What to Wear for Holiday Maternity Photos
So, you’ve booked your holiday maternity photo session (or at least you’re thinking about it) and now the big question looms: What on earth do I wear?
It’s the question every mom-to-be asks at some point, and the holidays make it trickier. Suddenly you’re trying to balance cozy winter vibes, a little holiday sparkle, and the fact that you’re growing an entire human. The good news? You can absolutely look and feel amazing in your holiday maternity photos without raiding five stores or buying something you’ll never wear again.
Let’s break down the best outfit choices, color palettes, and styling tricks to help you shine this season—whether you want timeless elegance, a touch of glam, or something cozy and playful.
1. Think Festive, But Not Costume-y
Yes, it’s a holiday session. No, you do not need to dress like a walking Christmas tree. Subtle nods to the season photograph beautifully—think jewel tones like emerald green, cranberry red, deep navy, or champagne gold. Metallic fabrics or sequins can add just the right amount of holiday sparkle without going full Rudolph.
Stick to a palette that complements your skin tone and the location. If your session is outdoors, earthy holiday shades (burgundy, forest green, ivory) pop against natural backdrops. Indoors or studio sessions? Don’t be afraid to lean into drama with something more luxe, like satin or velvet.
2. Dresses Are Your Best Friend
When in doubt, choose a dress. Why? Because dresses do all the work for you. They elongate your frame, flatter the bump, and photograph beautifully in motion.
Some maternity-friendly styles to consider:
Maxi Dresses: Flowy, floor-length gowns always photograph beautifully. Bonus: they’re comfortable and keep you warm in cooler weather.
Velvet Wrap Dresses: The texture screams holiday, and the wrap style flatters every stage of pregnancy.
Fitted Knit Dresses: If you want to show off the bump, a stretchy fitted dress can be both cozy and chic.
Pro tip: Long sleeves or off-the-shoulder styles add elegance while keeping the focus on your belly and face.
3. Layers = Style + Comfort
Holiday weather in Charlotte is unpredictable. One day it’s 65 degrees, the next it’s “I should’ve brought gloves.” Layers let you adjust without sacrificing style.
A few favorites:
Chunky Knit Cardigans: Cozy without being sloppy.
Shawls or Wraps: They photograph beautifully and can double as a blanket between shots.
Structured Coats: A tailored wool coat draped over your shoulders instantly elevates the look.
4. Don’t Forget the Details
Accessories are where you can sneak in that festive flair. Think:
A pair of statement earrings or a sparkly hair clip
A delicate pendant necklace resting above the bump
Seasonal props (a small wreath, a string of lights, or even a cozy mug of cocoa)
But remember—less is more. You want you and your bump to be the star of the photo, not the oversized reindeer earrings you found at Target.
5. Shoes Matter (Even If No One Sees Them)
Odds are, your shoes will barely show. But let’s be real—walking in heels at 7 months pregnant is not the vibe. Go for stylish comfort: ankle boots, ballet flats, or even dressy sneakers if the outfit allows. If your dress covers your feet, focus on comfort first—you’ll thank yourself during the session.
6. Coordinate, Don’t Match
If your partner (or kiddos) are joining the photos, you don’t all need to wear matching red sweaters. Instead, choose a complementary color palette. For example:
You: deep green velvet dress
Partner: navy sweater + gray slacks
Kids: cream or plaid accents that tie the looks together
This way, everyone looks cohesive without screaming “matching family pajamas” (save those for Christmas morning).
7. Hair and Makeup Count
A polished look makes a big difference on camera, especially for holiday sessions. Loose curls, sleek ponytails, or soft waves all pair well with holiday styling. For makeup, think classic: neutral eyes, a little shimmer, and maybe even a bold lip if that feels like you.
Pro tip: Book hair and makeup with your photographer’s preferred artists (like I recommend for my clients at Erin Wilwert Photography) so you can relax and feel photo-ready.
8. Bring a Backup
Pregnancy is unpredictable. Sometimes you get to the session and realize that dress that looked amazing in the mirror just isn’t comfortable. Always bring a backup option—whether it’s a second dress, a different sweater, or a simple neutral outfit. Peace of mind goes a long way.
9. Embrace the Holiday Spirit
If you’re feeling playful, add a subtle holiday touch: a plaid blanket wrap, a cozy knit hat, or even a string of fairy lights to hold over the bump. Just make sure it enhances the mood, not takes over the photo.
Remember, the goal isn’t to look like a Pinterest board exploded on your outfit—it’s to capture you and your baby in this beautiful season.
10. Work With Your Photographer
Here’s the secret sauce: your photographer is your best resource. At Erin Wilwert Photography, I help clients choose outfits that not only look amazing in person but also photograph beautifully with my editing style and the chosen location. When in doubt, send me your outfit ideas and I’ll help narrow it down.
Because at the end of the day, your holiday maternity photos aren’t about the perfect dress or the trendiest color—they’re about celebrating you, your growing family, and this incredible moment in your life.
Wrapping It Up
Holiday maternity photos are about more than just what you wear—they’re about capturing a magical season of your life. But the right outfit? That’s the cherry on top. Choose something comfortable, flattering, and seasonally festive, and you’ll love your photos for years to come.
If you’re still stressing about what to wear, don’t worry—that’s what I’m here for. At Erin Wilwert Photography, I walk you through every step, from outfit choices to styling tips to helping you feel confident in front of the camera. And if you haven’t booked your holiday maternity session yet… what are you waiting for? Let’s get you on the calendar before the season slips by.
