What to Wear for Newborn Photos

More than any other question, clients always ask me, “What should we wear for newborn photos?”

It’s a good question! What you wear sets the tone for your pictures, so choosing your clothing deserves care and attention. I have some tried and true tips to share with you to make this more straightforward.

Planning ahead is key here. You don’t want to be scrambling a week before your newborn session to figure out what to wear for your newborn photos. Make sure to have outfits picked out, steamed, and hung before the baby is born.

01. Comfort is key

You absolutely should feel comfortable with what you’re wearing. Many of my clients choose to wear a flowy dress because it is comfortable on their postpartum body; however, if you never wear dresses and don’t feel like yourself in one, then 100% opt for something else. It’s important to choose an outfit that is physically and emotionally comfortable—something that feels like YOU!

If you plan to wear accessories or jewelry, keep them minimal and simple. Delicate pieces that won’t distract from the baby are ideal.

02. Select a neutral color palette

When choosing what to wear for newborn photos, I recommend selecting a neutral color palette for your clothing so that the main focus of the photos is on the baby. Choosing soft, pastel colors allows the focus to be on the newborn rather than vibrant or distracting clothing.

03. Pick your outfit first

There are so many cute choices! It’s easy to want to choose what the kids will wear first. But Mom, you don’t need one more piece of the puzzle dictating what you will wear. You want your family to coordinate, and it tends to be easier to find clothes for partners and siblings, so choose your outfit first and then have their outfits coordinate with YOU.

04. Textures and prints

Layering different textures and patterns between everyone’s clothing for your session will add depth, visual interest, and a pleasing contrast between outfits we aren’t getting with all the neutral colors.

05. Classic always wins

Go for classic, easy pieces. Timeless and simple looks will stand the test of time. You want to avoid looking at these photos in 10-20 years, questioning your fashion choices! Avoid logos, characters, and bold patterns that could date your portraits.

06. Dress for warm temps

The studio is set to about 80 degrees for newborn sessions because newborns can’t regulate their temperature as we can. Be sure to dress accordingly so you stay cool during your photos. Short dresses or shorts are good since these photos are generally from the waist up.

07. Don’t worry about shoes

Don’t worry about trying to coordinate shoes. Just wear something comfy or go barefoot! Your feet will not be in these photos.

08. Shop the studio wardrobe

I have many dresses and tops for moms at the studio that would be perfect for the newborn session. While at the studio for your maternity session, you can also find and plan something to wear for the newborn session.

09. Keep Dad’s clothing simple

Dad wants to wear something that is both casual and neutral to keep the focus on the baby and not on what he’s wearing. Again, soft, light, neutral colors like white, cream, gray, light blue, chambray, etc., will go with what mom and siblings wear.

Casual and simple shirts such as a long or short-sleeved button-down, a fitted henley, or a t-shirt are great options. Add subtle textures such as linen or a knit with a basic fitted crew sweater. Jeans or khaki pants/shorts on the bottom.

10. Siblings

Now for the fun part. Shopping for the kiddos is often the easiest part of this “what to wear for newborn photos” equation. So many choices and so few photo sessions! Your goal is to stick with the neutral color palette and coordinate the kiddos to your clothes. Often, you can add a great piece with pattern or texture here with the kids.

11. Nothing for baby

If you have a little outfit for baby that you’d like to have them photographed in, by all means, bring it! Typically, baby will be undressed, in a diaper cover, wrapped, or dressed in a little outfit from the studio wardrobe. I have everything we need at the studio for the baby. This is the one member of the family that you don’t need to worry about!

12. Backups

It’s really not a bad idea to bring backup outfits. While we try our best to mitigate accidents, they do happen at a newborn session! Pee, poo, spit-up, toddler snacks, and sweat are all part of it. It’s not all roses, lol, even though the finished product sure makes it look like it was! Of course I have a good selection of clothing at the studio, so that can also work as backups.

For further inspiration on what to wear for newborn photos, check out my Pinterest board here.