What to Wear for Maternity Photos in Detroit: Ultimate Style Guide 2025

By Two Wild Souls Photography – Metro Detroit’s Luxury Maternity Photographer
Custom Heirloom Products | Hair & Makeup | Outdoor + In-Studio Portrait Sessions

Your Detroit Maternity Photo Style Journey Begins Here

Creating stunning maternity photos in Detroit is about more than just capturing a moment—it’s about celebrating the incredible journey of motherhood with style, grace, and confidence. As Metro Detroit’s premier luxury maternity photographer, I’ve had the privilege of styling over 200 expectant mothers, and I’m excited to share the insider secrets that will help you look and feel absolutely radiant during your maternity photoshoot.

Whether you’re planning your session in Rochester, Birmingham, Troy, or anywhere across Metro Detroit, the right wardrobe choices can transform your maternity photos from beautiful to breathtaking. The best part? You don’t need to stress about shopping or second-guessing your choices when you work with Two Wild Souls Photography—our full-service experience includes access to a curated wardrobe of designer gowns in sizes XS to 4X, but understanding your options will help you feel confident and prepared.

Essential Wardrobe Pieces for Detroit Maternity Photos

Flowing Gowns and Dresses

The foundation of stunning maternity photography lies in flowing, feminine silhouettes that celebrate your beautiful bump while creating gorgeous movement in photos. Flowing gowns are absolutely magical for maternity sessions because they photograph beautifully in both studio and outdoor settings throughout Metro Detroit.

Maxi dresses with empire waistlines are particularly flattering, as they cinch just under the bust and flow gracefully over your bump. Look for dresses with subtle draping or ruching that adds texture without overwhelming your silhouette. Chiffon, silk, and jersey fabrics move beautifully and photograph with an ethereal quality that’s perfect for those dreamy maternity portraits.

Off-the-shoulder gowns create an elegant, romantic look that draws the eye to your décolletage while highlighting your glowing pregnancy skin. These styles are incredibly versatile—they work beautifully for both intimate studio sessions and outdoor locations like the scenic spots we love throughout Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills.

Casual Chic Options

Not every maternity photo needs to be formal! Some of the most beloved images come from embracing a more relaxed, lifestyle approach to maternity photography. Well-fitted jeans with a stylish maternity top can create gorgeous, authentic moments that feel true to your everyday style.

Bodycon dresses in neutral tones are another excellent choice for showcasing your beautiful bump. These form-fitting styles celebrate your changing silhouette while maintaining a chic, modern aesthetic that photographs beautifully in both color and black-and-white.

Coordinated separates offer incredible versatility during your session. A flowy maternity blouse paired with fitted bottoms, or a cropped sweater with a flowing skirt, gives your photographer multiple styling options within a single outfit change.

Seasonal Considerations for Metro Detroit Weather

Planning your maternity session around Metro Detroit’s changing seasons opens up beautiful wardrobe opportunities. Spring sessions call for soft pastels and flowing fabrics that complement the blooming landscapes around Rochester and Royal Oak. Think blush pinks, sage greens, and cream tones that harmonize with Michigan’s natural beauty.

Summer maternity sessions are perfect for lightweight, breathable fabrics in gorgeous jewel tones or classic whites. If you’re planning an outdoor session at one of Metro Detroit’s beautiful locations, consider fabrics that will keep you comfortable while still looking elegant on camera.

Fall sessions offer the most dramatic backdrop opportunities, and your wardrobe can reflect this richness. Deep burgundies, warm rust tones, and rich navy blues complement Michigan’s stunning autumn colors beautifully. For winter maternity sessions, embrace luxurious textures like velvet or cashmere in jewel tones that pop against snowy backdrops.

For mothers in Royal Oak, the charming downtown area provides beautiful urban backdrops that work wonderfully with both casual and elegant styling choices.

Where to Find the Perfect Maternity Photo Outfits in Detroit

Two Wild Souls Photography

We have a collection of 50+ designer maternity gowns that range from sizes XS to 4X+. The gowns we purchase are intentionally sewn to fit multiple body types and sizes meaning each outfit can fit this range of sizing.

What is the difference between your designer gowns and what is available online?

Great question, we get this a lot. We have purchased our share of gowns from places like Amazon, Shein, etc. when we first started our collection of gowns. There is a BIG difference in the quality of gown in the way that it fits, not just how poorly they tend to be sown. For example, the bras in the more budget gowns tends to poof up and out making your breasts appear abnormally shaped. Our gowns are not only sewn to a high quality, but they fit and can be customized with adjustment straps to each body type. We have a range of gowns that vary in price and uniqueness; we have one of a kind custom sewn gowns just for us to a few popular styles that come and go with fashion trends and everything in between. Most quality gowns cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500 depending on how extravagant the gown is. Inquire today to see all of our current offerings!

Don’t skimp on these outfits, they make (or break) your portraits! On top of all of this…if we do not have a gown you LOVE, we will purchase one you do to add to our collection at no additional cost. We are always adding to our collection and our customers are our #1 priority!

