What to Wear Guide
New Baby Edition
New Baby Session Style Guide
Maternity portraits can be some of the most beautiful and intimate photos you will ever take. One of the questions I get the most from my maternity clients is "What should I wear?" When it comes to wardrobe, my biggest piece of advice is to wear something that you feel comfortable and confident in. Don't be afraid of the new curves and shape of your body - we want to show off that baby bump and get you some beautiful portraits you will love. Also, keep in mind for most full sessions you are able to change into a second outfit of your own or utilize one or two of our in-stock gowns. I bring a pop-up changing room to every session, so no need to worry about where you will change!
Below you will find some of my best tips and resources for styling your maternity & newborn sessions.
Start With Mom
Let's face it, the star of this maternity session is mom and her growing baby bump. If mom doesn't love the way she looks in her outfit - be it color, style or other - she likely won't love the photos. For photos with the family, start with mom. Find something mom feels confident and good in and build upon that. Look for more form-fitting clothes that show off that beautiful baby bump and avoid tops that are excessively baggy.
Coordinate Colors without Matching
Style over the years has changed. The new timeless look is centered on families wearing a complimentary color pallette. What outfit did you choose for mom? Select clothing for other family members that compliment mom's perfect outfit by choosing colors that work well together. Solid colors work best and keep focus on the family. Avoid huge logos, graphic T's or overly-busy patterns that can take focus away from the family. Keep shoes in mind as they will likely be seen in photos.
Accessories & Layers
Add pops of color and texture with accessories and layers. This is the quickest way to take your outfits from average to amazing. Think about scarves, jewelry, belts, cardigans and even hats to help give your outfits that extra pop!
The Maternity Gown
Most of my maternity clients come to us with the idea of wearing a custom maternity gown. I have a over 50 gowns in my client closet for use during your session as well as an exclusive 20% discount code for gowns purchased at Sew Trendy Accessories.
If you're considering wearing a flowing gown, set aside some time (early!) to come by my home, have a cup of coffee and try some on! You'll get an idea of what types of dresses you love and I can help you find something perfect to wear during your session. If you'd like a sneak peak of what gowns I have on-hand please click here .
Click the Sew Trendy Badge for an exclusive discount code!
Hair, Makeup & Nails
Match your hair & makeup to your style. If you're planning to wear an extravagant red gown for the centerpiece of your photos, consider a more bold hair & makeup look. If you're more casual with your outfit planning, keep your hair & makeup more natural. Don't neglect your nails as they'll likely be seen in a variety of photos.
If you're like me and aren't talented in the hair & makeup department, I highly recommend pampering yourself and having your hair and makeup professionally done. I am currently building my list of local recommended vendors, so if you need help finding someone near you, please reach out to me and I can help find someone perfect for you.
Shoes
If you're having an outdoor maternity shoot, I always suggest wearing some comfortable walking shoes to wear as we move from spot to spot. Some outdoor locations require a little bit of a walk, or have various types of terrain that makes wearing comfy shoes essential. Bring shoes you plan to wear with your outfit or selected gowns and we can change into them when we are ready to take the photos! Keep in mind the style of your dress when selecting shoes to wear underneath a long gown where shoes may not show. If we're taking any photographs in water or a creek, I suggest bringing some water-friendly flip-flops or sandals to keep your feet happy while in the water.
Undergarments
When choosing undergarments for your photoshoot consider the outfit you will be wearing. If wearing clothes from home try everything on to make sure you love the way it all looks together.
Some of our gowns have chiffon (see-through) areas or are form-fitting. For chiffon/lace dresses where undergarments may be seen, consider a nude undergarment or color that coordinates with the dress (when in doubt, just ask and I can help!) For form-fitting dresses, avoid overly tight undergarments that may leave unflattering lines. Maternity shapewear can smooth everything in all the right places if this is a concern.
If your gown is off-shoulder or strapless a strapless bra is best (though sometimes bra straps can be tucked). Full-coverage or sports bras do not work well with most gowns.
Minimalist Wardrobe for Newborn Session
Newborn portraits is the time I suggest to my families to keep things simple and minimal. The focus of this session is your new little one and these precious fleeting moments. The backdrops used for newborn sessions are neutrals; charcoal, mocha, white and black. I always recommend a neutral color pallette with solid colors of gray, black or white.
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New London County, Middlesex County, New Haven County, Tolland County, Hartford County, Windham County & Washington County. Newborn Baby and Maternity Photographer in Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Essex, Middletown, New London, Groton, Norwich, West Hartford, Hartford, Guilford, Branford, Bristol, Westerly, Warwick, Windham, Plainfield, Milford, Shelton and Trumbull.
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