What To Wear For Your Newborn Session

How to Plan Family Outfits for a Newborn Session: A Guide to Coordinating Colors and Comfort

When preparing for a newborn photoshoot, one of the most important factors to consider is the family’s outfits. The right clothing choices can enhance the overall aesthetic of the session, create harmony, and ensure the photos come out timeless and beautiful. These photos will be hanging on your walls for years to come as beautiful works of art, and so every last detail should be planned out. Here’s a helpful guide on how to plan your family’s outfits, focusing on both multi-colored and monotone/neutral schemes. Let’s dive in!

1. Start with Mom’s Outfit

Whether you are going for a soft and neutral palette or a more vibrant multi-colored scheme, I always recommend starting with mom’s outfit. Mom’s comfort is key, and the photos will reflect her confidence and ease. A mom who feels great in her outfit will naturally look more at ease in front of the camera, making all the difference.

To help make this step even easier, I offer a maternity client closet full of stunning gown options for you to choose from. If you’re unsure what might look best, I’m happy to send you a list of gowns available to you upon request.

Using the same maternity dress for both your maternity and newborn photo sessions is a beautiful way to create cohesive wall art that captures the stunning transformation before and after your baby’s arrival. The dress acts as a timeless anchor, linking two significant moments in your journey into parenthood. By showcasing the same garment in both sessions, you create a meaningful visual narrative that tells the story of your pregnancy and the joy of welcoming your little one. Whether it’s displayed side by side or in a gallery-style arrangement, this thoughtful approach to your photos will make for a stunning, sentimental display that reflects the love, anticipation, and the incredible change that comes with growing your family.

Multi-Colored Scheme: How to Build the Perfect Palette

If you love vibrant, multi-colored outfits that pop, here’s how you can create a beautiful and coordinated family look for your newborn session:

1. Choose Complementary Colors

Once you have mom’s outfit picked out, it’s time to think about the rest of the family. Add two or three coordinating colors to build a harmonious color palette. These colors should complement mom’s outfit while ensuring that everyone’s clothing ties together without feeling too matchy-matchy.

For example, if mom is wearing a soft blush pink gown, you could incorporate neutral tones like beige or gray for the rest of the family and add accents like soft teal or navy blue to give the palette a bit of contrast.

2. Avoid Vibrant Colors like Neons

While you may be drawn to bright, vibrant colors, it’s best to avoid neon hues. Neon colors tend to clash with my editing style and can result in photos that feel too harsh or out of balance. Instead, focus on muted tones and soft colors that are easier to blend into the natural, dreamy feel of newborn photography.

3. Patterns and Designs: Less is More

Patterns and designs can add personality and texture to an outfit, but they should be used sparingly. One (maybe two, if you have a larger family) person in a pattern works well as long as their outfit maintains the same color scheme as the rest of the family. Subtle patterns, such as small florals, stripes, or checks, can complement solid colors without overwhelming the scene.

4. Baby’s Outfit: Wrapped in Coordinating Colors

When it comes to the newborn, I will provide a beautiful wrap for the baby that coordinates with the family’s color palette, so there is no need to worry about picking out an entire outfit for the little one. This ensures the baby looks adorable while blending seamlessly into the family portraits.

Monotone/Neutral Scheme: Soft and Timeless

If you prefer a more serene and classic feel for your newborn session, a monotone or neutral color palette might be perfect for your family. Here’s how to achieve a polished, beautiful look:

1. Start with Mom’s Outfit

Just like with the multi-colored scheme, begin by selecting a comfortable, flattering outfit for mom. Comfort is key, and when mom feels confident, it translates into stunning images. The maternity client closet is available for your use, and I’m always happy to share the gown list with you to make your decision easier.

2. Add Texture with Different Materials

When creating a monochromatic look, the most important thing to keep in mind is adding texture. When everyone wears the same color, it’s crucial to introduce different materials and knit patterns to ensure the outfits don’t appear flat. For example, you can mix soft knits, lace, cotton, and chiffon to create depth and interest, even if the color is the same.

Textures like these will give the photos a cozy, timeless feel while keeping the family’s outfits cohesive.

3. Baby’s Outfit: Coordinated Wrap

As always, I’ll wrap the baby in a color that complements the family’s neutral palette. This eliminates the need to worry about coordinating the baby’s clothes with the family’s outfits, while still keeping everything looking polished and harmonious.

No matter which color scheme you choose—whether it’s a vibrant multi-colored look or a soft, neutral monochrome style—comfort, coordination, and simplicity are the keys to success. Remember to start with mom’s outfit, choose complementary colors for the rest of the family, and focus on textures and subtle patterns. And don’t forget, baby’s outfit will be coordinated for you!

By following these tips, your newborn session will not only be a memorable experience but will result in beautiful photos you’ll cherish forever. Happy outfit planning!

I hope this guide helps you feel confident and excited about choosing the perfect family outfits for your newborn photoshoot. If you have any questions or need assistance with wardrobe choices, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!

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