What to Wear for Newborn Photoshoot

Choosing what to wear for a newborn photoshoot can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Studio newborn photos are my passion. I love documenting a family’s first few days together, and my goal is always to create a calm, relaxed environment. Knowing what to wear for your newborn photos helps make your session feel even easier and more stress-free.

My newborn photography studio is located in Hendersonville, TN just a short drive from Nashville. I’ve specialized in newborn photography for over 15 years, and I have photographed hundreds of families during this sweet stage. Helping families choose what to wear feels like second nature to me now.

This guide will help you plan what to wear for your newborn photoshoot in my Hendersonville studio. If you are looking for tips on how to prepare for your newborn session, be sure to read my Newborn Prep Guide as well.

What to Wear for a Newborn Photoshoot

My biggest tip as you plan what to wear for newborn photos is not to overthink your clothing. Newborn photos in my Hendersonville studio are meant to feel casual, cozy, and snuggly. I want you to look and feel comfortable, and that starts with wearing something that feels natural to you.

The colors that photograph best in my studio are soft neutral tones such as creams and whites, earth tones, and muted tones. I don’t recommend having your family wear identical matching outfits. Coordinating outfits with complementary colors looks best.

Most importantly, keep things simple so that the focus stays where it belongs… on your baby.

What to Wear for Mom

As a new mom, I understand that your body has changed and your clothes are not fitting the same as they usually do. That’s ok! I have been in your shoes, and I want you to feel comfortable and look beautiful.

Clothing ideas that I recommend for moms are flowy dresses, soft fabrics, textures, and neutral/muted colors. Dresses work well for moms because they are flowy, flattering, and often more forgiving for postpartum bodies. Keep jewelry minimal.

I also offer a Client Closet with beautiful dresses that photograph well in the studio. This makes planning even easier for you.

A few things I’d avoid are tight fitting clothes, bright colors, busy patterns, and anything that feels stiff or uncomfortable. The goal is to choose something that feels soft and timeless so that the focus stays on your connection with your baby.

What to Wear for Dad

Dads should plan to wear pants such as jeans or chinos and a relaxed shirt. Don’t worry about shoes, as feet rarely show in studio newborn photos.

I recommend solid color shirts in neutral colors. I know many dads do not keep a closet full of oatmeal or tan shirts, so I do have several options for dads in my Client Closet. These are available as filler pieces if needed. Shirts that look great for dads are t-shirts, henleys, sweaters, and button downs. I do not recommend busy patterns. Remember… simple is best!

What to Wear for Siblings

Keeping with our theme of simple is best, I recommend soft, comfortable clothing for older siblings. Although big brother and big sister shirts are adorable, I do not recommend these for studio photos. I like to keep the focus on connections and not clothing at the studio.

What to Wear for Big Sisters

Big sisters are welcome to wear one of my neutral colored dresses in my Client Closet. I have a collection of dresses ranging in sizes 2T – 12. Big sisters absolutely love choosing a dress and trying it on in front of the mirror. This is often their favorite part of the session! I have matching bows and floral crowns on hand, but families are welcome to bring their own hair accessories as well.

What to Wear for Big Brothers

For boys, I do not provide pants, but I do have a collection of neutral colored t-shirts that can be used as filler pieces if needed. These shirts range in size 2T – 10. I do not recommend collared shirts or a layered look for big brothers. These tend to be too bulky for family photos.

Some big brother poses include laying down by baby, and collars and layers tend to get in the way.  Jeans, khakis, and chinos work well for pants. You can bring in your own clothing, and we can mix and match studio pieces as needed. You are welcome to bring several options, and I will help you find the perfect coordinated look.

What to Wear for Baby

Newborns are the easiest to prepare for family photos. I have a large selection of blankets and knit wraps that we can choose from to coordinate with the outfits you choose for family photos. You don’t have to bring anything for the baby because I recommend using something from the studio.

I also have a collection of cozy, knit newborn outfits. These outfits are designed to be form-fitting and perfectly cozy for babies. Just like the individual newborn photos, I have headbands, knit bonnets, and hats for accessories if you like.

If your baby is a little older, and you are worried about what will still fit, you can read my blog post on Older Newborn Photos to see how sessions change as your baby grows.

Best Colors to Wear for Newborn Photos

The colors that photograph best in the studio are soft, subtle, and timeless. I recommend colors that feel light and muted instead of dark and bold. Neutrals, earthy tones, and muted colors all look great.

We do not need everyone to wear the exact same color. In fact, incorporating a variety of coordinating colors looks great. Here are some of my favorite color combinations for newborn family photos:

• Neutrals: cream, ivory, oatmeal, tan, beige, light taupe
• All white: this color combination gives your photos a clean, crisp look
• Warm earth tones: cream, camel, tan, brown
• Muted blues and neutrals: ivory, oatmeal, dusty blue, light beige
• Soft greens and neutrals: sage green, oatmeal, light brown, cream
• Muted feminine tones: ivory, blush, dusty rose, pale pink, beige, taupe

All of these combinations create a look that is soft and coordinated but not matchy-matchy.

How to Coordinate Family Outfits Without Matching

• Choose colors that compliment each other
• Don’t put everyone in the exact shade
• Choose an inspiration piece that helps pull all the other outfits together
• Mix in creams and tans as filler pieces
• Keep the color palette muted and cohesive

What Not to Wear for a Newborn Photoshoot

When planning your outfits for newborn family photos, I suggest avoiding anything that is bright, bold, or distracting. Our goal is to keep the focus on your baby and your connection, not what you are wearing.

Bright colors, neon colors, or deep colors such as hunter green and navy do not photograph well in the studio. I also recommend avoiding busy patterns, large logos, and graphic t-shirts. These details can take the focus away from your baby and your faces.

When in doubt, keep it simple. Soft colors and comfy fabrics will always be the best choice.

Planning what to wear for newborn photos does not have to feel stressful. Be sure to read my post on Newborn Family Photos to help you feel more prepared.

If you have not scheduled your newborn photos, you can read more about when to schedule newborn photos and why I recommend booking in the 2nd trimester. Ready to get on my calendar? Make sure you contact me to reserve your due date. I recommend booking your newborn photoshoot during your 2nd trimester.