In the few months leading up to childbirth, you may find yourself wanting to capture every last bit of your bump era on camera. Rather than stick to just selfies, many expecting mamas book a maternity photoshoot to encapsulate these last moments with their growing baby. But just as identifying the best maternity clothes for […]
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In the few months leading up to childbirth, you may find yourself wanting to capture every last bit of your bump era on camera. Rather than stick to just selfies, many expecting mamas book a maternity photoshoot to encapsulate these last moments with their growing baby. But just as identifying the best maternity clothes for everyday wear can be challenging, finding your dream maternity photoshoot dress can take some time, too.
Best Overall: Ingrid & Isabel, Maternity Selma Dress, $128
Best for Wearing After Pregnancy: Hill House Home, Ellie Nap Dress, $150
Best Budget Statement Dress: Funicet, Molliya Maternity Long Dress, $15
Best Statement Dress: Dedysler, Maternity Gown, $73
Best for Showing Off Bump: YnimioAOX, Off-Shoulder Strapless Dress, $30
Best Black Dress: Quince, Recycled Knit Maternity Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress, $50
Best Dress That Feels Like PJs: Ingrid & Isabel, Sleeveless Peek-a-Boo Knit Maternity Dress, $19
Best Long-Sleeve: Bumpsuit, The Monica Dress, $275
Best Budget: Shein, Elegant Party Bodycon Maternity Dress, $12
Best Splurge: Seraphine, Gold Shimmer Maternity Evening Dress, $539
There are a few things to consider when shopping for a maternity photoshoot dress, the first being what time of year you’re taking said photos. Think warm for fall and winter, cool for summer, and somewhere in between for spring, depending on where you live. You want to dress accordingly for the weather, specifically if your vision includes outdoor snapshots.
Speaking of vision, what do you want your photos to look like? Do you have a setting (i.e. indoor or outdoor, beach or park) or a vibe (traditional or modern, romantic or whimsical) in mind? These key details will help set the tone as you shop as they widdle down your options to a niche look.
Regarding the actual dress, Stitch Fix M.O.M Stylist Jillian Obarski tells SheKnows that fit and fabrication should be top of mind. She often suggests clients looking for styles with an empire waist, which cinches right under the bust, highlights the smallest part of your torso and provides plenty of room for your growing bump. But, if you’re opting for a bump-friendly, non-maternity dress, Obarski recommends sticking with styles like wrap dresses, A-line dresses, and maxi dresses. Stretchy materials, she says, are also key – think jersey or spandex blends that hug your curves and highlight your bump.
Lastly, your maternity photoshoot dress should make you feel good, inside and out. Dressing comfortably should be the goal throughout your pregnancy (when mama is at ease, so is baby!), but this is especially vital during your maternity photoshoot. You want to associate the experience with fond memories rather than with how the fabric of your dress was too restrictive, heavy, or itchy.
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Jillian Obarski: Stitch Fix M.O.M Stylist
BEST OVERALL
Ingrid & Isabel’s Ripe Maternity Selma Smocked Dress comes in two colors – Pink Multi and Pale Blue – perfect for maternity photoshoots. We love that the dress is dainty and romantic, with flutter sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder, and a flirty hem. The dress boasts a bodycon fit, hugs the figure, and accentuates your growing bump. But unlike other form-fitting dresses, this number is smocked from top to bottom, so the material is comfortable with a lot of give.
Sizes available: XS – XL
Colors: 2 (Pink Multi, Pale Blue)
Material: 100% viscose
BEST FOR REWEARING AFTER PREGNANCY
“One of my go-to special occasion dresses is my Ellie Nap Dress by Hill House Home,” says Gina Vaynshteyn, senior commerce director. “It’s splurge-y, but the beauty of it is that it’ll likely fit you (and look good—that’s always the catch!) at nine months as well post-pregnancy (including right after). I’m nearing eight months, and my Ellie looks really pretty and fits beautifully, and it’s a dress I used to wear a ton before getting pregnant.”
The dress’s bodice is elastic and has really generous stretch, while the tiered skirt is quite billow-y. On the Hill House website, it’s even labeled as being “pregnancy and breastfeeding-friendly” due to its construction, as well as its soft fabric. Another nice thing about it, is thanks to the smocking and gentle material, you can likely wear this sans bra, which, if you’re pregnant, is a god-send for that sore bust.
The design is also just really pretty, and really timeless—it went viral in 2020 (and continues to be a best-seller) for a good reason! And whether you wear it on your maternity shoot, baby shower, or to work, just keep in mind that, true to its name, it does make for an excellent nap uniform.
Sizes available: XXXS-XXXL
Colors: 33
Material: 45% Rayon, 35% Tencel, 20% Nylon
BEST BUDGET STATEMENT
“As someone who is currently pregnant and planning their maternity photoshoot, I’m not looking to spend a lot of money. It’s a one-time event, so I’m not treating this as an investment piece or part of my capsule wardrobe. I just want something elegant, something that stands out, and something that showcases my bump. And something that’s 2024 economy-friendly,” Vaynshteyn says.
“I’m currently eyeing this pretty bare-shouldered maxi dress with long, dramatic sleeves. It comes in baby pink, but also navy blue, golden yellow, and red. It honestly looks like something a princess would wear.”
This dress offers enough stretch for comfort, and the fabric is breathable, so you won’t have to worry about sweating through it during a summer or early fall photoshoot.
Sizes available: 2XL-5XL
Colors: 4
Material: 100% polyester
BEST STATEMENT
For a quintessential, Pinterest-worthy maternity photoshoot dress, look no further than this gown (it’s begging to be photographed on you!). The dramatic sleeves and train give it a fairytale-like look, and it comes in 15 different colors (the above burnt sienna colorway is gorgeous, but might work better for a fall photoshoot — for summer, you may want to go with something brighter, like yellow or light blue). Soft, breathable, and wrinkle-free (important: you don’t want to wrinkle your dress in the car on the way to the shoot!), this dress is made of sturdy enough quality to be reworn again.
Sizes available: XS-XXL
Colors: 15
Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
BEST FOR SHOWING OFF YOUR BUMP
If you’re looking for a dress that puts your bump front and center, we love this affordable strapless number that’s just $30 (which is ideal if you plan on just wearing this once). The sheer chiffon material gives it an ethereal, fairy-like look (perfect for a woodsy or beach shoot!) and it comes in 18 different colors to choose from. Although it’s one-size fits (most), the fabric is extra stretchy, so it’s truly designed to fit most bodies.
Sizes available: One size
Colors: 18
Material: 65% polyester,35% spandex
“I recently wore this dress to a fancy work event, and I got so many compliments,” Vaynshteyn says. “The fabric was soft enough to feel like I was wearing pajamas, but the design was cute enough to make me look like I dressed up, and at 31 weeks, that’s all I could ever want in a dress.”
If you want to show off a little bump—maybe not the full thing, you do you!—this dress offers a cute cut-out, “peek-a-boo” feature. It’s long enough to cover your knees, but still features a dramatic-enough soft V-neck for a little oomph. Best of all (aside for the comfort and pretty design)? It’s easy to style. Pair it with some colorful sandals, jewelry, and a head piece, and your maternity photos will surely be memorable.
Sizes available: XS-XXL
Colors: 2
Material: 94% Rayon, 6% Spandex
BEST ON AMAZON
When shopping for the best maternity photoshoot dresses, keep in mind that the piece you choose doesn’t have to be marketed as “maternity.” As long as the material is bump-friendly, it’s fair game. PUMIEY’s cap sleeve maxi dress is a qualifier, and a popular pick among mommy influencers on Instagram. While this author doesn’t own this exact dress, she owns multiple PUMIEY tops in the same fabric and can vouch for its comfortable wear and smoothing abilities. It’s made from nylon and spandex, offering optimal stretch, while stylistic details like square cap sleeves, a fishtail hem, and a scooped neckline exude sophistication and make the wearer feel sexy.
Sizes available: XS – XXL
Colors: 10 (Bubblegum, Jet Black, Periwinkle, Pool, Stone, and more)
Material: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex
BEST BLACK DRESS
If you’re on the hunt for something classic but also don’t want to spend a paycheck on a designer gown, look no further than one of our favorite brands, Quince, which makes similar-to-the-designer-version clothing and accessories. Unlike some other retailers, their materials are sustainably sourced and the products are of a high caliber.
“I’ve been testing Quince products for a few years ago, and nothing has ever left me disappointed,” Vaynshteyn says. “The brand sent me some maternity pieces, and I’ve been wearing them non-stop from the second trimester on.”
This black maxi is made from a recycled polyester-Elastane combination, making it nice and stretchy. It’s also double-lined, giving you some reassurance that nobody will be able to see your VPL. The brushed fabric is ultra soft, too, so you don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable or stiff when you wear it.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colors: 1
Material: 90% recycle polyester, 10% Elastane
BEST LONG SLEEVE
The second this author announced her pregnancy on social media, she was flooded with advertisements for Bumpsuit – one of the most stylish, yet minimalistic maternity brands by far. The Monica Dress is a best-seller and an especially popular maternity photoshoot dress. It comes in four colors – black, ivory, dusty pink, and powder blue – so you can choose something gender-specific or neutral, and a maxi design complete with a slide slit, long sleeves, and a turtleneck. The only major caveat reviewers note is the dress’s length is a little too long if you’re on the shorter side, but that detail is nothing a quick stop into the tailor or a good pair of heeled boots can’t fix.
Sizes available: XXS – XL
Colors: 4 (Black, Ivory, Dusty Pink, Powder Blue)
Material: 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex
BEST SLEEVELESS
This maternity dress from Old Navy is so incredibly comfortable, that I almost want to order it in every color (but the Cerulean Blue is by far my favorite). It’s construction of cotton, polyester, rayon, and spandex translates to a stretchy frock that’s plenty roomy for a growing bump. It boasts a high mock neck, so no need to fuss over finding a statement necklace (stick to bracelets and earrings), and it hits a smidge higher than knee-length.
