First things first—congratulations! Whether you're still pregnant or your baby has already arrived, I'm so glad you're here. If you're wondering what to wear for your lifestyle newborn session, this guide is designed to make things easy and stress-free (you have enough on your plate).

As your Seattle lifestyle newborn photographer, I’ve been photographing families in their homes for over a decade—and I promise, outfit selection doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here’s the key: keep it simple and comfortable. Below, you'll find a mix of quick-hit tips and helpful details for every member of the family.

Quick Tips to Keep in Mind

A few things that make a big difference:

• Stick to soft, neutral tones like white, cream, gray, beige, burnt orange, or muted earth colors

• Avoid bright colors, logos, and busy prints—they can be distracting in photos

• Choose clothing that feels comfortable and true to you

• Aim for coordination, not matching—no need for all-white shirts and jeans

• Bare feet are totally fine (and often better!) for at-home newborn sessions

What Photographs Best

Why simplicity works so well:

When it comes to clothing for in-home newborn sessions, simple is usually better. The camera tends to love soft textures, cozy knits, and neutral tones.

Avoid:

• Bright or neon colors (they can cast odd reflections on skin)

• Logos, graphics, or writing

• Large or high-contrast patterns

Your clothes should support the moment, not steal the spotlight.

What to Wear: The Birthing Parent

You’ve been through a lot — let’s make sure you’re comfortable.

The best outfits are ones that feel soft, cozy, and like you. No need to dress up or lean into anything that doesn’t align with your identity. Whether you’re feeling totally in your body or still adjusting to all the changes, we’ll make sure you look and feel great.

Great options:

• A soft button-down shirt (worn on its own or layered)

• Relaxed-fit jeans, wide-leg trousers, or structured linen pants

• A long cardigan, lightweight sweater, or casual jacket in an earthy tone

• A flowy midi or maxi dress if you love dresses — especially in solid tones or subtle prints

• A soft wrap dress or tunic-style top with movement and ease

Photogenic textures & colors:

• Cotton, linen, denim, or waffle-knit

• Earth tones, muted greens or blues, charcoal, cream, dusty rose or rust

Avoid:

• Joggers, sweats, or anything that looks like pajamas

• Stiff or overly structured pieces

• Loud patterns, big logos, or anything that doesn’t feel like you
  

The goal? To feel at ease in what you’re wearing so you can focus on your baby — and feel good every time you look back at these images.

What to Wear: Partners

Show up as your favorite version of yourself — relaxed, confident, and comfortable.

You don’t need to dress up or wear anything too buttoned-up. The goal is to keep it easy and authentic, while making sure what you wear complements the tones and textures of the session.

A few solid go-to’s:

• A henley, soft crewneck, or button-down you feel good in

• Neutral or earth-tone layers — a flannel, cardigan, or shacket works great

• Jeans or trousers that aren’t too tight but still feel put-together

• Comfortable shoes or socks you wouldn’t mind seeing in a photo (we’ll likely be on the floor at some point)

What photographs really well:
Textures like waffle knit, cotton, or denim. Colors like olive, slate, rust, charcoal, or cream. If you’re unsure what to wear, start with one solid base and build from there.

What to avoid:
Big logos, loud prints, athletic wear, or anything that makes you feel stiff or overdressed.

This is about showing up as you — the way your kid will know you best.

What to Wear: Siblings

Keep it playful, but soft:

We want siblings to feel comfy and confident while still blending with the overall color palette.

What works well:

• Soft knits, cotton basics, or cozy rompers

• Subtle florals or gingham in soft tones

• Dresses that stay down (avoid short dresses they’ll tug at!)

• Neutral overalls or little cardigans

Skip the distractions:

Avoid itchy fabrics, loud prints, or anything they’ll constantly adjust. Bare feet are great for little ones!

Recommendations for Your Newborn

For your baby, shooting nude, in a diaper, and/or in a simple, white onesie is my favorite! Additionally, if you have any special pieces of clothing that you’d like photographed, have that ready.

As I will continue to reiterate—simplicity is ideal when it comes to clothing! If you have your little one in a bright, frilly outfit, it can distract from their (adorable) face.

I almost always recommend doing a portion of the session with your newborn swaddled. If you can, choose a neutral-colored swaddle blanket (bonus—babies tend to fall right asleep once the swaddling commences). If you have any other blankets that you love, please have them out as well!

Family Coordination

 Aim to Be Coordinated, not matching! So what does that even mean? As I’ve mentioned above, I’m a huge fan of the way neutrals photograph. I love how in this family shoot, these muted tones they’re wearing all complement each other without being that family portrait you’ve seen where everyone is wearing white shirts and khakis. 

Low-Key Prep Tips (If You Want Them)

You don’t need to do anything special — but if you’re wondering how much to “get ready,” here’s what tends to work well in photos (while still feeling like you).

For newborn sessions, we’re capturing real, tender moments — not anything overly styled or polished. However you usually show up in your day-to-day life is exactly how I recommend showing up in your photos.

Hair:
Stick with your usual style — whether that’s brushed and pulled back, freshly cut, or lived-in and a little messy. Whatever feels most you is what will photograph best.

If you’re due for a cut or trim and that helps you feel good, that can be a great pre-session step, but it’s absolutely not required.

Makeup (if you wear it):
If you typically wear makeup, go for a light, natural version of your usual look. Tinted moisturizer, mascara, or lip balm are more than enough if you want a little boost. If you don’t wear makeup, don’t feel any pressure to start now. There’s no need to add anything that doesn’t feel aligned with how you like to move through the world.

The goal is always this:
To look and feel like yourself. These photos are for you—not a version of you that’s filtered, styled, or unrecognizable.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is this—you don’t need to look perfect. You’re doing something incredible — showing up for your baby, showing up for each other, and letting yourselves be seen in this wild, beautiful moment of newness.

Come as you are. I’ll take care of the rest.