What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot: A Complete Style Guide

One of the questions I get most often from mamas preparing for their maternity session is: "What should I wear?" It's a completely understandable thing to stress about — you're in a body that feels different from your usual self, you want to look and feel beautiful, and you want photos you'll love for years. The good news? There are no strict rules here. But there are a few principles that consistently make for stunning maternity portraits.

Choose Colours That Complement Your Skin Tone

The most universally flattering colours for maternity photography are soft, muted, and earthy tones — think dusty rose, sage green, warm cream, terracotta, slate blue, and warm burgundy. These tones work beautifully in both outdoor and studio settings, and they age gracefully in photos (you won't look back in ten years and wince at a trend that dated the photo).

Bright neons, heavily patterned fabrics, and very cool blacks and whites can work in specific settings — but they draw the eye away from your bump and your face. Soft, flowing neutrals keep the focus where it belongs: on you and your growing family.

[Add photo here: Toronto maternity session showing soft-coloured gown — alt text: 'what to wear maternity photoshoot Toronto dusty rose gown Saakshi Photography']

Fabric Matters More Than You Think

Flowy, drapey fabrics are your best friend for maternity sessions. Chiffon, jersey, silk, and velvet all move beautifully and photograph with a soft, luxurious quality. Form-fitting stretch fabrics (like bodycon dresses or fitted knits) also work wonderfully — they show off the bump beautifully and create clean, elegant lines.

Avoid stiff fabrics (like denim, tweed, or heavy cotton) that don't move or drape. They can read as bulky in photos and don't photograph with the same softness. Avoid anything with large logos, heavy embellishments, or ruffles in front — these distract from the bump.

The Bump-Hugging Gown vs. the Flowy Dress Debate

Both look amazing — it really comes down to the feel you're going for. Form-fitting gowns (think stretchy lace or jersey that hugs the belly) look stunning in studio settings and create a timeless, elegant look. They celebrate the bump in a direct, beautiful way.

Flowy, off-shoulder gowns and boho-style dresses photograph beautifully outdoors, especially in settings like High Park or the Toronto Islands where there's movement and breeze. They create a dreamy, romantic quality in outdoor portraits.

My recommendation: if your budget allows, bring two outfits — one fitted, one flowing. This gives us variety in the gallery without requiring a full wardrobe change (a quick swap is easy to work into a 90-minute session).

[Add photo here — alt text: 'maternity gown Toronto outdoor session Saakshi Photography']

What About Hair and Makeup?

This is entirely your call, but I'll say this: many of my favourite maternity portraits are of mamas who kept things simple — hair down and natural, minimal makeup, maybe a few loose waves. You don't need to look like you stepped off a runway. You need to look like yourself, on a beautiful day, feeling loved.

If you do want to book a hair and makeup artist, I'm happy to recommend a few professionals I love working with in Toronto. Blowouts and simple makeup can genuinely elevate your photos without feeling overdone.

Tips for Partners and Siblings

If your partner and/or other children are joining part of the session, coordinate without matching exactly. Choose colours from the same palette (e.g. everyone in cream and sage), but let each person wear something slightly different. Full matching outfits tend to look stiff and dated in photos. The goal is harmonious, not uniform.

For kids: dress them in outfits you don't mind getting a little wrinkled or grass-stained. The best photos of toddlers happen when they're comfortable enough to actually play and move.

What to Avoid

To keep your maternity photos timeless and flattering:

·       Avoid logos, large graphics, or heavy patterns

·       Skip stiff fabrics that don't drape or move

·       Avoid neon or very cool whites (they reflect light unevenly outdoors)

·       Skip shapewear that digs in — comfort directly affects how you carry yourself in photos

·       Avoid brand-new shoes that haven't been broken in

When in Doubt, Ask Me

I style maternity sessions every week, and I genuinely love helping clients figure out what to wear. After you book, I'll send you a full style guide specific to your session location, time of year, and your vision. If you want to send me a Pinterest board or a few outfit options beforehand, I'm always happy to give feedback.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows in every single photo.