You’re super excited about welcoming your baby and taking newborn photos, but you’re a little overwhelmed on what to wear. This guide will help you select the perfect outfits for everyone in the family to create timeless, beautiful photographs you’ll treasure forever!

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Baby’s outfit for newborn photos – keep it simple

I like to make this part as easy as possible for you. I already have soft, cozy, swaddles in white to keep things timeless and simple. White onesies are also provided. If you want to have baby in one of your own outfits, that’s completely fine too! We usually end up doing two outfits during your newborn session (one swaddled, one outfit). Choose simple, comfortable items that won’t overwhelm their tiny features:

• Plain white or cream onesies
• Soft, neutral-colored swaddle blankets
• Tiny and delicate bows
• Avoid clothes with large logos, characters, or busy patterns
• Avoid large bows that can be distracting
• Choose soft, breathable fabrics
• Ensure items aren’t too tight around arms, legs, or neck
• Get more newborn photo outfit tips here
• View my favorites list with newborn outfits, accessories and more on Amazon

What should parents wear for newborn photos?

Mom’s Wardrobe

New moms should prioritize comfort while still feeling beautiful. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Choose flowy, comfortable dresses in solid colors or subtle patterns
• Opt for long, flattering sleeves if you’re feeling self-conscious about arms
• Select neutral colors like white, ivory, cream, dusty blue, soft grey, or blush pink
• Choose a dress from the client closet knowing I’ve hand-selected each one for comfort, a flexible fit, and how it photographs
• Laid back outfits such as a comfortable dress paired with a sweater, or jeans and and a flowy top are also beautiful options

Dad’s Attire

Keep dad’s outfit simple:

• Solid color button-down shirts or solid henley t-shirts
• Neutral-colored pants such as navy, tan, beige, khaki, gray
• Chino pants or jeans work really well (avoid jeans with obvious distressing)
• Avoid busy patterns or bright colors that might distract
• Make sure clothes are well-fitted and wrinkle-free

For Siblings

If older siblings are joining the newborn session, here are a few tips for wardrobe:

• Choose complementary colors rather than exact matches
• Keep patterns minimal and subtle
• Avoid characters or graphic tees
• Consider comfort level for young children who may need to sit or lie down
• View my wardrobe favorites on Amazon 

If you’re working with me, ask me for help! I can pull outfit ideas and put together style boards so you can see everything together.

Choosing a color palette for newborn photos

I always recommend sticking to a soft, neutral palette for timeless newborn photos:

• Creams and beiges
• Soft greys
• Dusty blues
• Blush pinks
• Sage greens
• Earth tones

Colors to Avoid

• Neon or very bright colors
• Dark black without any texture
• Busy patterns or stripes
• Red or orange (can reflect on skin and cause unwanted color casts)

Accessorizing for newborn photos

Keep accessories minimal and meaningful:

• Simple jewelry for mom
• Avoid flashy or distracting pieces
• For baby girls, choose simple, tiny bows – see this blog post for more ideas

Top tip: ask your photographer for their recommendations!

I include wardrobe planning to make things easy for my clients. They can set up an appointment at the studio to try on or look through the dresses, or we can chat over Zoom or the phone. I can even put together style boards for you so we can coordinate the whole family.

Remember, these photos will be treasured for generations. While clothing choices are important, the most beautiful element will be the love and connection between your family members. Choose outfits that make everyone feel comfortable and confident, allowing your family’s natural bond to shine through in every image.

About this Northern Virginia newborn photographer

Emily Alyssa Photography offers in-home lifestyle newborn photos in Washington, DC,  Northern Virginia, and Maryland. She also offers studio lifestyle newborn photos in her natural light Northern Virginia photography studio. With an emphasis on a relaxed, natural photography style, she enjoys getting to know her families and documenting this special time in their lives. Interested in newborn photos? Reach out for pricing details and availability.

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