Airy, ethereal goddess maternity portraits are not for everyone. Many of my New Jersey maternity clients are drawn to my modern maternity portrait style, and they don’t want anything overly produced, over-done, or stuffy.

When choosing outfits for your maternity session your photographer should help you figure out what works for your style, your comfort, and the feeling of the images you hope to create. That’s exactly what I do for my studio maternity clients, and this article will help you select wardrobe for a modern maternity portrait you absolutely love.

Highlight the bump.

Duh. We need to see that beautiful bump. While some moms might choose volumonous fabrics for their day to day maternity wear, your studio maternity portraits are the time to show your curves. We are here because you are (amazingly) growing a baby, after all. Let’s make sure we see that sweet baby.

This doesn’t mean you need to have your bare belly sticking out if you don’t want to, but that’s certainly an option and we’ll chat about both.

A Covered Bump for a Beautiful Silhouette

Dresses are a classic choice, but at Nicole Hawkins Photography we lean away from dresses that open down the front and have wind-blown fabric billowing at mom’s sides. It’s pretty, but not exactly modern, and once you realize it looks a bit like mom just had a powerful (yet elegent) fart, you can’t unsee it.

Let’s save the wind for your hair, and choose dresses that are something you might actually wear in real life or have a modern, minimalist look to keep the focus on what matters: you are growing your baby and will get to meet them soon.

What kind of dresses do we recommend? Our favorites are a stretch fabric that is modern and a bit sexy (choose a curved neckline or turtleneck for more modern, or a sweetheart neckline to really show off all your curves), or something pretty, light, and feminine that you might wear to a nice brunch with friends or even your own baby shower. For dress styles we recomend:

Maxi dresses: always fabulous, especially with some extra fabric in the skirt to add movement and fun.
Wrap dresses: Wrap dresses are a versatile option that can be adjusted to fit your changing body. I love a wrap dress that falls just above the knee or ¾ length with a waterfall hem.
Off the shoulder dresses: soft and sweet, and sometimes a bit sexy.
Empire waist dresses: These dresses feature a high waistline that accentuates your bump. It’s sweet and cute. It needs to be done well.

Choosing to Show Your Bare Belly

At my portrait studio, we don’t do full nude maternity portraits, but I often help clients show and celebrate their bare bump in an artful, and tasteful, way.

My favorite way to do this is an open button down shirt or a bra/bralet and jeans/pants. There are so many ways to style this, and your photographer should help you identify the pieces that will help you look and feel your best.

At our studio, we’ve done a fitted white button down, open down the front with jeans, more volumonous button down shirts with just panties, and sports bras or bralets with jeans; all looked modern and amazing.

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Do we have to do a WHITE button down? No! I’m hear to create portraits that feel like you and I love to collaborate on wardrobe. We’ve done a blue button down (her husband’s - LOVE).

I did a gorgeous modern maternity session with husband for a client who wanted editorial portraits with a black shirt, bra and pants. We also created maternity portraits with a black suit.

One fabulous client brought a gorgeous blue and white striped button down with hot pink detail, and it was amazing. She wanted a playful session that included her toddler, and her chosen shirt was perfect for that vibe. If you opt for a Classic Session with me, you can bring a fun, funky, or unique piece and we can still create something more minimalist and refined to round out your gallery.

Include a Casual Outfit You Would Wear in Real Life

Overly styled maternity photos have enormous or eleaborate dresses that no one would ever wear except for a photoshoot- that’s not modern. Modern maternity portraits look and feel like you, so including a more casual option is perfect if you have an extended session that allows for multiple looks. I do consider the button down a more casual outfit, but if you don’t love that look or want to keep your belly totally covered a cozy sweater, robe, or t-shirt are all beautiful options.

Choose Something You Feel Beautiful and Comfortable In

Your confidence in yourself is what will make you feel beautiful and treasure the photos for years to come. You likely already have a vision for your portraits, or maybe you just lean towrads flowy and ethereal, modern, or casual. Lead with what you love, but this is also your time to try something new that catches your interest; you might be surprised at what you love.

In our studio, the best part is I will walk you through your proofs and help you select and purchase only what you love most.

Don't be afraid to splurge on an outfit you love. You'll be wearing it in photos that you'll cherish forever. (You can always resell it later.)
Focus on your strengths. Choose an outfit that highlights your favorite features.
Be bold. How often do you get to do a photoshoot that focuses primarily on you?

Have Fun

Maternity portraits are supposed to be fun. We are celebrating how gorgeous you are, how amazing your body is, but at the heart of it, we are celebrating your journey and the excitment and anticipation of meeting your baby.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. These photos will be a treasured reminder of this special time in your life. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience!