Choosing what to wear for your maternity session is one of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — parts of planning your photos. You want to feel beautiful, confident, feminine, and comfortable in your changing body. You also want images that feel timeless and soft, not trendy or overstyled.

If you’re searching for what to wear for maternity photos in Madison WI, Sun Prairie, Rio, or anywhere in south-central Wisconsin, this guide will help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and align perfectly with the Finch & Mae aesthetic:
✨ soft
✨ neutral
✨ minimal
✨ organic
✨ connection-focused

You’ll find tips, color palettes, silhouettes, outfit ideas for partners and kids, what to avoid, and inspiration for every season.
Let’s make your maternity session feel as beautiful as it truly is.

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⭐️ SECTION 1: THE FINCH & MAE AESTHETIC

My photography style is light-filled, emotional, soft, and neutral — designed to age beautifully. Your wardrobe plays a big role in how your images look and feel.

My signature look includes:

✔ Creams
✔ Ivory
✔ Taupe
✔ Beige
✔ Soft browns
✔ Muted blush
✔ Dusty pastels
✔ Subtle texture

These tones photograph beautifully and enhance the gentle, airy feel that Finch & Mae is known for.

What not to wear:

✘ Neon
✘ Busy patterns
✘ Bold colors
✘ Logos or graphics
✘ Loud prints
✘ High-contrast color mixing

These distract from the emotion and softness of your images.

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⭐️ SECTION 2: WHAT FLATTERS THE BABY BUMP

Your maternity session is about honoring your body, your journey, and this beautiful season. Certain silhouettes highlight your bump and create feminine, flowing lines.

Best maternity silhouettes:

1. Fitted Gowns

Perfect for showing off the bump clearly.
A long, fitted dress with stretchy fabric looks stunning in studio or outdoors.

2. Flowy Dresses

Dreamy, feminine, and timeless.
Great for movement, twirls, and soft, romantic imagery.

3. Off-the-Shoulder Styles

Highlight your neckline + shoulders in a soft, flattering way.

4. Ribbed Knits or Soft Textures

Add dimension without competing for attention.

5. Open-Front Cardigans or Dusters

Beautiful paired with a bralette or ribbed dress.

6. Two-Piece Sets

A fitted skirt + crop gives shape to your bump in a modern, elegant way.

7. Simple Bodysuits

Perfect for studio sessions — clean, modern, flattering.

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⭐️ SECTION 3: COLORS THAT PHOTOGRAPH BEAUTIFULLY

Soft neutrals will always create the most timeless images.

My recommended color palette:

Cream, ivory, oatmeal, taupe, soft brown, sand, beige, blush, dusty rose, champagne, fog grey, dove grey, warm white, muted sage.

These tones:
✔ Flatter every skin tone
✔ Photograph softly
✔ Look cohesive for families
✔ Age gracefully

If choosing between a dress and a color you’re unsure about—go neutral. Always.

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⭐️ SECTION 4: WHAT TO WEAR IN THE STUDIO VS OUTDOORS

In the Studio (Rio, WI)

The studio is neutral, and minimal

Best choices:
• Fitted ribbed knit dresses
• Flowy long dresses
• Off-shoulder neutrals
• Textured sweaters
• Soft robes/dusters
• Simple bodysuits
• Bare feet

Studio light highlights shape, softness, and emotion — perfect for feminine silhouettes.

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Outdoor Maternity Sessions (Madison + Sun Prairie)

If your session is outdoors, consider how light and nature play into your look.

Best choices:
• Maxi dresses
• Linen or textured fabrics
• Soft, warm neutrals
• Flowing skirts
• Dresses with movement
• Cardigans for layered looks
• Barefoot meadow portraits if weather allows

Outdoor movement is magical — choose pieces that catch the wind or billow softly.

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⭐️ SECTION 5: OUTFIT IDEAS FOR EVERY SEASON

Spring

Soft blush, dusty rose, taupe, lightweight linen, long floral cardigans (tiny floral or texture, not bold prints).

Summer

Flowy neutrals, light fabrics, bare feet, fitted tank dresses, airy spring robes.

Fall

Warm neutrals, layered knits, oatmeal sweaters paired with long skirts.
Avoid orange/rust if you want a timeless look.

Winter

Long-sleeve dresses, fitted knits, textural sweaters, cozy neutrals — rich, creamy tones.

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⭐️ SECTION 6: HELP FOR PARTNERS & SIBLINGS

What should partners wear?

Keep it simple:
✔ Solid neutral tee or henley
✔ Beige, cream, brown, soft grey
✔ Neutral sweater
✔ No logos
✔ No bright colors
✔ Simple, clean shoes

Kids:

✔ Neutrals
✔ Knit rompers
✔ Linen sets
✔ Simple dresses
✔ Bare feet

Avoid:
✘ Bold plaids
✘ Bright holiday colors
✘ Busy prints
✘ Big bows/headbands

Your images will feel cleaner, softer, and more cohesive.

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⭐️ SECTION 7: OUTFITS TO AVOID (AND WHY)

1. Bold patterns

Distract from your face and bump.

2. Bright colors (especially red and neon)

Reflect odd colors onto skin.

3. Harsh blacks or deep navy

Too heavy for your soft, neutral aesthetic.

4. Tight, shiny fabrics

Show lines and wrinkles.

5. Clothes with logos or text

Date your images immediately.

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⭐️ SECTION 8: WHERE TO SHOP (FINCH & MAE APPROVED)

Finch & Mae does offer a client wardrobe available at no additional cost.

Budget-Friendly

• Amazon (neutral dresses, ribbed knits)
• PinkBlush (maternity gowns)

Mid-Range

• Baltic Born
• Vici
• H&M Maternity
• Zara
• Nothing Fits But

Higher-End

• Fillyboo
• Free People
• Anyuta Couture

Choose pieces that make you feel feminine, comfortable, and confident.

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⭐️ SECTION 9: WHY WHAT YOU WEAR MATTERS

Your wardrobe shapes the entire look of your maternity gallery. Neutrals create:

✔ cleaner tones
✔ softer skin
✔ clearer emotion
✔ cohesive styling
✔ timeless, beautiful portraits

Your session should feel like your most beautiful, peaceful, feminine self — neutrals make that possible.

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⭐️ SECTION 10: FINAL TIPS

✔ Try on your outfit 1–2 weeks before
✔ Send me photos if you need help choosing
✔ Bring 2 outfits for variety
✔ Keep undergarments nude
✔ Steam your dress beforehand
✔ Keep jewelry simple
✔ Do hair + makeup softly

And breathe — you’re beautiful just as you are.

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Ready to plan your maternity session?
I would love to document your motherhood story.
➡️ Inquire Here
➡️ View the Maternity Experience
➡️ Explore the Baby Plan