There you are, 32 weeks pregnant, standing in front of your closet at 9 p.m., holding up three different tops and thinking, “I have nothing to wear” while looking for maternity photoshoot outfits.

Your maternity session is getting closer, and you know how special these photos are going to be. You want to remember this season, your beautiful bump, and the excitement of meeting your baby. But somehow, nothing in your closet looks quite like those gorgeous maternity outfits you’ve been saving on Pinterest for the last two months.

And honestly? I get it. Dressing a changing body for photos is a little different than getting dressed for a regular day. Some things that look great in the mirror don’t photograph quite the same way, while certain fabrics, colors, and silhouettes can make your bump look absolutely beautiful on camera.

The good news is—you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips for choosing the perfect maternity outfit, from what works best for your location to the fabrics, colors, and styles that photograph beautifully. I’ll also share ideas for finding the perfect look, whether you’re shopping, borrowing, or renting.

So take a deep breath and close that closet door. We’re going to make this part easy. ❤️

What to Wear Depends on Where You’re Shooting

One thing I always want you to think about when choosing your maternity outfit is where we’re taking your photos. It can make a bigger difference than you might think!

An outfit that looks beautiful and flowy on the beach might feel a little out of place in the studio, while something simple and fitted that looks amazing indoors may not have the same feel outside. Your location, the light, and the overall vibe all play a part in choosing an outfit that feels just right.

Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot Outfits: Movement Is Your Best Friend

If we’re taking your maternity photos outdoors, take advantage of all that beautiful natural light and a little breeze! This is the perfect setting for outfits that move and flow.

Flowy chiffon dresses, lace gowns, and pretty boho two-piece sets photograph beautifully outside. When the breeze catches the fabric, it adds a little movement and magic to your images without you having to do a thing.

For colors, I love soft, earthy tones like sage, taupe, and champagne. They blend beautifully with nature while keeping the focus right where it should be—you and your beautiful bump.

If you’re going for something a little more casual and modern, try a flowing maxi skirt with a fitted crop top. It’s relaxed and effortless, but still looks beautiful and thoughtfully put together.

Studio Maternity Photoshoot Outfits: Let the Silhouette Do the Work

If we’re taking your maternity photos in the studio, we can have a little more fun with shape and structure. With a simple backdrop and controlled lighting, outfits with a more defined silhouette really stand out.

A fitted jersey dress is a beautiful choice because it shows off your bump in such a natural, flattering way. And if you want something a little more dramatic, a gorgeous tulle gown can create that dreamy, wow-factor look against a clean studio backdrop.

In the studio, I tend to love outfits that have a little more shape rather than anything too loose or heavily draped. They photograph beautifully and keep your silhouette looking defined.

Two-piece looks can also be stunning in the studio! When the fit is just right, they give your images a polished, modern feel while still keeping all the focus on you and your beautiful bump.

Beach and Sunset Sessions: Light and Airy Wins

Golden hour is one of my favorite times to photograph maternity sessions because the light is so soft, warm, and dreamy. And the right outfit can make that beautiful glow even more magical!

Lightweight, flowy fabrics in shades like blush, ivory, and soft white look gorgeous in that warm evening light. They catch the sun beautifully and create that soft, romantic feel we all love.

I usually recommend staying away from really dark or heavy fabrics for golden hour. They can feel a little heavy against a bright, open background and don’t always work as beautifully with that soft, glowing light.

This is also the perfect time to bring out a flowy skirt and fitted crop top. It gives you a beautiful, effortless look and adds just the right amount of movement when the breeze catches the skirt.

Dress Styles and Non-Dress Looks Worth Knowing About

And hey, you don’t have to wear a gown if that’s not your thing! Not every mama feels like herself in a flowy dress, and that’s totally okay.

The best outfit is one that feels like you—comfortable, confident, and beautiful. It doesn’t have to be the most popular look on Instagram or Pinterest. It just needs to make you feel good when you put it on.

Flowy Gowns, Lace, and Tulle: The Classics for Good Reason

There’s a reason these styles are so popular for maternity photos—they really do photograph beautifully!

Long chiffon gowns are soft, flowy, and have just the right amount of movement. They catch the light and move so beautifully as you walk or as a little breeze comes through.

Lace is another favorite because it adds gorgeous texture without feeling too busy. I especially love lace with a solid lining underneath because it helps all those pretty details show up beautifully in your photos.

And then there’s tulle! If you’re looking for something a little more dreamy and dramatic, tulle adds beautiful volume and movement. It’s especially gorgeous for studio portraits or a more styled outdoor session.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these—they each have their own way of making your maternity photos feel extra special.

Two-Piece Sets, Crop Tops, and Jeans: The Modern Alternative

If gowns aren’t really your style, a two-piece look can be absolutely beautiful—and often feels a little more natural and like you.

Think a flowy maxi skirt with a fitted crop top, or even your favorite pair of jeans with a soft, fitted long-sleeve top. These kinds of outfits can give your photos that warm, relaxed feeling that looks less “posed” and more like a beautiful moment in your everyday life.

The key is choosing pieces that feel intentional. Instead of grabbing something from your everyday closet, look for pieces that fit your changing body well and highlight your bump in a flattering way.

You don’t need to hide your bump under layers. Let’s choose something that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful just as you are.

Jumpsuits and Other Non-Traditional Options

Don’t overlook a jumpsuit! They can be such a beautiful choice if you’re going for a clean, modern look, especially in the studio or for a more relaxed lifestyle session.

I’d look for something that gently hugs your shape rather than a super loose or boxy fit. You want to show off that beautiful bump instead of having it get lost in extra fabric.

