So you’ve booked a maternity session with me somewhere gorgeous in Perth that you’re super excited about, and absolutely cannot wait to get some dreamy photos of you and your bump looking incredible. Good stuff! “But hang on, what do I wear?”
This is one of the most asked questions I get for maternity sessions, and I’m here to provide you with some insight as to what can look good for you on the day. Certain colours, dress shapes and styles can elevate your photos during a maternity session, especially in combination with natural, outdoor lighting.
In saying that, you should always wear clothing you feel comfy in, as that shines through in the photos.
Check out my Pinterest collection of maternity photoshoot-style dresses for some inspo, or read on!
1. Choice of colours
First and foremost, colours play a huge part in the look and feel of your photos. Certain colours can reflect off your skin, giving you a red hue (lobster anyone?) or a sallow green/yellow look. Try to steer clear of bright reds, pinks, blues, greens and yellows. Bright white or black can also wash out your complexion, however, during sunset sessions the light is far more forgiving and those colours can work well in darker, natural lighting situations.
Colours that look creamy and delicious in maternity photos are more neutral or pastel. Think beige, brown, sand, peach, mustard or khaki. Below is a selection of stylish neutral colours that are aesthetically pleasing for both outdoor and indoor maternity sessions.
2. Patterns
Certain patterned material can bring attention to the area it’s worn on… in the wrong way. The more plain your clothing is, the better. Any clothing with writing on it, logos or pictures can appear dated really quickly. Patterns like dogtooth, stripes and tartan are really not recommended, as they can skew the look of your body – especially when you have a bump!
Lace, ruffles, crochet and cut-out styles on the other hand, look great and add some texture and interest to what you’re wearing. They also cover a multitude of sins – don’t like your arms? Add some long, floaty lace sleeves! Want to hide your legs but still look sexy? See through crochet! There are ways and means to disguise or even make MORE beautiful whatever niggling insecurities you may have.
3. Dress Styles
Three words – floaty, floaty, floaty.
Maxi, midi or mini – whichever style you feel most comfortable in, will work for you. Flowy dresses again add some texture and allow more movement, which looks so dreamy in maternity photos. Tighter dresses do accentuate your bump, but they also restrict movement, which can look awkward. Tighter around the bust is great, then go for something floaty under the bust and down to your knees or feet.
If you were anything like me during pregnancy you would try on a floaty maternity dress and think “I look frumpy in this – back on the rack 😒” – BUT – the secret to a stunning maternity dress is the bump hold. Bring one of your hands under your bump and pull the dress in. Instantly stylish! By accentuating the bump you’re looking far less frumpy and way more glowing, and we all want that in our maternity photos.
If you’re keen to get your bump right out – go for it! You can find some stunning gowns that allow for a bump-peek while still covering the bust and being long and flowy around your thighs/legs. These kind of dresses/gowns allow lots of movement, are usually really comfy and look great in photos.
You also don’t NEED to wear a dress. I’ve seen some fabulous maternity session photos captured in both bikinis and jeans, or an oversized linen shirt. Play around at home and see works best on you, because it might surprise you!
4. Where to buy
There are a fair few maternity-specific dress shops that you can check out online. To buy outright, some of the more high-end maternity dresses are expensive. Resale value can be decent, and you might be able to make back half of what you pay for it if the dress is still in good condition.
Some maternity dress shops include:
Opia (not maternity specific, however the style and colours are perfect for shoots)
Hazel & Folk (as above!)
You can also find some accidentally-maternity-friendly gems on websites like ASOS, The Iconic or H&M.
Don’t want to spend all your hard-earned dough on a dress you’re probably only going to wear a handful of times (if that!)? Renting is a great option, and very wallet friendly. Check out some of the local options below.
Baby Bump Rentals (I have used these guys previously – can highly recommend)
Luxe Bumps Australia (check out their Boho selection of dresses)
Still unsure?
No worries! It’s hard enough navigating what to wear to work, let alone what to wear to a photoshoot with an ever-growing bump. Every woman I’ve photographed, no matter the size, body shape or fitness level, has been beautiful. Clothing can accentuate what you already have, and you must know that right now – you are a goddess 💃
If you need some help on what to wear or where to start with dressing for your maternity shoot, just drop me a DM on Instagram or an email to hello@jenmoffatt.au and we’ll uncover what works best for you. Trust me, you are already stunning, and adding the perfect outfit to your shoots will just enhance your best bits.
I’m currently in the process of sourcing some maternity-friendly photoshoot dresses for upcoming clients, so keep an eye out for information on them on my Instagram stories.
Happy shopping x
Jen Moffatt 
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