A pregnant woman standing outdoors in a flowing, beige dress with her eyes closed and her hand resting on her belly, with a landscape of grass and water in the background.
A pregnant woman wearing a flowy, off-the-shoulder white dress with lace details, standing in a grassy field with hills in the background, holding her baby bump and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
A pregnant woman in a flowing beige dress standing in a field during sunset, with her eyes closed and relaxed pose.
A woman standing in a field of yellow flowers, wearing a flowing, off-the-shoulder, light pink or cream-colored dress with ruffled sleeves and a high slit, with her eyes closed and head slightly tilted downward.

Maternity Session Style Guide

What to Wear

  • If you’re renting a gown here’s what to keep in mind:

    • Choose a silhouette that flatters your bump — fitted gowns, off-shoulder styles, and flowing trains photograph beautifully.

    • Double-check measurements. Maternity sizing is different from pre-pregnancy sizing — always measure around your bust and under your bump.

    • Try on before your session if possible. You want to feel comfortable and able to move, sit, and pose.

    • Steam it ahead of time. Wrinkles show up in photos, especially in satin or chiffon materials.

    Recommended rental boutiques:
    → SALT GOWNS

    → RAW GOLDEN

  • If you’re purchasing your own:

    • Choose neutral tones or soft colors (creams, taupes, sage, dusty pink, mocha, ivory, rust, muted blues). These tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you.

    • Avoid busy prints or bright neon shades — they pull attention away from your face and belly.

    • Flowy fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and lace add movement and softness.

    • Think about texture — crochet, lace, or ribbed knits can add visual depth without overpowering.

    • Consider two looks: one more dramatic gown, and one simple dress or body-hugging piece for variety.

    Check out my Amazon storefront for some of my inspiration:

    VERONICA’S AMAZON STOREFRONT

  • If you’re more comfortable in your own clothes, that’s totally fine — authenticity always photographs beautifully.
    Just keep these in mind:

    • Choose pieces that fit your bump snugly, not loosely. Oversized clothing can make you appear larger than you are in photos.

    • A fitted dress, flowy kimono, or off-shoulder top with jeans can work great.

    • Avoid anything with logos, busy patterns, or neon tones.

    • Stick with natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk, knit) over synthetics.

  • Professional hair and makeup make a huge difference — it helps even out skin tone, smooth flyaways, and boost confidence.
    Here are my top recommendations:

    Hair

    • Soft curls, loose waves, or half-up styles photograph beautifully.

    • Avoid tight ponytails or buns unless that’s your signature look.

    • Bring a brush, bobby pins, and hairspray for touch-ups, especially if we’re shooting outdoors.

    Looking for recommendations?

    Lunatic Fringe Hair Salon

    Landis Lifestyle Salon

    Makeup

    • Choose natural, glowy, and timeless. Think: enhanced features, not heavy glam.

    • Matte foundation, subtle contour, and individual lashes look stunning on camera.

    • Bring lip gloss or lipstick for quick touch-ups.

    If you’d like, I can recommend trusted hair and makeup artists:

    Nikra Beauty

    Christian Diaz Make-Up

  • Your partner’s outfit should complement your look — not compete with it.

    • Keep his look simple, timeless, and neutral. Think: beige chinos, khaki pants, jeans with a cream or white henley, button-up, or fitted tee.

    • Avoid logos, patterns, and sneakers.

    • Roll up sleeves for a more relaxed look.

    • Earthy tones like tan, olive, charcoal, or soft blue work beautifully next to most maternity gowns.

    Pro Tip:
    If you’re wearing a gown, have your partner dress slightly up — jeans and a tee won’t match a formal lace gown. A linen button-up or casual sport coat balances the look.

    Check out my fall selection of clothing from my Amazon storefront for inspiration:

    VERONICA’S AMAZON STOREFRONT

  • Keep kids coordinated, not matching.

    • Stick to your color palette — soft neutrals, creams, tans, dusty blues, sage greens, or muted pinks.

    • Textures photograph well — linen, knits, cotton, suspenders, dresses with subtle ruffles.

    • Avoid character shirts, logos, or bright sneakers.

    • Barefoot (if weather allows) looks timeless and natural.

    For small children:

    • Bring a backup outfit (accidents happen).

    • Don’t stress perfection — their personalities are part of the story.

    Check out my fall Amazon storefront for inspiration:

    VERONICA’S AMAZON STOREFRONT

    • Add simple jewelry: dainty earrings, a necklace, or statement ring.

    • Avoid watches or hair ties on wrists.

    • Bring lotion to smooth dry hands and elbows.

    • If your gown is sheer or fitted, wear nude seamless undergarments and a strapless bra or bandeau.

  • ✔ Hydrate the day before — it helps with energy and skin glow.
    ✔ Get a good night’s rest.
    ✔ Eat something light before your session.
    ✔ Pack a small bag with touch-up items: water, tissues, lipstick, hairbrush, baby wipes, snacks for kids.
    ✔ Most importantly — relax and trust the process. I’ll guide you every step of the way with flattering, natural poses that celebrate your beauty and connection.

A fashion collage featuring a woman in a brown off-shoulder maxi dress with a high slit, beige ankle boots, a plaid shirt, brown pants, a maroon velvet top with puffed sleeves, a beige skirt with buttons, and maroon socks. Color palette shown with brown, maroon, and tan swatches.
A collage featuring a woman in a green dress, a man in casual clothes, a gold necklace, a green plaid shirt with beige pants, and brown lace-up boots.
A collage featuring a man's outfit with green shirt and brown pants, a child's outfit with a red sweater and off-white overalls, a pregnant woman wearing a long red dress with a slit, and beige shoes. There is a color palette showing burgundy, green, and off-white.