What to Wear for Your Studio Maternity Photoshoot | Ridgefield CT
What to wear is one of the most common questions I hear from expecting moms before their studio maternity photography session, and it makes sense! You want to look and feel your best, and the outfit choices you make will shape the look and feel of your entire gallery.
The good news: there's no single right answer, and I'm here to help you figure out what works for you.
This guide covers everything from what to bring, what I provide at my Ridgefield, CT studio, and some of my favorite outfit combinations for expecting moms across Fairfield County and Westchester County.
What I Provide at the JWB Studio
Every maternity client who comes to my Ridgefield, CT studio has access to a selection of options on hand — so even if you're not sure what to bring, you'll have choices when you arrive:
Oversized button-down shirts in sizes M–XXL
Tight-fitting black dresses in sizes S–XL
Sheer flowing robe in a cream color (nude bra and undies for underneath are recommended)
Flowy white fabric wrap (if this is you, bring a nude thong for underneath)
These pieces photograph beautifully and are popular with clients who want a clean, timeless look without the stress of sourcing a special outfit.
Oversized white button-down
Fitted black dress
Sheer flowing robe
Flowing white fabric
The Fitted Dress Look (One I Supply in THE Studio, SIZE XS-XL)
A form-fitting black dress that hugs the bump creates a striking silhouette under studio lighting — sleek, elegant, and timeless. Think Audrey Hepburn, just pregnant.
Don't have a fitted dress at home? No problem, I provide a knee-length fitted black dress at the studio, available in sizes XS–XL, and it's one of the most requested pieces I own. The length is comfortable late in pregnancy, the fit flatters every body type, and it pairs beautifully with almost every backdrop in the studio. Many clients who planned to bring their own outfit end up reaching for this one instead.
If you'd like to bring your own fitted dress, look for stretchy fabric with some give. Fitted through the belly but not restrictive.
YOUR OWN FITTED DRESS
If you have a fitted dress that you love and want to bring, by all means! This type of dress photographs beautifully, because it hugs all of those expecting mom curves.
The Jeans + Top Look
This is consistently one of the most requested looks: Relaxed, modern, and it puts the bump front and center. The key is a simple, form-fitting top that hugs the belly rather than hiding it. A solid-color sports bra or crop top is the most popular choice, but a fitted black or white t-shirt or tank works just as beautifully and feels a little more covered up.
Pair any of these with your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans (unbuttoned at the top is completely fine!) and you have an effortless, natural look that never feels overdressed.
What to bring: a simple, solid-color fitted top in black, white, or neutral — whatever feels most like you. A Calvin Klein sports bra or basic crop top are client favorites. Bring nude underwear for this one, and don't stress about the jeans not fully buttoning.
The PRETTY Everyday Look (AKA WHATEVER YOU WANT!)
Some of my favorite maternity galleries have been built around casual, everyday outfits — a favorite oversized sweater, a linen shirt unbuttoned over a tank, or a simple sundress. If there's something in your closet that makes you feel like yourself, bring it. These sessions often feel the most natural and personal because the client is genuinely comfortable in what they're wearing.
What to bring: whatever you actually love wearing. Soft fabrics, florals, relaxed fits, and your everyday colors all work beautifully in the studio.
After all, this is your day, and you get to wear what you like.
Coordinating with Partners and Kids
If your partner and children are joining the session (which I always encourage!) you’ll want to coordinate. If you’re going for the jeans and tee look, feel free to dress your family the same. If you’re going for a floral dress, find colors within that pattern and dress your family in complimentary shades. And, at the end of the day, soft whites, creams, grays, and earth tones tend to work beautifully together and keep the focus on your family rather than the clothes.
How Many Outfits Should I Bring?
For a standard maternity photoshoot, two to three outfits is the sweet spot. That gives us enough variety to create a diverse gallery without spending the whole session on wardrobe changes. I'll help you decide on the order and backdrop pairings when you arrive.
Ready to Book Your Studio Maternity Session?
Expecting families across Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY are always welcome to reach out. I'd love to help you plan your studio maternity session at my Ridgefield, CT studio.
