One of the most common questions I receive from expectant moms is, "What should I wear for my maternity photos?" The good news is that spring and summer offer some of the most beautiful options for outdoor maternity portraits. The key is choosing outfits that are comfortable, flattering, and photograph beautifully while allowing your growing bump to take center stage.

Choose Colors Inspired by Nature

Spring and summer sessions tend to look best when your wardrobe complements the natural environment rather than competing with it.

Some of my favorite color palettes include:

Soft sage green
Dusty blue
Cream and ivory
Blush pink
Lavender
Warm beige and taupe
Muted terracotta
Soft mustard

These colors photograph beautifully outdoors and create a timeless look that won't feel dated years from now.

Highlight Your Baby Bump

The goal of a maternity session is to celebrate this incredible season of life, so don't be afraid to choose clothing that accentuates your bump.

Dresses with empire waists, fitted bodices, wrap silhouettes, or gentle ruching often work wonderfully. While oversized clothing can be comfortable, it can sometimes hide your shape in photographs. A dress that gently defines your bump will help showcase your pregnancy in the most flattering way.

Embrace Soft, Flowing Fabrics

When it comes to maternity photography, movement is your friend. Dresses made from lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, tulle, cotton gauze, or rayon create beautiful motion in images and add a soft, romantic feel. A flowing maxi dress can catch the breeze and create gorgeous, natural movement that simply can't be achieved with more structured clothing.

Not only do these fabrics photograph beautifully, but they're also often more comfortable during the later stages of pregnancy when comfort becomes a top priority.

Coordinate, Don't Match

If your partner and children will be joining the session, focus on coordinating colors rather than matching outfits exactly.

For example, if Mom wears a soft sage green dress, Dad might wear a cream henley with khaki pants, while children wear complementary neutrals or subtle floral patterns that tie into the overall color palette.

The goal is for everyone to look connected without appearing overly uniform.

Consider Your Location

Your outfit should complement the location you've selected for your session.

A flowing floral dress may feel perfect in a wildflower field, while a more elegant gown might suit a formal garden or mansion location. Thinking about the setting and wardrobe together helps create a cohesive final gallery.

It's also important to consider the colors that will naturally be present in your surroundings. During the spring and summer months, many outdoor locations are filled with lush green foliage, so wearing a bright Kelly green dress may cause you to blend into the background rather than stand out. Instead, choosing a contrasting color can help draw attention to you and your baby bump. Similarly, a white or cream dress can look absolutely stunning in a vibrant sunflower field, creating beautiful contrast against the bold yellow blooms. The goal is to select colors that complement the landscape while still allowing you to remain the focal point of the image.

Most Importantly: Wear Something That Makes You Feel Beautiful

The best maternity outfit is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Pregnancy can be a time of incredible change, and it's completely normal to feel unsure about what to wear. Choosing an outfit that makes you feel beautiful allows you to relax, enjoy the experience, and focus on celebrating this exciting chapter before your little one arrives.

A Final Thought on Color

While soft neutrals and pastels are always beautiful choices for maternity portraits, don't be afraid to embrace richer, more vibrant colors if they fit your personal style. Jewel tones and saturated hues such as sapphire blue, plum, coral, or deep teal can photograph beautifully outdoors and create striking, eye-catching images. The key is choosing a color that complements both your complexion and your location while making you feel confident and beautiful.

At the end of the day, the best outfit is one that feels authentically you. Whether you gravitate toward soft, romantic neutrals or bold, statement-making colors, your maternity session should reflect your personality and celebrate this incredible season of anticipation before your little one arrives.

What to Wear for a Spring or Summer Maternity Session