Sizes available: XS – XXL
Colors: Heritage Green, Cerulean Blue, Black Jack, A Stone’s Throw
Material: Cotton 52%, Polyester 23%, Rayon 22%, Spandex 3%
BEST PETITE
If this author has learned anything from styling her petite stature, it’s that when it comes to dresses, mini hemlines are best as they give the illusion of longer legs (plus, they save you a trip to the tailor). The PinkBlush Smocked Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Maternity Dress is a great option for petites. It checks the mini box and also boasts a slew of romantic stylistic details that will look gorgeous photographed, like its puffed-and-smocked off-the-shoulder sleeves and smocked elastic top.
Sizes available: S – L
Colors: 4 (Green, Pink, Blue, Navy Blue)
Material: 100% cotton lining: 100% rayon
BEST MIDI
On the hunt for a dress that’s pretty, but no frills? Enter the H&M Mama Ribbed Dress. This throw-on-and-go fit is a minimalist’s dream because it does the work for you. With a high, round neckline and a slit at the side of the hem, the dress is a statement on its own. You can add accessories, or not. The goal is to be comfortable and look cute. Check and check.
Sizes available: XS – XXL
Colors: 7 (Light Green, Light Grey/Glitter, Light Pink, Green, and more)
Material: 94% LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose
BEST FLORAL
Petal & Pup’s Madilyn Maxi Dress would be a stunning option for a maternity photoshoot set in a garden or park peppered with flowers. Its floral print is eye-catching and the V overlay neckline paired with the dress’s adjustable cami shoulder straps brings home the dress’s romantic elegance. All you need is a pair of dainty heels or delicate sandals to complete the look.
Sizes available: XS – XL
Colors: 1 (White Floral)
Material: 100% Polyester
BEST SLIP
For a throw-on-and-go dress with a “wow” factor, turn your attention to The Ricky Slip by Hatch. Made from 100% cupro (a man-made cellulosic fiber with a reputation of being more sustainable than materials like rayon), this LBD (that’s long* black dress) is designed to fit and flatter your bump at any stage of pregnancy and postpartum. And, because it’s black and black is the quintessential neutral, with a silky finish, you can dress it up or down, depending on your maternity photoshoot vibe.
Sizes available: 0 – 4
Colors: 1 (Black)
Material: 100% Cupro
BEST BUDGET
The period during which you need maternity and bump-friendly clothing is fleeting. So, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a maternity photoshoot dress or don’t have the budget to splurge on an outfit you’ll likely only wear once, SHEIN’s maternity bodycon midi dress is a great under $20 option. The midi style comes in five colors, including pink and blue, hugs the body in all the right places, enhances the bump, and features a ruffled bodice and hem for extra pizazz.
Sizes available: S – XXL
Colors: 5 (Pink, Blue, Champagne, Mint Green, Mauve Purple)
Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane
BEST KIMONO-STYLE
The Kia Kimono Maxi Dress is the quintessential floral maternity photoshoot dress. It’s a Baltic Born-exclusive and one you’ll want to save for post-partum wear. The material is lightweight and flowy, and the dress’s crossover surplice neckline perfectly enhances the bust and is great for nursing mothers. The style also boasts an elastic waistband and detached self-tie, so it stretches accordingly with your bump.
Sizes available: XS – XXXL
Colors: 12 (Deep Topaz Floral, White Floral, Sage Floral, Midnight Floral, and more)
Material: 100% Polyester
BEST SPLURGE
If you’re down to spend some cash on your special photoshoot, we get it. Seraphine, which has been spotted on Duchess Kate Middleton, makes maternity clothing truly worthy of royalty. This all-out gold shimmer evening dress is perfect for creating a moment in time nobody will ever forget. While it’s fully adorned with sequins, its lining is made with a soft jersey fabric. It also features wide straps which are ideal if you now have to wear heavier duty bras (IYKYK).
Sizes available: 2-12
Colors: 1
Material:
Shell: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane.
Lining: 96% Viscose, 4% Elastane.
Sleeve lining: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane.
This maxi wrap dress looks like it could also double as costume design for a Shakespearean play — so if you’re going for that fairy-like vibe at your maternity photoshoot, we highly recommend this sweet lilac pick from ASOS. The long sleeves with ruffling detail, large sequins, and the keyhole detail (for those side-profile shots!) make this a major contender in our book.
Sizes available: 2-14
Colors: 1
Material:
Lining: 100% Polyester
Shell: 100% Polyester.
This classic square neck sundress can be your maternity photoshoot dress pick, but it can also just be the dress you wear all summer long, even post-pregnancy—it’s really just that versatile. Made of 100 percent cotton, the fabric is nice and breathable and high-quality. Features we love: snap opening in the front for easy breastfeeding, and wide straps to accommodate thicker bra straps.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Colors: 1
Material: 100% cotton
