Maternity Lifestyle Session | What to Wear?

This is a timely entry for my new Wednesday What to Wear blog topic…

I have a few maternity shoots coming up and my momma-to-be clients can sometimes struggle with the “what do I wear?” question. The clothing question ultimately boils down to a few key things…

• How comfortable are you in your pregnancy? Mobility can be an issue for some mommas-to-be.
• Do you love the way you look? Are you proudly showing off that baby-bump of yours? Or are you shy about your momma-belly?

Ultimately, I want my mommas-to-be comfortable and feeling great in their photos. So here are a few suggestions I’m passing along to my current and future clients…

When you and your partner think about styling for your maternity session you don’t have to be all ‘matchy matchy’. That often makes for bland and kind of flat, images right?  Instead, think about coordinating your style outfits.

• You can choose clothes that have a similar style like casual jeans, tshirts and sweaters.
• Dress up – Dads-to-be in dress shirt and pants with Moms-to-be in figure flattering dresses – show off that tummy!
• Mix it up – Dads-to-be in casual jeans and shirts with Moms-to-be in soft, pretty empire waisted dresses.

The key to great maternity styling is colour, texture and accesories.

• Don’t be afraid to wear bright, fun colours – but don’t come matched from head to toe.
• Complimentary or Analagous colours work beautifully together in almost any environment!
  • Complementary colors: Two colors that are opposite to each other on the color wheel chart. An example of the complementary color scheme is purple and yellow. This color scheme looks best when you pair a warm color with a cool color. It creates high-contrast and added interest.
  • Analogous schemes: These colors are located right next to each other on the color wheel, such as red/orange/yellow and green/blue/purple. This color scheme looks richer than monochromatic but still lacks contrast. Avoid combining warm and cool colors in the Analogous scheme.
• Texture can come in the form of soft knits and sweaters. Layering cardigans and open shirts over fitted t-shirts or dresses add visual texture without a lot of bulk. Plus it offers quick changes in styling and wardrobe during the session. A fitted sweater can be pulled open to subtlely show off your baby bump. An open shirt can be layered over a fitted t-shirt for a casual style, or can be left open with your baby belly exposed showing off your pregnancy curves while still maintaining modesty if you’re a shy momma-to-be.
• Accessories shouldn’t be forgotten about either! Mommas-to-be, think about chunky necklaces, bracelets or scarves to enhance your wardrobe styling and add visual interest to your photos. Dads-to-be can wear funky hats, belts or cool ties to add interest to their styling too.

A few of my favorite styling options are below for inspiration.

All clothing shown is either from H & M [great and affordable maternity wear!], Gap Maternity and Pea In a Pod.

Mommas-to-be, take this opportunity to CELEBRATE the life you are bringing into the world. Pretty yourself up. Have FUN with it and enjoy this special special time in your life!