A soft, stretchy knit jumpsuit in a neutral color can look incredibly chic and effortless. It’s simple, comfortable, and gives your photos that modern feel without looking like you tried too hard.

Colors and Fabrics for Maternity Photoshoot Outfits

One little thing to keep in mind: how an outfit looks in the mirror and how it photographs can be two completely different things!

Something might look amazing when you’re getting dressed, but then feel a little flat or disappear once we’re behind the camera. Knowing what photographs well can save you from that frustrating moment when an outfit you loved in person just doesn’t translate to your final images.

That’s why I’m here to help you choose something that looks beautiful both in person and on camera.

The Fabrics Worth Reaching For

When it comes to choosing your maternity outfit, the fabric can make a bigger difference than you might think! Different fabrics move, fit, and photograph differently, so here are a few of my favorites to keep in mind.

Chiffon is soft, flowy, and absolutely beautiful when there’s a little breeze. It catches the light so beautifully, especially outdoors or when we’re shooting with the sun behind you. It’s one of my favorite choices for outdoor maternity photos.

Jersey is stretchy and smooth, which makes it wonderful for showing off your bump without pulling or bunching. It gives you a clean, simple silhouette and is super comfortable, too.

Lace adds a little something extra without needing a bold pattern. It has that timeless, feminine feel and looks especially beautiful in the studio where we can really see all of its pretty details.

And then there’s tulle! If you want something a little more dramatic and styled, tulle is such a fun choice. The volume and movement catch the light beautifully and can make your portraits feel extra dreamy and special.

The best part? You don’t have to figure out which fabric will work best on your own. I’m happy to help you choose something that fits your style, your location, and the look you’re dreaming of.

Colors That Flatter and Colors to Skip

When it comes to color, you really can’t go wrong with soft, neutral tones. They photograph beautifully on just about everyone and work with almost any location.

Think ivory, blush, sage, dusty blue, taupe, or champagne. These softer shades feel timeless and keep the attention right where we want it—on you and that beautiful bump.

I’d stay away from neon colors, really busy patterns, or anything super bold. They can compete with the background and sometimes even reflect color onto your skin.

The goal is for your outfit to complement you, not steal the show. The best maternity outfits are the ones that let you be the star.

Fit, Sizing, and How to Find the Right Look

Figuring out the style you love is half the fun. The other half is making sure it actually fits and feels good when your session day arrives! 😊

Your body is changing so much during pregnancy, so a dress that fits perfectly one week might feel completely different a few weeks later. That’s why it’s worth giving yourself a little extra time to try everything on and make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. ❤️

Getting the Fit Right When Your Body Is Changing

Before you shop or rent your maternity outfit, take a few quick measurements—your bust, underbust, waist, and hips. It’s always better to know your measurements than to guess your size, especially when you’re ordering online.

And if you’re between sizes, I usually recommend sizing up when you’re working with a fabric that doesn’t stretch. A dress that feels comfortable and drapes beautifully will photograph so much better than one that feels too tight or pulls in places.

Keep an eye out for ruching, too. It’s especially helpful during pregnancy because it gives the fabric a little more room to grow with your bump.

One thing that’s easy to overlook? Your undergarments! Seamless, supportive options can make such a difference. We want to avoid visible lines or straps that can distract from your beautiful outfit—and some things are much harder to fix in editing.

And if you can, bring two outfit options to your session: one fitted and one flowy. That way, you have a little flexibility depending on how you’re feeling that day and what we’re loving once we start shooting.

Buy or Rent: What Makes Sense for a One-Time Session

If you’ve fallen in love with a gorgeous maternity gown but don’t think you’ll ever wear it again, renting can be a great option! Maternity dress rental services, like Mama Bump Rentals, typically range from about $89–$180 per gown, depending on the style and location.

For something you’ll probably only wear once, renting can make a lot of sense—especially if you’re dreaming of a beautiful tulle or lace gown that you don’t necessarily need sitting in your closet afterward.

If you’d rather buy, look for soft, versatile maternity pieces that you can wear again after your session. A beautiful knit dress or flowy skirt can easily become something you reach for beyond your maternity photos.

Whichever route you choose, just be sure to check sizing and availability early, especially if you’re ordering online. And please, try everything on before session day! You want to make sure you can comfortably move, sit, and breathe—and most importantly, feel beautiful in it.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, don’t worry. I’m always happy to help you find something that feels like you and photographs beautifully.

Why a Wardrobe Consultation Changes Everything

Even after reading every maternity outfit guide out there, you might still find yourself thinking, “Okay, but what am I actually going to wear?” And honestly, that’s completely normal!

It doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong choice. It just means you care about getting this right—and I get it.

At Kristine Freed Photography, I include a wardrobe consultation as part of preparing for your session. We’ll talk through what to bring, what will look best with your location, and how to coordinate your outfit with your partner or older kiddos if they’ll be joining you. I even have a Client Closet you can borrow from!

My goal is for you to show up on session day feeling excited and confident—not standing in front of the camera wondering if you picked the right outfit five minutes before we start.

The more prepared and comfortable you feel, the easier it is to relax and simply enjoy the moment. And that confidence? It shows in your photos.

You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to Choose Your Look?

Here’s the thing: the best outfit isn’t necessarily the one that’s trending or has the most likes on Pinterest. It’s the one that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and completely like yourself.

This season of your life is so special, and you deserve to have it documented in a way that feels intentional and true to you.

If you’re ready to start planning your maternity session—or you just want to talk through outfits and ideas before you book—I’d love to chat with you.

Reach out to Kristine Freed Photography, and let’s start planning together.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. We’ll take it one step at a time and make sure every little detail feels just right.