Hey mama! As a new parent in the Tampa Bay area, you have a thousand things on your mind but wondering what to wear for newborn photos and planning outfits shouldn’t be one of them. You’ve hired a photographer because you want beautiful, timeless images that capture the connection and fleeting details of your newborn baby. When you session date approaches, the question always comes up: “What do I wear for newborn photos?”
This comprehensive guide simplifies the process. We can move past trends and focus on classic choices to ensure that your images will look beautiful 20 years from now as they do today.
Table of Contents
Timeless clothing over trends
Before we dive into outfit ideas, understand the core styling principle is crucial for figuring out what to wear for your newborn session.
Textures, not patterns
Knits, lace, and soft cottons add depth to photos without drawing attention. Patterns will compete with faces and can sometimes distort on camera causing what is called moire.
Neutrals are best
I always recommend sticking to light, neutral colored clothing. Light colors like creams, white, beige, light grey, soft blue, and soft blush create an airy and bright feeling to your photos and allow the attention to be on your connection. My Tampa studio has beautiful natural light which plays well with soft neutrals. These colors always look good printed and enjoyed in any home aesthetic, too!
Let’s style your family!
For mom –
Mom’s outfit is the most important piece of the puzzle when figuring out what to wear for newborn photos. After giving birth, you want to feel beautiful, but above all you want to be comfortable and unrestricted. My go to choice is flowy maxi dresses. Loose, flowing fabrics are comfortable for sitting and standing photos and they don’t cling to your belly area. If you are nursing, select a dress with a top that gives you easy access without requiring you to take off the entire dress. I do provide dresses for moms as well. Click to view the link for my client wardrobe.
Here are some other options online:
Baltic Born White Smocked Maxi Dress
Baltic Born Amberlee Embroidered Cream Dress
For Dad –
Dad’s role is to provide some contrast to the softness of mom and baby. When trying to decide what to wear for newborn photos I recommend dad’s wear a solid colored, well-fitting button-down shirt or a crew neck Henley shirt. Rolling up the sleeves to the elbow adds a casual feel. For bottoms, I suggest dark jeans, chinos, or slacks in a neutral color such as khaki or stone. Please skip short sleeve shirts, large, branded logos, or anything baggy. The goal is fitted structure. If you do wear a short sleeve shirt, please iron it well before you arrive as these items tend to wrinkle easily and cannot be photoshopped out.
Here are some online options:
J. Crew Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt
For Siblings –
When styling older siblings, comfort is non-negotiable. For boys, stick to simple shirts, sweaters, or Henleys paired with comfortable pants or soft jeans. Avoid stiff collars or ties/bowties. For girls, simple dresses are perfect. Avoid sparkles, characters, or itchy tulle.
Janie and Jack – The Neutrals Collection
Baby –
Your newborn is the easiest part as I provide all swaddles and outfits for the session! Dress your baby in a loose fitted sleeper on the way to the studio to avoid any red marks or indentations on their skin.
Now that you know what to wear for newborn photos, let’s book them!
Outfit planning is officially checked off your list! Yay! Now that you know what to wear for newborn photos, let’s capture some. I’m currently booking Tampa newborn photography sessions for local families. Contact me to talk about your due date and how you can secure your session!