What to Wear for Newborn Photos
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As a newborn photographer, I am often asked about what baby should wear, but how your entire family dresses is equally important for the beauty of your images. When thinking about what you should wear, it is important to realize that what you wear becomes the “background” of images of your baby! The colors, tones, and textures of your outfits all play a role in how your photographs will look and you want to wear things that will not distract from the beauty of baby. This is why it is important to select outfits that are not only comfortable and fit your style, but are also complimentary to baby’s delicate skin tone and features.
A Client Wardrobe for Mom and Baby
My Free Wardrobe for Mom and Kiddos saves you time and money!
The first few weeks after having a baby can be overwhelming for so many reasons. I provide styling and a client wardrobe for moms and children to ease your stress and so that you have one less thing to do! As a mom of three, I understand that it can be overwhelming finding the perfect outfit for yourself let alone the whole family. My styling services and Complimentary Wardrobe for women and children are curated just for new moms. Prior to your session, you will receive a link to my styling page and my Women’s and Children’s Client Closets as well as our Men’s Picks webpage with great outfit choices and colors for men. Dresses and outfits from my wardrobe are available in a wide range of sizes, are flattering after having a baby, and are in colors and tones that beautifully compliment baby’s skin. Dresses are also chosen for their comfort and ease if you need to take a break to breastfeed baby.
Hand Made Outfits for Baby
When you come to the studio, a selection of beautiful outfits will be laid out for baby. Hand knit jumpers, bonnets, vintage blankets, and hand-made head bands and flower crowns are available to you to choose from. If you have an in-home newborn session, I will bring special things for you to choose from. Baby will wear an outfits and we will swaddle on top of it. Throughout the session we will take off the layers so that you will receive a variety of looks in your images. All of the outfits for baby compliment the colors that I have in my client wardrobe for mom, so that making selections is easy! Colors are soft, neutral, with beautiful textures.
The Perfect Outfits for Lifestyle Newborn Photography
I am a lifestyle newborn photographer who loves to capture the beauty of each family’s story. My focus is to preserve love, connection, and real moments as you welcome your new baby. Whether your photography session is in my natural light studio or in your home, what you wear matters.
Tips for Color and Style
The colors that work the best for newborn photography are earth tones. In order to highlight baby’s delicate features, opt for colors which are soothing, warm, and free from busy patterns. Beautiful neutrals such as browns combined with cream, ivory, olives, mustard, rust, or muted slate blue compliment each other while also being accessible to any family’s wardrobe.
Outfits should allow for cuddling on the bed or floor, movement, and sitting comfortably. Long dresses for mom are an ideal choice because they are flattering, allow for ease of movement, and are comfortable. Dad should wear neutral colors such as khaki pants or chinos, henley tops, or soft sweaters.
Specific Colors and Styles to Avoid
Try to avoid colors and styles that create too much contrast or result in strong color casts that would distract from baby’s delicate skin: blacks, dark grays, dark blue jeans, strong saturated colors like bright blues or magentas do not photograph well and are colors to avoid. I also tell families to NOT wear items such as short dresses, bright blue jeans, sports wear, shirts with logos, sports shoes or high heels! Opt instead for earth toned outfits in a variety of colors and textures that are comfortable and allow for movement.
Outfits Should Coordinate But Not Be “Matchy”
The goal is for the colors that you wear to be complimentary to each other and not all matching. What does that mean? Choose multiple colors that compliment each other and come in a variety of textures. You can do this by avoiding all wearing the same color, but choose a variety of colors in a complimentary palette and add wonderful textures such as cozy blankets to swaddle baby or beautiful earrings for mo. Dresses should have good length! Long dresses are easier to sit and play in and they also add visual interest because of their flow. If you choose to wear pants, add a cardigan or sweater to add that flow, texture and visual interest.
Tips for Mom
I want you to feel special and pampered as you get ready for newborn pictures and that means providing you with a dress that does just that!
As you get ready for your newborn session, I want you to feel as little stress as possible. It is my goal to make this entire process effortless and relaxing and that means taking care of these details! 30 days before your session you will be able to select the ones you love from my Client Wardrobe page. Heart the dresses you love and I will have them ready and waiting for you when you arrive at the studio or I will bring a variety to your home, After your session, don’t worry about cleaning, I will take care of all the details.
Although 90% of my clients choose outfits from my client wardrobe, some choose to wear their own dresses. If this is the case, I always have them send me pictures of what they intend to wear for feedback. Some of the best places to shop for dresses and outfits for women are Free People, Jen’s Pirate Booty, Bohme, or Baltic Born.
Comfortable Outfits for Dads
Dad should wear casual and comfortable clothing like neutral colored chinos or cords or slate colored jean. Remember to avoid bright denim blue jeans, stark white shirts, bright colored colored shirts, or sports shirts with logos! Also, no tennis shoes or bright white shoes. Casual neutral colored shoes are best: boots, brown leather shoes, or neutral colored Vans work great. I have links to great inspiration outfits from popular stores on my Men’s Picks website! Use for inspiration or click on a link to purchase what you see! Stores listed that coordinate with our color scheme are Banana Republic and H&M.
Final Tips for a Peaceful Newborn Photo Session
My final tip for you is to approach your session with a sense of peace and excitement. Instead of looking at it as a “photo shoot,” I want you to see this as an opportunity to simply focus on the miracle of your baby. This is probably one of your first ventures out of the house since you had your baby or the first time you have had a visitor to your home. Lay aside any stress about “getting ready” and allow me to take care of all of the details so that you can just breathe and rest in your love for your precious baby! I’ve got your styling covered, you just need to come, relax and have fun.
Check out my Newborn Session Prep Guide for great advice on how to come prepared and ready for a relaxing experience!
The Perfect Outfits for Your Newborn Session Recap
It is my hope you will use this as a resource to prepare for your best newborn photo shoot and that it will help you feel confident and relaxed. Remember, a styling email with a link to my Studio Styling Guide which contains links to my Client Wardrobes will come to you 30 days prior to your session. Use the guides, pick out your favorite dress or outfit for your kiddos, gain inspiration for dad, and you’ve got your outfits complete! If you have an outfit idea of your own, send me your inspiration and I’ll provide feedback and direction. I am here to make your session stress-free and a moment you will remember forever!
For other helpful tips and tricks check out these helpful article!
The Difference Between Class and Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Newborn Photography Safety Guidelines
Tips for Moms to Prepare for Their Newborn Session
