What to Wear for Maternity Photos in NYC — The Complete Guide
What to Wear for Maternity Photos in NYC — The Complete Guide
What you wear to your maternity session shapes everything — the mood, the color palette, how you feel in the images, and how they'll look on your wall ten years from now.
Here's the complete guide — colors, styles, fabrics, what to avoid, and how to think about getting dressed for one of the most significant photo sessions of your life.
The Golden Rule: Wear What Makes You Feel Like Yourself
Every guideline below is secondary to this one.
If you feel most like yourself in a flowy white dress — wear it. If you feel most like yourself in fitted black jeans and a cashmere top — wear that. If you feel beautiful in a bold jewel tone — don't let anyone talk you out of it.
The images that last are the ones where you look like you. Not a styled version of someone else's idea of maternity.
Colors That Photograph Beautifully in NYC
Earth tones: Cream, ivory, camel, terracotta, sage green, dusty rose. These work in every NYC location — against the brick of DUMBO, the foliage of Central Park, the neutral tones of an apartment interior.
Neutrals: White, beige, grey, soft navy. Classic, timeless, never distracting.
Jewel tones: Deep burgundy, forest green, cobalt blue. Rich and striking — especially against fall foliage or winter bare trees.
What to approach carefully:
Neon and very bright colors — they pull attention from your face and bump, and can look dated quickly
Busy patterns — small busy prints can look distracting in photographs; large, graphic patterns can work if they feel intentional
Logo clothing — dated within years
Silhouettes That Flatter a Pregnant Body
Flowy maxi dresses and skirts: The most popular choice for outdoor maternity sessions — for good reason. Movement, romance, versatility. A flowy white or cream maxi in Central Park is a classic for a reason.
Form-fitting dresses and bodysuits: Celebrate the bump directly. A fitted dress shows every curve and makes for powerful, unapologetic images. Many photographers actually prefer a clean fitted look over a volume-heavy gown for its simplicity.
Two-piece options: A fitted top or wrap with a flowy skirt gives versatility and allows more skin if you're comfortable with that. Belly-baring looks are beautiful and increasingly popular.
Wrap styles: Universally flattering. Adjustable, comfortable, elegant.
What to avoid: Anything that makes you uncomfortable. If you're self-conscious in a form-fitting dress, you'll be thinking about that instead of being present in your session.
Fabrics That Work Well on Camera
Chiffon, silk, satin: Flow beautifully, catch light, move well outdoors. Jersey and stretchy knits: Comfortable, form-fitting, show the bump clearly. Lace: Adds texture and romance — works especially well in in-home sessions with window light. Linen: Relaxed, natural, perfect for summer outdoor sessions.
Fabrics to be careful with:
Thick synthetic fabrics — can look flat and create unflattering shine
Very stiff fabrics — don't move naturally, can look constructed
What to Wear for Different NYC Locations
Central Park — outdoor session: A flowy white, cream, or dusty rose maxi. Or a fitted dress in a neutral. Let the park be the visual, not the clothing.
DUMBO / Brooklyn Bridge Park: The industrial-romantic environment pairs well with something slightly editorial — a tailored look, a bold color, or a fitted silhouette that contrasts with the brick and cobblestone.
Prospect Park — fall session: Earth tones are extraordinary against fall foliage. Deep burgundy, forest green, rust orange, mustard yellow.
In-home session: Something intimate. A flowy robe or wrap, a soft nightgown, a cashmere sweater with a simple skirt. In-home sessions are about closeness — your clothing should feel like it belongs in your home.
Bringing Two Looks
Most YourCherish maternity sessions include time for two looks — one more elevated, one more casual or intimate. A typical combination:
Look 1: Flowy maxi dress for outdoor images
Look 2: Soft wrap or fitted look for a more intimate set toward the end of the session
Bring both. We'll move between them naturally during the session.
For Your Partner
Keep it simple and complementary, not matching.
If you're wearing cream and white, your partner in a crisp white shirt and light grey trousers looks connected without looking costumey. If you're in deep burgundy, navy is a natural companion.
What to avoid: Loud patterns, athletic wear, very casual clothing that clashes with a more elevated maternity look.
Hair and Makeup
Do what you would do for a very nice dinner. You want to look polished but like yourself — not like you went to a studio.
For outdoor sessions, consider:
Hair down or loosely up — movement in hair photographs beautifully outdoors
Natural-to-glam makeup depending on your style
Avoid heavy contouring that looks unnatural in outdoor light
For in-home sessions:
Softer, more natural makeup tends to feel right
Loose hair or a soft braid
Practical Tips for the Day Of
Bring your second look in a garment bag — we'll find a spot to change during the session
Wear comfortable shoes to and from the location — bring your session shoes in a bag
Avoid anything with a tight waistband for a few hours before the session — it leaves marks
Eat before the session — not a big meal, but don't arrive on empty
Need Help Deciding?
Send us photos of what you're considering before your session. We review wardrobes with every client and give specific honest feedback. It's part of what we do.
YourCherish photographs maternity sessions throughout NYC — Central Park, DUMBO, Prospect Park, and in-home citywide.
About the Author
Olga Zinner is a documentary maternity photographer and certified birth doula based in New York City. Founder of YourCherish.
Published: March 2026