, so you can mix and match on the spot.

Don't Forget These Details

Nails: If you're a nails person, get them done before your session. Hands show up in maternity photos A LOT (cradling the bump, resting on your belly, etc.). They don't need to be fancy but a fresh set looks great.

Hair: Come with your hair done how you want it to look in your photos. Or add on professional hair and makeup for $150 and show up with a bare face and I'll handle the booking for you.

Jewelry: Less is usually more. Simple, delicate jewelry photographs beautifully. Big chunky statement pieces can sometimes distract, unless that's your style and we're going for it intentionally.

Shoes: Heels elongate your legs in photos and look amazing. But if you're eight months pregnant and heels sound like actual torture, bring them and slip them on just for the photos. You can be barefoot the rest of the time. Or skip them entirely. Barefoot photos are gorgeous too.

Underwear: Wear seamless, nude-colored underwear if you're wearing fitted clothing. Lines show through and they're a pain to edit out. If you're doing a lingerie or boudoir-inspired look, whatever you're wearing IS the outfit so this doesn't apply.

I Have Wardrobe For You

I cannot stress this enough. I have a studio full of gowns, dresses, robes, and other wardrobe options that you can use during your session at no extra charge. A lot of it is on the fancier side, flowy gowns, lace pieces, dramatic fabrics. So if you don't want to spend money on a maternity dress you'll wear once, just use mine.

During your consultation we'll talk through what I have and what might work for your vision. You can also bring your own stuff and mix it with mine. There are no rules. Just options.

When to Book (and When to Start Planning Your Outfits)

The best time to do maternity photos is between 28-34 weeks. Your bump is beautifully visible and you're still comfortable enough to move around and have fun. I'd recommend booking your session at least 2-3 weeks before your ideal date so we have time to plan.

Start thinking about outfits once you've booked. We'll go over everything during your consultation and I'll help you narrow it down. If you're stressing about it between now and then, send me photos of what you're considering and I'll give you honest feedback. That's what I'm here for.

Stop Stressing. Seriously.

I know this feels like a big decision but I promise you, once you're in my studio with the music going and everything set up, you're not going to be thinking about what you're wearing. You're going to be thinking about how incredible you feel and how much fun you're having.

I direct you the whole time. I tell you where to put your hands, where to look, how to move. You don't need to know how to pose. You just show up looking like the beautiful mama you are, and I make the magic happen.

The outfit is just the starting point. The real magic is you.

Ready to Plan Your Maternity Session?

Maternity sessions are $350 and include 90 minutes of session time, a full gallery of professionally edited images, studio wardrobe access, a custom playlist made just for you, your favorite snacks, and a printed keepsake to take home. Payment plans are available.

I'm Jess at Say Yes to Jess in Cincinnati, Ohio. I would love to help you figure out your outfits, plan your session, and create something you're going to be absolutely obsessed with.

DM me on Instagram @sayyestojess or send me a message and let's start planning.