One of the first things almost every expecting mother asks me when we start planning her maternity session is simple.

“What should I wear?”

And honestly, I love that question, because the right dress can completely change how a maternity session feels. Not in a complicated way. Just in that soft, effortless way where the fabric moves with you, the light catches it just right, and suddenly everything feels a little more magical.

Over the years, I have photographed maternity sessions all over Virginia, from Richmond parks to quiet fields outside Charlottesville and even along the coast. And after seeing hundreds of dresses in photos, I have started to notice the ones that photograph beautifully every single time.

If you are currently planning maternity photos, here are a few styles I always love recommending.

Dresses that move

If I could recommend one thing above everything else, it would be a dress that moves.

Flowy fabrics like chiffon or soft cotton create the most beautiful motion in photos. When you walk, sit, or even just turn slightly, the fabric catches the breeze and adds a softness to the image that you simply cannot recreate with structured clothing.

Some of my favorite maternity sessions have included dresses that gently moved in the wind during golden hour. Those small moments create images that feel relaxed and natural instead of posed.

Simple fitted dresses

Flowy dresses are beautiful, but fitted dresses have become one of my quiet favorites over the past few years.

There is something incredibly elegant about a simple dress that gently hugs your bump. It highlights this season of life in such a natural way without feeling overly styled.

Soft neutral colors like cream, pale blue, sage green, or dusty rose photograph especially well in outdoor settings. They blend beautifully with natural landscapes and keep the focus exactly where it should be. On you and your growing baby.

Soft colors that complement nature

When we are planning your session location, whether that is a vineyard, a park, or somewhere meaningful to your family, I always suggest thinking about colors that complement the surroundings rather than compete with them.

Soft pastels and earthy tones photograph beautifully outdoors. Light blues, blush tones, sage greens, and warm neutrals always feel timeless in photos.

These colors also age well. When you look back at your maternity photos years from now, they will still feel classic and natural.

Texture that adds depth

SAnother thing that photographs beautifully is texture.

Lace, ribbed knits, linen fabrics, and soft woven materials all add subtle depth to photos without feeling distracting. Texture can make even the simplest dress feel a little more special while still keeping the overall look timeless.

These styles are especially lovely for sessions in gardens or historic locations where the surroundings already have so much natural beauty.

The most important thing

While I can recommend dresses all day long, the most important thing is always the same.

You should feel comfortable. – You should feel like yourself.

Maternity sessions are not about creating a perfectly styled moment. They are about capturing this small window of time when your family is on the edge of something new and exciting.

When you feel relaxed and confident in what you are wearing, that feeling shows up in the photos in the most beautiful way.

And those are always the images that end up becoming favorites.

Planning your maternity session

If you are currently expecting and starting to think about maternity photos, I would love to help you plan a session that feels relaxed and meaningful for your family.

From choosing a location to helping you decide what to wear, we can plan something that truly reflects this season of life.

You can learn more about maternity sessions or reach out to start planning here.

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