What to Wear to Your Newborn Family Photos

1. Coordinate with the Background for a Cohesive Look

For studio sessions, I typically use neutral, solid colored backgrounds that feel clean, calm, and timeless. To keep the overall look cohesive, I recommend choosing outfits in colors that either match or complement the background. Think soft tones — creams, beiges, dusty blues, muted greens, or blush. If you opt for a different color, make sure it’s subtle and doesn’t overpower the softness of the baby or distract from your connection with them.

2. Skip the Busy Prints and Loud Logos

Avoid clothing with bold patterns, large logos, or cartoon characters. These can distract from the emotional focus of your images and make the portraits feel more casual than classic. Solid colors or subtle textures look timeless and allow your little one to remain the center of attention.

3. Simple, Classic Styling for Parents

For dads, a well-fitted henley shirt or a polo shirt works wonderfully, in either white or beige color, or simply match mom’s outfit color. For moms, a soft blouse or dress in solid color, especially with short sleeve and off-the-shoulder styles. Exposed skin, especially around the arms and neckline, adds a warm, intimate feel to portraits when you’re holding your baby close.

And here’s a bonus for moms: you’re welcome to choose from my client closet of carefully curated maternity and postpartum-friendly gowns — elegant, flattering, and available to use at no extra charge.

4. Don’t Forget the Detail

Sometimes the little things make the biggest difference! A fresh coat of nail polish (neutral or soft colors preferred) looks lovely in close-up shots where hands are cradling your baby. Your wedding ring, if you wear one, can be a beautiful personal touch too.

5. Hair and Makeup Make a Big Impact

While we love the natural look, a bit of camera-ready polish goes a long way. Consider light makeup to even out skin tone. And if you wear false lashes, they will play an important role to enhance those close shots when you closing your eyes while holding your sleepy little one.

Hair should be neatly styled in a way that feels like you, no need to go too fancy as we still want your little one to be the focal point of the image.

In the end, these portraits are meant to tell your family’s story and showcase the connection and tenderness you share in these early days. My goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident, so you can focus on loving your little one while I capture it all.

Need help planning your wardrobe or want to browse the client closet? Reach out — I’m happy to help you coordinate your look so you feel completely prepared for your session.

I am a newborn, milestone, family and maternity photographer serving Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and surrounding areas. Contact me now to learn more about my business.