Preparing for newborn photos while you’re living on little sleep, cold coffee, and whatever half eaten snacks the other kiddos left out… is a lot. Clothing is the last thing your postpartum brain wants to think about.
Good news… choosing outfits for your session can be incredibly simple.
We’re going to talk about everything that photographs beautifully, what to avoid, and a few thoughts to help you feel like the most you version of yourself… whether we’re shooting in my studio or in your home!
Before anything else… think about the feeling you want
Some moms want comfy, relaxed looks that feel like real life… soft knits, simple layers, slouchy sock comfort. Others want something more refined or glamorous, a chance to step into a dress that feels extra special and elevated. Either way clean neutral tones will keep everything classic and timeless. The most important thing is that you feel good in what you choose.
Why soft neutrals are the real MVP
Oh, there are so many reasons I recommend soft, earthy neutrals over bright or trendy colors… but here are the ones that matter most for your photos:
✔ They flatter every skin tone. From newborn skin to postpartum skin to dad’s “didn’t sleep either” skin… neutrals are forgiving. They reflect soft, pretty light instead of harsh color casts.
✔ They keep the focus on emotion, not outfits. When you wear calm, understated tones, the viewer’s eye goes straight to your baby’s tiny face… not your shirt.
✔ They create calm, cohesive images. Neutrals naturally blend with most homes and my studio, so nothing feels chaotic or mismatched.
✔ They feel timeless. Trendy colors date quickly… but earthy neutrals will look just as beautiful in 5, 10, 20+ years.
✔ They play nicely with all types of light. Natural-light studio sessions, cloudy in-home mornings, or golden-hour nursery window light… neutrals thrive in every lighting scenario.
Neutral doesn’t mean boring
When I say “neutrals,” I don’t mean only beige or cream or no color.
What I really mean is soft, earthy, muted tones… colors that behave like neutrals because they don’t scream for attention. These colors count as “neutrals” in photos:
- soft blue
- sage
- dusty mauve
- rose
- deep olive
- baby pink
- eggplant (deep muted purple)
- stormy gray
- taupe
- sand
- blush
- clay
- slate blue
- etc. (you get the idea)
These tones have color… just without the intensity that can overpower the images.
Hey there momma! Are you ready to create something beautiful together?
I’ve spent 16 years photographing newborns, babies, and all the tender, messy, beautiful seasons of motherhood. My sessions are slow, connection-focused, and fully baby-led… no props, no pressure, just your little one as they are.
Whether we’re in my natural-light studio in Manistee or in the comfort of your home, my hope is that you feel supported, relaxed, and cared for every step of the way.
Feel free to add the spice!
A bold lip or nail color is a super fun way to add a pop of color! Jewelry is also an excellent way to bring in personality. Statement earrings, layered necklaces, or a special heirloom piece can elevate the entire look without overwhelming it.
Textures are a MUST!
Textures make your outfit interesting without distracting. Beautiful textures include: ribbed knits, linen, cotton gauze, waffle weave, light cable knit, soft woven patterns, chunky knit, silk, chiffon… etc.
Textures give your images depth, movement, and warmth… all while keeping connection at the center.
What to wear (for mom)
Postpartum bodies deserve clothing that loves them back. You want to be comfortable and look good.
Some of my favorite clothing options for new moms:
- long, flowy dress
- soft knit top + skirt or leggings
- relaxed blouse + cozy cardigan
- linen maxi dress
- elevated neutral loungewear (yep! you can totally wear that super cute knit set you found during your 2am shopping-while-nursing-spree last night)
- anything that doesn’t squeeze, pinch, or require you to “hold your breath in”
And one more thing…
If you can’t comfortably sit on the floor, lift your arms, lean over a crib, crawl after a toddler, or snuggle your baby without tugging at your clothes… it’s not the right outfit. 😘 Any discomfort always reads in your face and body language.
What to wear (for dad / partner)
Keep it easy and neutral:
- solid tee
- henley
- lightweight sweater
- soft button-up
- chinos or jeans
- barefoot or neutral socks (studio + in-home both work)
What to wear (for siblings)
- simple cotton dresses
- rompers
- sweaters + leggings
- soft tees + jeans (remember muted color, though!)
- barefoot (always adorable)
What to wear (for baby)
For baby, simple is best… either swaddled or just a bum cover. Keeping clothing minimal lets all those tiny newborn details shine.
What NOT to wear (for everyone)
❌ Tight, stiff, or restrictive clothing. If it digs, pinches, rides up, or rolls down…
you’ll think about it the whole session. And it will show on your face.
❌ Neon or bold colors
❌ Loud patterns + logos
❌ Old sneakers or brightly colored shoes
Coordinating without matching
You don’t need everyone matching to look beautifully pulled together. Choose 2–3 soft, muted colors you love and find outfits in varying shades and textures within that palette. Most of these tones play so well together that you can mix pieces and colors freely without overthinking it. Picture mom in something light and airy, dad in a slightly deeper shade from the palette, and the kids in soft, textured pieces that fall right in between. It feels harmonious, timeless, and still lets everyone feel like themselves.
If we’re shooting in-home…
Shooting in your home is the perfect opportunity to fully embrace cozy. Elevated loungewear photographs beautifully here… think a soft knit set, an oversized sweater with leggings, or something relaxed that still feels pulled together. These textures look gorgeous in natural window light, and the comfort factor means you can snuggle, nurse, sway, and move around the space without feeling restricted.
A few thoughts from over 16 years of photographing tiny humans:
- Lay outfits out the night before on your bed — you’ll instantly see if tones blend.
- Skip self-tanner (it always photographs orange).
- Keep hair soft and natural.
- Hydrate a little extra (your skin will love it).
- Choose comfort above everything else.
Presence is the most beautiful thing you can wear.
