When it comes to preparing for your motherhood session, one of the biggest questions you may have is what to wear. Choosing the right outfits can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a great opportunity to express your style, highlight your family’s personality, and feel confident in front of the camera. Whether you’re planning a cozy at-home session, a light-filled outdoor shoot, or a chic studio session, the right outfits can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll walk through some outfit ideas for motherhood sessions, offering tips on what to wear for both moms and kids, and how to make sure everyone looks their best while staying comfortable.
1. Keep It Timeless: Choose Classic, Effortless Styles
The goal of a motherhood session is to capture the connection between you and your family in a way that’s both authentic and beautiful. While trendy outfits can be fun, timeless, classic pieces tend to age better and will ensure that your photos look just as stunning years from now as they do today.
For Moms:
- Maxi Dresses: A flowing, well-fitted maxi dress is a perfect option for moms. It offers elegance while being comfortable and flattering. Look for dresses with soft fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon—materials that move beautifully in the breeze and add texture to your photos.
- Neutral, Soft Colors: Neutral tones like cream, beige, soft pastels, or warm earth tones are always a great choice. These colors not only complement various settings (whether at home, outdoors, or in a studio), but they also don’t distract from the true focus of the session—your bond with your children.
- Light, Soft Fabrics: Avoid heavy fabrics or anything too tight. Fabrics like flowy skirts, soft blouses, or even a beautiful knit sweater will look soft and natural in photos. These materials help you feel comfortable and allow for effortless movement during the shoot.
- Avoid Bold Patterns: While patterns can look great, it’s best to steer clear of busy or overly bold prints. Solid colors or subtle patterns (think delicate florals or stripes) will keep the attention on you and your family’s connection, rather than on the clothes themselves.
For Kids:
- Coordinating, Not Matching: The key to dressing kids for a motherhood session is to coordinate, not match. Instead of dressing everyone in identical outfits, choose complementary colors or similar tones for each family member. For example, if mom is in a soft blush dress, you might dress the kids in complementary shades like white, beige, or light grey.
- Comfortable, Playable Clothes: Kids are always more comfortable in clothes they can move around in. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton for dresses, shirts, and pants. Allow your child to wear their favorite items as long as they fit the color palette and feel comfortable. Think about textures like soft knits, cotton tees, or woven dresses that photograph well and keep kids happy during the session.
2. Accessorize with Purpose: Keep It Simple
While accessories can elevate an outfit, it’s important to keep them minimal and meaningful during your motherhood session. The focus should remain on the connection and the emotion captured in the photos, not on distractions from bold jewelry or loud patterns.
For Moms:
- Delicate Jewelry: A simple pendant necklace, small hoop earrings, or a delicate bracelet can add a nice touch without overpowering your outfit. Avoid large, chunky jewelry that might distract from your face or the natural flow of the session.
- Scarves or Shawls: A soft, lightweight scarf or shawl can add texture and interest to your look, especially in cooler weather. It can also be a wonderful prop to use in family photos or during intimate moments with your children.
- Natural, Light Makeup: Go for a natural makeup look that highlights your best features. You don’t need heavy foundation or bold eye makeup—just a light touch of blush, mascara, and a bit of lip color to enhance your natural beauty.
For Kids:
- Hair Accessories: If your child has longer hair, a simple headband, bow, or clip can add an extra touch of sweetness without feeling overdone. Just make sure it complements the rest of their outfit.
- Simple Shoes: Stick with comfortable shoes that will allow your child to move freely, whether it’s sandals, sneakers, or soft ballet flats. Avoid anything too flashy or high-maintenance.
3. Dress for the Season: Embrace the Weather and Location
What you wear should complement both the season and location of your photoshoot. For example, a cozy fall family session at home will have a very different vibe from a light, airy spring photoshoot in a garden.
For Moms:
- Seasonal Fabrics: In colder months, opt for heavier fabrics like wool, cashmere, or corduroy for a cozy vibe. In warmer months, go for lighter, breathable materials like cotton, silk, or linen.
- Layering for Fall/Winter: Consider layering with cardigans, jackets, or scarves during cooler months. These items add dimension and texture to your photos while keeping you warm.
- Summer Vibes: During the summer, flowy dresses or skirts paired with a light top will give a relaxed, breezy feel. Consider off-shoulder tops, bohemian-inspired pieces, or sun dresses for a light, carefree look.
For Kids:
- Layering Options: For fall and winter sessions, layering children’s clothes adds depth to the photos while keeping them warm. A cozy sweater over a simple dress or a cute jacket over a shirt and pants combination looks stylish and practical.
- Footwear: In the summer, sandals or barefoot (if it’s safe) can add a playful, carefree vibe. In cooler months, cute boots or sneakers are both stylish and functional.
4. How to Make Everyone Feel Comfortable
Feeling good in what you wear is the key to looking great in your photos. Here are some additional tips to make sure everyone feels confident and at ease during your motherhood session:
- Plan Ahead: Ensure that everyone’s outfits are picked out ahead of time so you’re not scrambling last minute. Lay the clothes out the night before to avoid any last-minute stress.
- Try On the Outfits: Have each family member try on their outfit before the session to ensure they fit comfortably and look good together. This is especially important for kids, who may feel itchy or uncomfortable in clothes that are too tight or made of materials they don’t like.
- Wear What Makes You Feel Confident: Above all, wear what makes you feel confident. When you feel good in your clothes, you’ll naturally exude confidence, and that energy will shine through in your photos.
Final Thoughts
The right outfits can make all the difference in your motherhood session, helping you look and feel your best while capturing the love and connection between you and your children. By choosing timeless, comfortable styles and coordinating outfits that reflect your family’s personality, you can ensure that your photos are as beautiful and meaningful as the moments they capture.
Remember, the goal is to keep things simple, coordinate colors, and wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether at home, outdoors, or in a studio, these photos will be cherished for years to come—and the clothing you choose will be a big part of that.
