Knowing what to wear for newborn photos can be tricky. Your body just went through a huge transformation! You are probably in a weird limbo of not really fitting in your maternity clothes and not feeling up for squeezing into your pre-pregnancy clothes either. Which is why I’m sharing my top styling tips for what to wear for newborn photos.

In this post I will share information on:

• Color palettes and tones that photograph well
• The importance of coordinating, NOT matching!
• Ideal fabrics
• Avoiding patterns that are distracting to the eye
• Adding texture for visual interest
• The magic of layers
• Keeping it personal
• Considering your location
• Timeless styling

Top Styling Tips to Help you Prepare for What to Wear for Newborn Photos

Choosing the right outfits for your newborn sessions is an important component for creating beautiful imagery to hang on your walls. I know this from experience! When my family had newborn photos taken after my son was born, I put very little thought into what I wore. Now looking back at those photos, I obviously love them but my outfit makes me look bleh and I wish I would’ve been a little more intentional about planning my outfit.

Here are my top 10 tips for what to wear for your newborn session:

Neutral Tones:

Opt for a color palette of soft and earthy tones such as white, cream, blush pink, sage, steel blue, butter yellow or lavender. These colors create a timeless and gentle backdrop. Please don’t feel like you need to become a sad beige family for photos, just be mindful about you color palette and avoid colors like hot pink, neons, bright red and black as they will cause a color cast on skin.

Coordinate, Don’t Match:

Aim for coordination rather than exact matching. Select outfits that complement each other, ensuring a harmonious overall look without being too uniform. I always recommend choosing one person’s outfit first – usually mom’s because it’s easy to forget about yourself, but with how adorable tiny baby clothes are it usually ends up being their outfit – then work in everyone else’s outfits around that.

Comfortable Fabrics:

Prioritize comfort for both parents and baby. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or knits work well. This is especially important for the baby, who may be swaddled, in a diaper, or nudey if you’re feeling brave. Plus, babies skin is so sensitive, natural fibers are beneficial beyond picture day as well.

Avoid Busy Patterns & Logos:

Steer clear of busy patterns, logos, or graphics that can be distracting in photos. Simple and subtle patterns or solid colors tend to photograph better. Personalized lettering like “big sister/brother” or something sentimental are exceptions here.

Textures for Interest:

Add visual interest by incorporating textures like knit sweaters, a lace top, or a handmade quilt. This can enhance the overall aesthetic without being overwhelming.

Layering Options:

Layering can add depth to your photos. Consider cardigans or sweaters for yourself as this can also help hide areas of your body you may feel insecure about currently. Layers also provide versatility as you can adjust for comfort, especially if you’re breastfeeding and would like a subtile way to nurse your baby.

Personal Touches:

Include personal items such as a family heirloom, a special piece of jewelry, or a sentimental accessory. These items add more meaning to your photos and make them personal to your family.

Timeless Styles:

Choose classic and timeless styles that won’t quickly go out of fashion. This ensures that your photos remain relevant and beautiful for years to come.

Consider the Setting:

Take into account the colors and tones of your home when selecting outfits. Harmonizing with the surroundings can create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. An example of this is if your walls are gray, avoid wearing gray. Instead opt for lighter colors that will help attract light to you and your family.

Be Mindful of Time:

Keep in mind that newborn sessions may involve feeding, changing, and tending to baby’s needs. Select outfits that allow for easy access and movement.

Remember, the most important aspect is to be comfortable and authentic while still feeling beautiful. The goal is to capture the natural, loving moments with your newborn and family.

What to wear for newborn photos examples:

Remember that the focus of your newborn session is to capture beautiful images of your family loving your newest member. I highly encourage you to choose clothing that you feel beautiful and comfortable in. So you are better able to feel comfortable and relaxed during the session.

Here are a few outfit examples I’ve put together to help you get some inspiration for coordinating your family’s outfits:

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Favorite Postpartum Friendly Dress Sites for Newborn Photos

I know getting dressed after having a baby feels hard. But your newborn session is such a wonderful excuse to take a long shower, put on something you feel beautiful in, and fix your hair so you feel a little more human. I encourage loose and flowy dresses because they are timeless, add visual interest through movement, and flatter natural curves. You may have something you wore during your pregnancy that still looks amazing. But if not, here are a few sites worth considering.

Neuflora is a family owned company that offers STUNNING dresses with a lot of flow, unique textures, and earthy tones. Many of their dresses are also nursing friendly and sure to make you feel comfortable yet gorgeous.

Worth Collective is a female owned, USA based business that is great for curating perfect outfits for multi-faceted women. Their pieces are casual yet elegant and timeless. With plenty of neutral and pastel options that are wonderful pieces throughout pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

Pact unfortunately in todays world, we have to be conscious of the type of materials we are putting onto our bodies. But luckily enough there are companies like Pact that offer all organic cotton clothing at an affordable price to help keep us lower our toxic load and feel comfortable in timeless pieces. \

If you’re not a dress person, don’t worry! There are plenty of outfit options such as a cute knit sweater with leggings or loose fitting pants and a textured blouse. That are cozy and flattering yet more elevated than your everyday look. If you’re going for a cozy, yet cute look, these knit sets from Free People are a personal favorite for postpartum. This outfit feels more put together than joggers and a t-shirt while allowing you to be super comfortable and stylish.

Favorite Baby Gown and Swaddle Sites When Planning What to Wear for Newborn Photos

Your baby is going to be the easiest to dress. They probably have a closet full of adorable outfits to choose from. Remember to keep it simple and timeless. Plain white onesies, a solid color sleeper, or a muted muslim blanket and diaper are all your baby really needs. I do however, recommend planning a backup outfit incase baby has a blowout or spits up. Also, please make sure your baby’s outfit fits them so they are not getting lost in their clothes.

Little Wonder & Co. is a mom-owned, eco-friendly, sustainable, and inclusive Oregon based company that prioritizes organic and all natural clothing and toys for babies and toddlers. They offer a variety of baby gowns in beautiful colors and patterns that are subtile and not distracting to the eye.

Bambini is my favorite local Eugene children’s boutique for anytime I need a special outfit or gift for my littles or our friends. They are a family owned company that only sells items they feel comfortable bringing into their own home. Meaning, they carry the best of the best and offer brands like Quincy Mae, Angel Dear, and Little Sleepies. Which all emphasize soft, natural fabrics that are safe for your babies delicate skin.

Quincey Mae is a sustainable baby clothing brand that focuses on soft, organic materials with a minimalist design. This is a woman owned company that has mom’s in mind when they design durable and timeless pieces that photograph beautifully and are durable.

Favorite Sites for Dad and Older Siblings

Remember to keep your outfit planning simple and classic. You can always count on companies like Hanna Andersson, Quince, or Old Navy to come through with solid outfits for photo sessions that are easy to coordinate with what you’ve planned for yourself and baby. However, I do recommend shopping their closets first.

I hope you found this post helpful. Whether you’ve booked your newborn session or are still considering, please know that I am here to help you every step of the way. You will receive a detailed style guide and are always welcome to utilize me.

Check out these related posts for more helpful information for planning your newborn session.

Related Posts:

What to Wear for a Fresh 48 Session

Five Things I Won’t Do as Your Eugene, Or Newborn Photographer

In Home Newborn Photography

Eugene Oregon Newborn Photographer