One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is, “What should we wear for our newborn portrait session?”
The truth is, choosing outfits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. My goal is to make the entire process as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on soaking in these precious first weeks with your baby.
From a carefully curated newborn wardrobe to a beautiful collection of dresses for moms, I’ve taken care of many of the details for you. And for dads? Don’t worry. This outfit guide will help you find outfits that complement the rest of your family’s look beautifully.
A Curated Newborn Wardrobe
Your baby’s outfits are already taken care of.
My newborn collection includes wraps, swaddles, knit rompers, bonnets, sleepy hats, and delicate accessories in a variety of colors and textures. Whether you’re drawn to soft creams, warm earth tones, muted greens, dusty blues, or timeless neutrals, we’ll choose pieces that fit your vision and create a cohesive gallery.
Every item has been carefully selected to keep the focus on your little one while creating classic portraits you’ll treasure for generations.
If you have a special theme or color palette in mind, I’ll style your baby’s portrait session around it so everything flows together naturally.
A Client Closet for Moms
One of my favorite parts of the newborn experience is helping moms feel beautiful.
You’ve just welcomed a baby into the world, and shopping for something to wear is probably the last thing on your mind. That’s why my client closet includes a growing collection of maternity and postpartum-friendly dresses that photograph beautifully.
These dresses are chosen for their flattering fit, soft movement, and timeless style. They’re comfortable enough for snuggling your newborn while creating elegant portraits you’ll love looking back on.
The goal is simple: you shouldn’t have to stress about finding the perfect dress when you already have enough on your plate.
To view all the options I have available, check out my reels on Instagram for an in-depth look @marybethsphotography.
Dad’s Outfit Guide
Not sure where to start? Here are a few outfit combinations that photograph beautifully and coordinate well with our client closet. Chances are, you may already have some of these pieces hanging in your closet!
Look One: Classic & Timeless
- Cream or white linen button-down
- Khaki chinos
- Brown leather belt
- Brown loafers or clean neutral sneakers
This look is light, timeless, and pairs beautifully with neutral newborn wraps and mom’s flowing dresses.
Look Two: Relaxed & Cozy
- Oatmeal or heather gray Henley
- Dark wash jeans (no distressing)
- Brown leather boots or clean sneakers
Perfect for an in-home feel or a cozy, lifestyle-inspired newborn session.
Look Three: Soft & Modern
- Light blue button-down
- Tan chinos
- Brown dress shoes or loafers
A great choice for families wanting a polished look while still feeling relaxed and natural.
Look Four: Earthy & Organic
- Sage green henley or button-down
- Tan or stone-colored pants
- Brown leather shoes
This combination compliments warm earth tones, greenery, and organic styling beautifully.
Look Five: Simple & Casual
- Plain cream, beige, or light gray T-shirt
- Neutral overshirt or lightweight cardigan
- Dark jeans or khaki pants
- Clean white or neutral sneakers
Simple doesn’t mean boring. Clean lines and solid colors keep the attention on your family’s connection rather than your clothing.
A Few Tips for Dad
✔ Choose solid colors over busy patterns.
✔ Stick with neutral or earthy tones like cream, oatmeal, beige, tan, sage, dusty blue, soft gray, or white.
✔ Skip clothing with large logos, graphics, or bright colors.
✔ Make sure your clothes fit well. Avoid pieces that are overly baggy or too tight.
✔ If you’re unsure between two outfits, bring both! I’m always happy to help you decide what will photograph best.
Remember, you don’t need to buy an entirely new wardrobe for your newborn session. The goal is to wear something that feels comfortable, reflects your style, and coordinates beautifully with the rest of your family. When everyone complements one another instead of matching perfectly, the final gallery feels timeless, effortless, and full of genuine connection.
Coordinating the Whole Family
If siblings are joining your session, I’ll help coordinate their outfits too.
Soft textures, neutral tones, and classic pieces photograph beautifully and keep the attention where it belongs: on the love your family shares. Together, we’ll make sure everyone’s outfits work beautifully as a whole without looking overly coordinated. To find outfit guides for the family, click here! (Summer and Fall outfit guide)
Leave the Styling to Me
One of the biggest goals of my newborn experience is to remove as much stress as possible.
Instead of wondering what everyone should wear or making multiple shopping trips, you’ll have guidance every step of the way. I’ll help you choose colors, coordinate outfits, and style your session so everything feels effortless and timeless.
By the time your session arrives, all you have to do is bring your baby, settle in, and enjoy these sweet moments together.
The newborn days pass by so quickly. My hope is that when you look back at your portraits years from now, you won’t be thinking about what everyone was wearing. You’ll simply remember how tiny your baby was, how full your heart felt, and the love that surrounded your growing family.
If you are interested in booking with me to start this amazing journey ahead, click here to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope this outfit guide is super helpful! ❤️
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