What To Wear For Lifestyle Newborn Photos : Melissa Arlena Photography

Nothing ruins the excitement of lifestyle newborn photos more than figuring out what to wear for the entire family ????! Don’t worry I’ve got you covered! I’ve put together some tips and real inspiration photos of past clients to help you figure out how to make your family look stylish and put together for your session.

Plus if you are a client of mine you will get access to my Client Dashboard with even more tips, advice and suggestions on places to shop! Be sure to check out my Pinterest board Newborn Photoshoot What to Wear for more examples!

Style

When it comes to what to wear for lifestyle newborn photos think about yourself and your family and what your overall style is. What are you most comfortable in outside of yoga pants :)? If you are a jeans and t-shirt girl maybe this isn’t the time to jump on rent the runway and get a ball gown.

Not to mention it takes awhile for your post partum body to heal. You are not dressing your normal body and if seeing your belly still swollen in a form fitting dress is going to make you hate photos with you in them don’t do it. If you can run a mile in 5 inch heels and love to dress to the nines then embrace it and go for it! Embrace YOUR style!

Color Palette

Let’s tackle color palette next, my go to suggestion is always to stick with neutral and pastel colors. We want the focus to be on baby and not the brightest color in the photos. I recommend light pinks, blues, aqua, white, cream and gray. Avoid hot pink, neon green and bright orange as these can cast unflattering colors onto your skin and baby’s skin.

lifestyle newborn photo session charlottesville virginia

What to Wear Outfit Tips & Inspiration

Mom Outfits

Dressing your post partum body is tough, I’ve had 3 kids so I definitely know what that feels like. I’ve had clients wear everything from long flowy dresses to jeans for their session. The most important thing when it comes to what to wear for lifestyle newborn photos is that you feel comfortable! I’ve rounded up some photos of real mom clients of mine so you can be inspired when picking out what you want to wear.

what to wear lifestyle newborn photos — Jeans are a classic if your style is more relaxed and casual. You can easily dress them up and they can help tuck in any post baby belly.

charlottesville newborn photography — Dresses definitely up the vibe of a session creating a more elegant feel. I recommend going with a maxi dress!

virginia newborn photos — Definitely keep your top a light neutral or pastel color when wearing jeans. You can also opt for white jeans to keep your overall outfit light and bright.

richmond newborn photography — Whether you choose jeans or a dress just make sure if fits your style and the vibe you want for your session. I want you to feel comfortable and beautiful!

Dad Outfits

Let’s be honest here, keep it simple for dads! Be sure to pick out their outfit for them well ahead of time and lay it out so they know exactly what to wear. I can’t tell you how many times I hear dad’s say I thought you meant this blue shirt before they go change into the right one :). So make it easy on them!

Typically my dad clients wear khaki shorts or pants or jeans for our sessions and a button down. I love how a crisp long sleeve button down with the sleeves rolled up can dress up a pair of jeans for dad! Check out some of my past dads to see what to wear for lifestyle newborn photos.

what to wear lifestyle newborn photos dad — Make sure Dad rolls his sleeves for photos for a more relaxed but still put together look.

newborn photography — Pair a button down with khaki pants if mom is wearing a dress for a more formal look.

dad what to wear lifestyle newborn session — Button downs can be a solid color or patterned. Just watch the colors and the pattern to ensure it’s not too busy or too bold. We want to keep the focus on baby and not Dad’s shirt.

lifestyle newborn photographer — When in doubt white is always a classic!

Sibling Outfits

Definitely keep the tones for sibling outfits to neutrals and pastels. Avoid busy patterns and bright graphic elements. Nothing dates a photo more than a Paw Patrol or Minecraft shirt. If mom is wearing a solid dress you can put a sibling in a subtle delicate pattern dress or shirt but if mom is wearing a pattern stick to solids for the kiddos.

at home newborn photos — Yes you can mix khakis and jeans on siblings! Just make sure their shirts have the same style. For example don’t put one kids in khakis and a button down and the other in jeans and a tshirt. Henleys can be a great option too if you are looking for something between a t shirt and button down!

on location newborn photography — I love little girls in dresses! Keep it neutral and if mom is wearing a dress make sure they both aren’t patterned. One pattern and one solid color is perfect.

lifestyle newborn photography — These are all great examples of matching sibling style to mom and dad!

girls with sisters at miami lifestyle newborn session — Again I just love dresses for little girls!

Baby Outfits

I recommend to all my clients to start baby off in a white onesie. It keeps the focus on baby’s face and their features. Then we typically will swaddle them for the second half of photos for another look. If you have a special heirloom outfit you want photos in we can do that at the end of the session!

lifestyle newborn photos — Make sure to get a special swaddle blanket or knotted gown for your baby’s second look! This helps add to the variety of photos you will receive.

newborn photographer — But bring on the cuteness for a second outfit!

I hope you enjoyed this post on What to Wear for Lifestyle Newborn Photos. If you are in the Charlottesville, Richmond or Central Virginia area and having a baby I’d love to chat with you about booking a lifestyle newborn session! Clients typically book in their second trimester so if that is you click the button below!

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