If you’re like most people, you’ll want newborn photos to capture your child’s sweet innocence and preserve the memories of these early days. But what should you wear for your newborn photo session? It can be tricky to choose the right outfit(s) when you don’t know what to expect. In this guide, we’ll answer some common questions and give you some tips on what to wear for newborn photos.
Why is Parents’ Clothing Important in Newborn Photos?
There are a few reasons why parents’ clothing is important in newborn photos. First, it can help create a more relaxed atmosphere. If you’re comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it will show in the photos. Secondly, your clothing can help to tell the story of who you are as a family. What you wear should be representative of your personal style and reflect the overall tone of the session. Finally, your outfit choice can impact the aesthetic of the final images. By carefully selecting each piece, you can create a cohesive look that complements your baby’s features perfectly. But most importantly, the outfits shouldn’t drag attention away from the baby as the star of the show.
Every family is different, and every photographer has their own style. But there are a few general guidelines that will help you choose the right clothes for your newborn photos.
What Should Mother Wear for Newborn Photos
Mother is usually the star of the show in newborn photos. Your photographer will likely spend more time photographing you than anyone else. So as a mother, it’s important to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Something comfortable
So what does that mean? Well, let’s talk about comfort. You should wear something that you would feel comfortable wearing around your house all day. A loose fitting dress or shirt with leggings or jeans is always a good choice. If it is summertime and hot where you live, a sundress would be perfect! Just make sure that whatever you wear does not have a lot of buttons, zippers or anything that will dig into your skin and make you uncomfortable. You also want to make sure that your clothing is not too loose or flowing. We don’t want anything blowing in your face while we are trying to take photos! [1], [2]
Prioritize simplicity
It’s also important to keep your outfit simple. You want the focus of the photos to be on you and your baby, not your clothes. So avoid anything that is too flashy or busy. Stick to solid colors and simple patterns. And steer clear of anything that might be distracting in the photos, like big jewelry or bright nail polish.
Of course, you also want to make sure you are appropriately dressed for the season. If it is winter, a cute sweater or jacket will keep you warm while we are taking pictures outside. And if it is summer, a pretty sundress will keep you cool in the heat. Just make sure whatever you choose is comfortable and won’t cause you discomfort during the session. [1], [2]
Go for neutral tones
If you’re not sure what to wear, a good place to start is with neutral tones. Black, white, and gray are always classic choices. But you can also experiment with other earthy colors like cream, brown, or blush. They photograph well and they won’t clash with the other colors in the photo. If you’re not sure what to wear, start with a neutral color and build your outfit from there. You can also add a pop of color with a scarf or shoes. Just make sure the rest of your outfit is fairly neutral so the color doesn’t overwhelm the photo. [1], [2], [3]
Consider the dresses
The most common go-to for many mothers is a dress. Whether it’s a long maxi dress or something more fitted, dresses are always flattering and beautiful in photos. And there are endless style options to choose from. You can go with a classic little black dress or something more whimsical like a flowy maxi dress. Just make sure the dress is comfortable and won’t restrict your movement during the session.
If you’re looking for something more unique, try shopping at a vintage store or renting a gown from a boutique. Just make sure whatever you choose is comfortable and won’t be too difficult to nurse in.
Another thing to keep in mind with dresses is that they can sometimes ride up when you’re sitting down. If you’re worried about this, consider wearing a slip underneath your dress or choosing a different outfit altogether. [1], [2], [3]
Wear clothes that match your decor
Of course color is also important to consider when choosing what to wear for your photos. If you want the photos to match your decor, choose colors that are similar to those already present in your home or that compliment your style. For example, if you have a lot of blue in your living room, try wearing a light or dark blue shirt or dress in your photos. Or if you want the photos to pop against your neutral walls, opt for a brighter color like yellow or pink. Just make sure the colors you choose complement each other and don’t clash. [1], [3]
Wear small prints and patterns
If you do choose to wear patterns, stick to small prints and avoid anything too busy. Busy patterns can be distracting in photos and take away from the focus of the shot. So if you do opt for a patterned dress or shirt, make sure it is a small print. And if you’re wearing multiple patterns, try to mix and match them so they complement each other instead of competing for attention.
Prints and patterns are always tricky to wear in photos. If you must wear something with a print or pattern, make sure it is small and not too busy. You don’t want the pattern to be the focus of the photo; you want it to complement your outfit as a whole.
