Newborn Session Style Guide

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect outfit, you’ve come to the right place!

I always recommend that you wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. Your postpartum body may feel foreign to you, but it has done amazing things! You’re probably questioning if you should try to wear your pre-pregnancy clothes, your maternity clothes, or something entirely new. I’d like to encourage you to honor your body by buying something new, if the things you have on hand just aren’t working for you.

Light neutrals are always winners in my book (especially white!), but the only real colors I advise against are bright red, bright saturated pink, and neons. Melon can also be a difficult hue in photos, if it’s too similar to your skin tone. If the only shirt you have that is a light neutral doesn’t give you confidence, take it off and go in a different direction. I want you to feel good in what you have on! If you like the dress you picked out but you know you’ll constantly be worrying about your bra straps peaking out, pick something else (or purchase special tape to hold straps in place). And if you’re a person who doesn’t want to show cleavage, I’d advise against that v-neck shirt.

Prior to your baby’s arrival (if possible), I recommend purchasing a handful of options from a retailer that has a good return policy. Once the baby arrives, try on all of the options you purchased and pick your favorite! I know this one is hard, but be gracious in sizing when ordering. The goal is to pick something that will fit your current body…the one that carried a baby just weeks ago. My bump stuck around for months after delivery, so if you’re like me, you may appreciate something with a looser fit at the waist.

Lastly, I will note that I am a sucker for dresses! They photograph really beautifully and can elevate your photos and make them feel dreamy. If you never wear dresses, no worries - wear what feels right to you! I want you to feel like you. If you’re looking for a great dress and don’t know where to start, check out Altar’d State, Francesca’s, Amazon, or Target. I like these options because they have Pittsburgh locations for easy returns. Baltic Born and LuLu’s have gorgeous dresses as well, but I’ll note that returns are a bit more difficult since they don’t have a storefront in Pittsburgh.

Here are some beautiful mommas to get you inspired:

You’re probably now wondering what to put your husband in (if applicable). A henley, polo, button down, or simple sweater are great options. Jeans, chinos, or khaki shorts are popular to pair. If your outfit is casual, then your spouse’s should be also. If you decide to dress up…well you get the idea! And don’t forget about footwear - do you plan to go barefoot, wear shoes, or wear socks? It’s your choice but often an afterthought. If you decide on socks, make sure to grab a pair without holes or large words across the bottom (we’ll see that in photos…).

And the baby? I’ll bring a few swaddle options, but it never hurts to have something on hand. I recommend stretchy swaddles like those from Lou Lou & Co or Caden & Lane. Many parents also like to put their newborn in an outfit part of the time. Make sure whatever you choose fits well (0-3 months can be quite baggy on newborns). These rompers are an adorable option for either sex, and you can’t go wrong with a (preferably textured) white onesie.

When it comes to dressing older siblings, pick something that coordinates with YOUR outfit (because YES, you should choose your outfit first). And ideally pick something the kids won’t be miserable in. One last thing - if you’re putting your daughter in a dress, consider throwing some shorts on underneath.

Feeling overwhelmed? Please stop right here and ignore what I’m about to say. You don’t need it!

Looking for a breakdown of HOW to coordinate outfits for photos? Keep reading…. Great family outfits coordinate but probably don’t match. You’ll want a general color palette for the family, and the easiest way to do this is by dressing 1 person in a print. The remaining outfits should pull colors from that print or should be neutral (or complimentary) to the print. (If you add in a 2nd print, make sure the 2nd print is a different type of print with a different scale.) Dressing 1 person in a garment that has texture (knit, ribbing, waffle, jacquard…) will add visual interest to the overall look. And there you have it! I love this kind of stuff and am always a text away if you need help :) My number is 765-617-0350