‘What do I Wear for my Maternity Photos?”

a couple smiling and posing during their maternity photoshoot while it's snowing in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum

I get this question a lot, and I understand how daunting of a task it can be. I think the most important thing to consider is how comfortable and confident you feel. Whether that be jeans and a t-shirt, sweats and a messy bun, or full glam in a floor-length dress. If you can’t choose between doing something more casual vs something a bit more dressy, you do have the option of incorporating a second outfit. A lot of people like to dress a bit more casually if we’re starting in their home, and then like to do an outfit change for any outdoor photos. You have the option for more variety if you want it. Your photos are your photos. There’s no right or wrong answer as to what you should wear. I strive to tell your unique story and document your journey to motherhood, which is a beautiful, powerful, time of transition. Don’t feel pressured to present yourself a certain way if you don’t necessarily want to. I’m happy to help make whatever you’re envisioning come to life.

a couple standing in the water for their maternity photoshoot in Valley forge

a couple standing in front of a summer sunset for their maternity photos in valley forge

a couple posing during their maternity photos in lorimer park in Philadelphia PA

Pro Tip: It’s not a bad idea to use the same dress for your baby shower or related events. Not only does it cut down on an extra shopping trip, but it also allows everyone to see you in your maternity dress in person.

a couple posing for their maternity photos in their Old City Philadelphia home and in their neighborhood.

Over time I’ve started a running list of various places expecting moms can either buy or rent their maternity dresses from. But don’t forget, a dress isn’t mandatory.

a family of 3 laughing and playing around in Old City Philadelphia during their lifestyle maternity shoot.

A woman during her winter maternity photoshoot in society hill, Pennsylvania

PinkBlush

PinkBlush is a great option because they have so much variety in their clothing options. Whether you’re searching for an elegant dress or something that leans more towards comfy-casual- PinkBlush has it! Their sizes are a bit limited, as they only run XS-3X.

a couple standing in a jenkintown field during their fall evening maternity photoshoot

A couple during their winter, snowy maternity photoshoot at the Philadelphia Art Museum in Philadelphia Water Works

a woman looking at her pregnant belly in wissahickon park in Philadelphia PA

Anyuta Couture

Anyuta Couture is a woman-owned business based in Los Angeles, California that specializes in handcrafted maternity dresses. Though they are based in California, they have various dresses that are Ready to Ship that are just so beautiful, that I had to include them! The dresses from Anyuta Couture are very elegant and extravagant. Their sizes range from XXS (30-32”) to sometimes a 6X (46”).

a stunning city maternity photoshoot in Logan Square, Center City Philadelphia

Seraphine

Seraphine is a great place for day-to-day maternity wear and even for postpartum wear! They offer maternity clothes, maternity dresses, nursing & postpartum wear, baby clothes, and even babywearing options. If you’re thinking of either a more relaxed maternity shoot option, they offer great basics and have some beautiful simple dresses for the moms who feel more comfortable a bit dressed down.

a family of three having fun during their lifestyle maternity session in ardmore, pa

Baltic Born

Baltic Born has some great bump-friendly dress options that cater to different styles you may be interested in. They range from some more casual dress looks to some more chic dress options. I think Baltic Born is a great place to search if you’re more interested in a boho look! Their sizes range from XS to 4X.

a family of 3 walking through manayunk during their lifestyle family and maternity photoshoot

a pheonixville maternity session photo of a pregnant woman smiling looking away from the camera

Mama Bump Rentals

Mama Bump Rentals is an online rental company that features various styles of maternity dresses. If you’re not interested in buying a dress that will only get worn a handful of times, renting is always a great option! Their rental period lasts up to five days but can be extended if needed by paying an additional fee. Mama Bump Rentals also has great size inclusivity, as they range from XXS to 5X.

a couple taking thier maternity photos in collegeville during the late fall / early winter

a couple during their summer maternity photoshoot on Addison Street in center city Philadelphia

Legoe Heritage

Legoe Heritage is an Australian-based company that has some beautiful contemporary timeless pieces for you to choose from. Their sizes range from XS-4X, and they have some great linen and knit dresses.

a pregnant woman posing in front of Logan Square in Center City Philadelphia during her maternity session.

a pregnant woman standing in the Valley Forge river during her maternity photoshoot.

Aerie

Aerie’s sizing is very inclusive, so while there are only a few designated maternity options you still have the leniency to shop in other sections and just go up a size or two to account for your bump. Aerie is my go-to for comfy cozy clothes at home, so this might be a great option for the at-home portion of your maternity photo session. BONUS! You get to still wear your clothes after the baby arrives!

a woman during her maternity photoshoot in the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, PA.

Amazon

This may seem like an obvious choice, but Amazon is always a great resource when searching for your Maternity session outfit. They have just about everything, so it’s a great place to use that can cater to your own specific style. It’s also just a great way to figure out what exactly you’re looking for, as you can order various styles/fabrics/colors to try on and return. Even if you don’t end up ordering THE outfit from Amazon, it’s a great place to start searching and brainstorming.

A willow grove maternity session featuring a couple posing in front of a body of water

Target

Just like Amazon, this is an obvious option but Target has just about everything! They have some great casual maternity dresses and basics that you can use to stylize your dream maternity session. Target tends to have more options available online, rather than in-store. So if you can’t find what you’re searching for in person, definitely look at their online store.