This of course relates not only to mother but also to other family members and children. Avoid large logos or anything that might be too busy or distracting in the photo. And try to stick to colors that complement each other instead of competing for attention. [3]
Don’t worry about footwear
One of the great things about newborn photos is that you don’t have to worry too much about your footwear. Since you’ll likely be sitting down for most of the session, your shoes won’t be in the photo very much. So feel free to wear whatever is comfortable, whether that’s a pair of flats or heels. Of course, if you are planning to shoot full height photos, footwear choice should be taken seriously, but if you are going to take photos where your feet won’t be visible, you shouldn’t sweat over it.
What Should a Father Wear for a Newborn Photo Session?
Wear solid colored, long sleeved top
As you may know by now, avoid busy patterns and prints. You want the focus to be on the newborn, not your clothes. So a solid colored shirt is always a good choice. And since it’s likely that you’ll be sitting down for some of the photos, a long sleeved shirt will help keep you from looking too casual.
A button-down shirt is always a good choice for a father’s outfit. It looks stylish and put together without being too formal. And you can always roll up the sleeves if you start to feel too hot during the session.
Another option is a sweater or cardigan. This is a great choice if you want something that’s more comfortable and relaxed. Just make sure it’s not too bulky or loose fitting so it doesn’t overwhelm your frame.[1]
Wear clothing that compliment mom’s top
Of course, you want your outfit to compliment your partner’s. So if she’s wearing a dress, consider wearing pants or vice versa. And it’s always nice to coordinate colors. If she’s wearing a white dress, maybe you can wear a shirt in a similar shade.
You don’t want to match exactly, but it’s nice to have some coordinating colors between the two of you. It helps create a more cohesive look for the photos. [1]
Don’t wear work pants
This may seem like a no-brainer, but we’ve seen it happen before. Please, please avoid wearing your work pants to the photo session. We know they’re comfortable and you probably don’t have anything else that fits right now. But trust us, you’ll be much happier with the photos if you’re not wearing your work clothes.
Just because you’re going to be sitting down for most of the photos doesn’t mean you can get away with wearing your work clothes. Save those for another day and instead, opt for something more comfortable. For bottoms, you can’t go wrong with a pair of dark wash jeans. They’re comfortable and easy to move in, but they also look put together. If you don’t want to wear jeans, khakis are also a good option. And if you really want to dress up your outfit, you can always opt for a pair of trousers. [1]
FAQ
Can I wear a dress for a newborn photo?
You can, but keep in mind that dresses tend to be more difficult to adjust and position around a baby than other clothing options. If you choose to wear a dress, make sure it is flowy and loose-fitting so that you can easily move and adjust it as needed. You might also want to consider wearing a slip underneath for added coverage.
Are jeans ok to wear for newborn photo shoots?
Jeans are one of the most popular choices to wear for a newborn photo shoot. They are comfortable and can be easily removed if you need to nurse or change your baby’s diaper. Just make sure they aren’t too tight around the waist or legs so they don’t leave marks on your baby’s skin.
What should I wear for a baby photo shoot?
Your baby will be the star of the show, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress to impress! The most important thing is comfort. You want to be able to relax and enjoy the experience. We suggest wearing something flowy and loose fitting.
Another great tip is to avoid clothing with busy patterns or logos. You want the focus to be on your beautiful new baby, not your clothes.
What week is best for newborn photos?
The best time to take newborn photos is usually when the baby is between two weeks and three months old. This is because they are still small enough to curl up in those cute poses, but they are also alert enough to interact with you during the session.
If you have your heart set on a specific pose or prop, make sure to let your photographer know in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
Useful Video: What to wear for a newborn photo session
Final words
Choosing the right outfit for newborn photos can seem like a daunting task, after all, you want everything to be perfect for your little one’s big debut. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide on what to wear for newborn photos.
Whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, there are plenty of options out there that will look great on camera and in person. Just be sure to choose outfits that won’t steal the spotlight away from your newborn and will make them look their best. And remember, the most important thing is that you and your baby are comfortable and happy. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the perfect outfit for your upcoming newborn photos. If you have any other questions, be sure to ask your photographer or check out our other blog posts for more tips on preparing for your session. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://isabelsweet.com/what-to-wear-newborn-family-photos/
- https://www.elizabethhitephotography.com/blog/what-to-wear-for-newborn-photos
- https://www.myclickmagazine.com/what-to-wear-for-newborn-photo-sessions/
