Let’s be honest. Figuring out what to wear for your newborn session is probably the last thing you want to be thinking about right now. You just had a baby. Your brain is running on fumes. And yet, here you are, staring at your closet wondering if that top you wore pre-pregnancy is going to work.
Here’s what I tell every single client: wear something you feel good in postpartum (I know that’s easier said than done). That’s it. We’re not doing a fashion shoot – we’re capturing the realest, most beautiful mess of your life. You should look like you in it
With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know.
Stick With a Neutral Palette
My go-to recommendation for families is a neutral color palette. Think blacks, whites, tans, and browns. Solids. Clean. Simple.
I know it sounds boring, but here’s what happens when you go neutral: the baby becomes the focal point. Your connection as a family is obvious. The image has a timeless quality that won’t feel dated in ten years. Busy patterns and bright colors pull the eye away from what matters most.
I also recommend avoiding bright neon colors because they can cause an unflattering color cast on your skin and the baby’s complexion.
That said, I will never force anyone into a color palette they hate.
Just know it requires more planning on your end to pull together, and finding the right pieces in advance can be a lot harder than grabbing a classic white or black tee.
What to wear in the studio: Match, Don’t Just Coordinate
Here’s advice you might not hear from every photographer. For a studio newborn session, I actually recommend that everyone wear the same color. All black, all white, all tan. Pick one and commit.
Now, that doesn’t mean you all need to be wearing identical outfits. The item of clothing can vary – if you want super simple mom in a black tank, dad in a black t-shirt, a little girl in a black dress.
Outfits for mom and dad
I’m mostly shooting waist-up, so don’t stress too much about bottoms. Basic jeans or slacks are fine, sweats are a no. For tops, a simple t-shirt works perfectly, or go more elevated if that’s your style. If you need a little inspiration for specific pieces, checking out a few postpartum-friendly outfit ideas like maxi dresses or chunky pullovers can help you narrow down your closet search.
What to wear for kids
Plan their full outfit, top to bottom. They sit on the floor, lay down, stand on boxes to be at eye level with parents. I will see everything. Simple and coordinated, but don’t overthink it jeans are easy or shorts in a solid color.
Shoes or no shoes?
Don’t stress. I actually love bare feet on kids. If their shoes aren’t dressy or clean, just skip them – it’s one less thing to think about and honestly looks more natural anyway.
The reason I recommend matching over coordinating in a studio setting is simple: it keeps everything clean so nothing distracts from what we’re actually capturing. You, your baby, and this moment. The more cohesive the clothing, the more the emotion in the image gets to take center stage.
Lets Talk Patterns, Textures, and Logos
Logos: no. Hard pass. They’re distracting and date the photos immediately.
Patterns: I’m hesitant. It really depends on the pattern. If you’re drawn to something with a subtle print, let’s talk about it, but my default lean is toward solids.
Texture: I’m actually okay with texture, as long as it’s subtle. A soft knit, a little linen texture, a simple weave – even a monochrome embroidery like small flowers. These can add visual interest without competing with everything else in the frame.
The Outfit That Surprised Me
I had a mom show up in a brown dress with a spotted pattern – not what I would have picked off a rack for a newborn session. Dad was in a simple white shirt. I shot it on a tan backdrop and honestly? I loved it. The tones worked together beautifully, and the subtle pattern ended up adding dimension without being distracting.
Trust the palette.
When the colors are in the right family, a lot can work.
On the flip side, I once had a family where dad showed up in a gray fuzzy sweatshirt while mom was in something simple and polished. Their vibe just didn’t match, and even though they loved their photos and didn’t seem bothered by it, I always look back and wish the overall look had been more cohesive. Don’t get me wrong the photos were beautiful. I just know what’s possible when everything clicks.
Don’t Overthink It (Especially You, New Moms)
The number one thing new moms stress about? Just… blanking on what to wear. Total new mom brain, which is completely valid and extremely understandable.
That’s exactly why I walk every client through this before their session, so you’re not scrambling the night before.
What About the Baby?
Here’s something most photographers don’t tell you: you don’t need to worry about coordinating with the baby’s outfits. At least not with me.
I have a full wardrobe for my newborns – wraps, outfits, props – and I can make what you choose to wear work. I keep the family portion of the session clean and cohesive regardless. I do ask clients in advance what they’re thinking so I can plan accordingly, but the baby is covered. Focus on yourselves.
How I Help You Figure This Out Before Your Session
What to wear isn’t something you have to figure out alone. Here’s how I work with my clients
During your in-person consultation, I show you samples and we talk through what you like, what feels like you, and what direction you’re thinking. I also send a full prep guide before your session that covers everything you need to know, including outfit guidance.
And if you’re standing in your closet three days before your session with two options and a minor panic? Send me a photo. I’m always happy to weigh in.
What to Wear the Recap
- Comfort first. You just had a baby – wear something you feel good in.
- Neutral palette: black, white, tan, brown. Solids when possible.
- Match, don’t just coordinate. Same color, different pieces.
- No logos. Go easy on patterns. Subtle texture is fine.
- Don’t stress about the baby’s outfits – I’ve got that covered.
- Ask me. That’s what I’m here for.
Your newborn session is going to fly by faster than you think. The goal is for you to look back at these photos and feel like yourself – just the most beautiful, softest version of yourself, holding your brand new baby.
That’s what we’re going for. Let’s make it happen.
Now that you know what to wear for your newborn photo shoot Contact me here so we can get started!
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