What Is the Best Color to Wear for Maternity Pictures?
When planning your session, one of the biggest questions is naturally, what is the best color to wear for maternity pictures?
The colors you choose for your maternity portraits can dramatically influence the mood, style, and emotional impact of your images. With the right hues, your growing bump becomes the beautiful centerpiece of timeless, heartfelt photographs you’ll treasure forever.
At Zesty Orange Photography, we help every mom-to-be select outfits that feel authentic and flattering. Let’s explore the best colors for maternity photoshoots—and how to choose what’s right for you!
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Why Color Matters in Maternity Photography
Before diving into what is the best color to wear for maternity pictures, it helps to understand why your color choices matter so much.
Colors do more than complement your skin tone—they set the overall tone of the image. They influence how emotional, romantic, bold, or serene your photos feel.
The Right Colors Will:
- Highlight your baby bump beautifully
- Compliment your natural glow
- Create a cohesive, timeless look
- Draw focus to you without overpowering
Choosing the right palette ensures you feel radiant and proud every time you look at your portraits.
So, What Is the Best Color to Wear for Maternity Pictures?
While every mother’s style is unique, certain colors tend to look universally stunning in maternity photos. Here are seven timeless choices to inspire your session wardrobe.
1. Soft Neutrals: Whites, Creams, and Beiges
Soft, neutral colors are among the most flattering and timeless choices for maternity photography.
Why they work:
- They reflect natural light beautifully, giving your skin a soft glow.
- They keep the focus on your emotions and connection.
- They create an airy, elegant, and romantic look.
Flowy white dresses, ivory wraps, and creamy textures are classic favorites for both studio and outdoor sessions.
2. Earth Tones: Sage, Terracotta, and Olive
If you’re drawn to richer, grounded hues, earth tones are a beautiful choice.
Why they work:
- They bring warmth and intimacy to the images.
- They blend beautifully with natural outdoor settings.
- They evoke feelings of calm, strength, and connection to nature.
Muted greens, warm browns, and soft rusty oranges look particularly stunning against outdoor backdrops.
3. Dusty Pastels: Soft Blues, Lavenders, and Blushes
Dusty pastel shades offer a romantic, ethereal vibe perfect for maternity photography.
Why they work:
- They add subtle color without overwhelming the composition.
- They evoke a dreamy, tender mood.
- They flatter all skin tones and pair beautifully with neutral backgrounds.
Consider flowing gowns in dusty blue, rose, or lavender for a serene, loving look.
4. Deep Jewel Tones: Emerald, Ruby, and Navy
When wondering what is the best color to wear for maternity pictures, don’t overlook the power of bold, deep jewel tones.
Why they work:
- They create luxurious, dramatic images.
- They photograph beautifully in studio lighting or golden-hour outdoor shoots.
- They add a regal, empowered feeling to your portraits.
Emerald greens, sapphire blues, and deep burgundies are breathtaking choices for moms who want a little extra drama and richness in their photos.
5. Soft Greys and Silvers
For an elegant, understated look, consider soft greys or silver tones.
Why they work:
- They add a touch of sophistication without stealing focus from your bump.
- They photograph with depth and softness, especially in studio lighting.
- They blend easily with both neutral and jewel-toned accent colors.
A flowing grey gown or a shimmery silver wrap creates modern yet timeless maternity portraits.
6. Classic Black
Never underestimate the timeless power of black in maternity photography.
Why it works:
- It’s slimming, dramatic, and effortlessly elegant.
- It highlights your silhouette beautifully.
- It creates a bold, sophisticated mood.
A fitted black gown, a sheer black robe, or a dramatic bodysuit can create unforgettable, high-impact maternity images.
7. Romantic Floral Prints (When Chosen Carefully)
While solids are often recommended, a delicate floral print can be absolutely stunning when done thoughtfully.
Why they work:
- They add softness, femininity, and gentle movement to your images.
- They bring a playful, joyful energy when chosen in soft, muted tones.
- They complement outdoor sessions beautifully, especially during spring and summer.
Stick with small, delicate patterns in a muted color palette to avoid overwhelming the composition.
Things to Avoid When Choosing Colors
When finalizing your outfits and thinking about what is the best color to wear for maternity pictures, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Avoid neon or overly bright colors that can reflect poorly on your skin.
- Skip busy, loud prints unless they are very subtle.
- Avoid heavy logos, text, or graphics that distract from the emotion of the session.
- Make sure the fabric you choose flows well or fits comfortably—you’ll want to feel free and relaxed.
The goal is to enhance your natural glow, not compete with it.
Accessorizing Your Maternity Look
Simple accessories can elevate your wardrobe without overpowering your images.
Consider:
- Flower crowns for outdoor, natural sessions
- Delicate jewelry like thin chains or drop earrings
- Flowy wraps, capes, or sheer fabrics to add movement
Less is more—allow your beauty and bump to be the focus!
For more ideas on choosing colors and outfits for photoshoots, check out this helpful guide from Brides.
What Is the Best Color to Wear for Maternity Pictures?
Ultimately, what is the best color to wear for maternity pictures depends on how you want to feel and be remembered in your portraits.
Soft neutrals, earth tones, pastels, and jewel tones are timeless choices that flatter beautifully, allowing your story and your glow to take center stage.
At Zesty Orange Photography, we help every client plan a wardrobe that feels authentic, elegant, and empowering—because you deserve to feel amazing in every frame.
Not sure what to wear for your maternity session? This guide to the best colors to wear for maternity pictures will help you choose shades that photograph beautifully and complement your personal style. For more styling inspiration, explore our favorite posing tips to help you feel confident and look amazing, or take a peek behind the scenes of our full studio maternity photography experience.
READY TO
CONNECT?
Attention Austin parents-to-be! Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one or cherishing those precious first moments, a maternity or newborn photoshoot is a timeless investment in capturing your family’s story.
As your Austin-based maternity photographer, I invite you to embrace this magical experience. These photos will be more than just images—they’ll be cherished memories, a testament to the love and joy that fills your home.
Schedule a consultation with me, and let’s create timeless images that tell your unique pregnancy story.
