What to Wear for Maternity Photos When You Don't Own Maternity Anything

8 hours ago

4 min read

Pregnant woman in a white crop top and blue jeans sitting on a bed smiling at her belly — This quick and easy outfit white top and jeans, is comfortable and something every woman has in their closet already.

Okay babe, real talk. Nothing fits, everything is itchy, and you're supposed to pick an outfit for a photoshoot? I get why "what do I wear?" is the number one thing that stops moms-to-be from booking.

Here's the good news: you do not need a maternity wardrobe. You need two or three pieces that feel like you. Let's figure out what to wear for maternity photos with what you already have (and a few easy upgrades if you want them).

Maternity Photo Outfits You Already Own

Before you add anything to a cart, open your closet. Stretchy, soft, and slightly oversized things photograph beautifully on a bump. Look for:

Your partner's button-down, worn open over a bodysuit or bralette
A fitted tank or bodysuit you can still stretch over your bump
Pre-pregnancy jeans, unbuttoned and paired with a soft top or nothing but a bralette
A knit sweater or cozy cardigan, especially for fall and winter
A stretchy maxi dress or slip dress that skims your curves
A silky robe, which is gorgeous for in-home sessions

Stretchy fabrics grow with you, and a simple piece often photographs better than an expensive one.

Pregnant woman in a white stretchy sweater dress holding her belly and smiling at the camera in a studio backdrop photoshoot set up

Photoshoot Outfit Ideas That Work on a Bump

Pick two or three looks, so you've got variety without a wardrobe change every five minutes:

Vibe	What to wear	Great for
Soft and cozy	Oversized sweater, knit set, or your partner's button-down	In-home and winter sessions
Classic and clean	Fitted bodysuit or tank with a flowy skirt or unbuttoned jeans	Studio or in-home sessions
Dreamy and dramatic	Flowing maxi dress or a rented gown	Outdoor golden hour or a creative concept
Simple and intimate	Bare belly, or a robe or silky slip with a bralette	A quiet, in-home look, editorial

What Colors and Fabrics Look Best in Maternity Photos

This part is easier than it sounds.

Pick solids. Busy patterns compete with your bump. Solid colors let you be the main character.
Stick to soft, earthy, or deep tones. Cream, sage, dusty rose, terracotta, deep green, and black all photograph beautifully.
Choose fabrics that stretch and drape. Jersey, knit, cotton blends, and silky or chiffon pieces move with you.
Skip stiff fabrics. If it doesn't stretch, it will fight your bump and your comfort.
Wear what feels like you. If you're a jeans-and-tee girl, a jeans-and-tee session is gorgeous. You don't have to become someone else to be photographed.

Budget-Friendly Maternity Photo Outfits (Borrow, Rent, or Thrift)

Want a statement piece without a statement price? You've got options:

Borrow from a friend. A pregnant friend, sister, or coworker probably has a dress she'd happily lend.
Rent a gown. Gowns are worn once, so renting is often cheaper than buying. Order early so there's time to swap sizes.
Thrift or resale. Stretchy maxi dresses and knit sets are easy to find secondhand.
Size up in regular clothes. A larger size in a stretchy dress can drape beautifully over a bump.
Shop your partner's closet. Seriously, their white button-down might be the best maternity outfit you own.

Whatever you choose, try it on a week or two before the session, because your bump can change fast.

What to Skip (and How to Stay Comfortable)

The third trimester commonly brings swelling and back pain, according to both the UT Southwestern MedBlog and Ochsner Health, and UT Southwestern adds sore breasts to the list. Dress for that reality:

Skip anything tight at the waist or ankles. It leaves marks and feels worse by minute ten.
Skip big logos and loud prints. They pull attention from you.
Skip brand-new shoes. You'll likely be barefoot for most shots anyway.
Do wear a supportive, comfortable bra or bralette under your outfits, since your pre-pregnancy ones may not fit anymore.
Do wear loose clothes to your session so you don't arrive with marks from waistbands or straps.
Do bring a robe or cardigan to stay cozy between looks.

Quick Maternity Outfit FAQ

Do I need to buy maternity clothes for maternity photos?

Nope. Stretchy pieces you already own, a rented gown, or a borrowed dress all work.

How many outfits should I bring?

Two to three is plenty. More outfits mean more time changing and less time enjoying yourself.

What should my partner and kids wear?

Keep it simple and coordinated, not matchy-matchy. Soft solids in colors that go with yours work every time, and comfy beats perfect for little ones.

Can I wear jeans for maternity photos?

Absolutely. Pre-pregnancy jeans, unbuttoned, with a soft top or bralette make a cute and personal look.

What should I wear for in-home maternity photos?

Cozy and simple is the move: cotton tshirt, a button-down, a knit set, or a slip dress.

Wear the comfy thing. We'll make it look like a million bucks.

Ready to Book Your Maternity Session?

You don't need a perfect outfit, babe. You need two or three things that feel like you and a photographer who makes the rest easy. I photograph maternity sessions in Manchester, across Hartford County, and throughout New England, in your home, in the studio, or outdoors. Learn more about me, then head to my Work With Me page to book your maternity session.