Birmingham Luxury Boutiques

Birmingham’s shopping district offers several boutiques perfect for finding elegant maternity photo outfits. Anthropologie consistently carries flowing dresses and unique pieces that photograph beautifully, while their selection of accessories can complete your look perfectly.

Local Birmingham boutiques often carry one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your maternity photos truly unique. These smaller shops frequently offer personalized styling services and can help you find pieces that flatter your changing figure while reflecting your personal style.

Somerset Collection Shopping Guide

Somerset Collection in Troy is a maternity photo styling goldmine, offering everything from high-end designer options to accessible fashion that photographs beautifully. Nordstrom provides an excellent selection of maternity and regular clothing that works perfectly for photo sessions, with knowledgeable stylists who understand fit and photography needs.

Saks Fifth Avenue at Somerset offers luxury options for mothers wanting to invest in designer pieces for their maternity session. Many of their dresses work beautifully for maternity photos even if they’re not specifically maternity wear—the key is choosing empire waists and flowing silhouettes.

Macy’s provides budget-friendly options without sacrificing style. Their regular dress sections often include pieces that work beautifully for maternity photos, and their frequent sales make it easier to try multiple options.

Online Gown Rental Services

Maternity gown rentals have revolutionized maternity photography, making designer pieces accessible for your special session. Services like Rent the Runway now offer maternity-specific options, while other rental platforms include non-maternity pieces that work beautifully for expectant mothers.

Local rental options are emerging throughout Metro Detroit, offering the convenience of trying pieces locally while still accessing designer quality. This option is particularly appealing for mothers who want luxury pieces for their session without the full investment.

Color Palettes That Photograph Beautifully

Neutral Tones for Timeless Appeal

Soft neutrals create timeless maternity photos that you’ll treasure for decades. Cream, beige, soft gray, and blush tones complement every skin tone and work beautifully in both studio and natural light settings. These colors allow your natural glow to shine through while creating elegant, sophisticated images.

Monochromatic neutral looks are incredibly chic and photograph with stunning sophistication. A palette of varying shades within the same color family—such as different tones of gray or beige—creates depth and visual interest without being distracting.

Bold Colors for Statement Looks

Rich jewel tones create dramatic, stunning maternity portraits. Deep emerald, sapphire blue, and rich burgundy are particularly gorgeous for Metro Detroit sessions, as they complement both studio lighting and Michigan’s natural outdoor settings.

Classic black is always elegant and incredibly flattering for maternity photos. Black creates a slimming effect, draws attention to your beautiful bump, and works in any setting. Consider texured black pieces or those with interesting details to add visual interest.

Styling Tips from Detroit’s Premier Maternity Photographer

After photographing hundreds of expectant mothers throughout Metro Detroit, I’ve learned that the most stunning maternity photos happen when mothers feel confident and comfortable. Here are my professional insights for choosing the perfect maternity photo wardrobe:

Fit is everything. Even the most beautiful dress won’t photograph well if it doesn’t fit properly. Choose pieces that skim your body without being too tight or too loose. Your maternity photos should celebrate your beautiful changing figure, not hide it.

Consider your location. If you’re planning an outdoor session at one of Metro Detroit’s gorgeous locations, choose colors and styles that complement the natural setting. For studio sessions, you have more flexibility with bold colors and dramatic styles.

For those interested in a more intimate approach, consider maternity boudoir photography which requires different styling considerations but creates incredibly powerful, feminine portraits.

Think about movement. The most magical maternity photos often capture natural movement—walking, twirling, or gentle motion. Choose fabrics and styles that move beautifully with you. Avoid anything too structured or restrictive.

Bring options. If you’re shopping for your session, consider bringing 2-3 outfit options. This allows for variety in your final gallery and ensures you have backup options if something doesn’t feel right on the day of your session.

At Two Wild Souls Photography, we eliminate the guesswork entirely with our comprehensive styling service. Our complete maternity photography experience includes access to a carefully curated wardrobe of designer gowns, plus professional hair and makeup styling to ensure you look and feel absolutely stunning.

We’ve crafted the best maternity and newborn experience in Metro Detroit, combining luxury styling with expert photography to create timeless portraits you’ll treasure forever.

What Not to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Fabric and Pattern Guidance

Avoid busy patterns that compete with your beautiful face and bump. Small, repetitive patterns can create a distracting effect in photos, while large, bold patterns can be overwhelming. Solid colors or subtle textures are almost always the better choice for maternity photography.

Skip overly casual clothing unless you’re specifically going for a lifestyle approach. While comfort is important, remember that these photos will become family heirlooms. Choose pieces that feel special and photograph with the elegance that matches the importance of this moment.

Avoid anything too tight or restrictive. You want to feel comfortable and confident during your session. Clothing that’s too tight will be uncomfortable and won’t photograph as flatteringly as pieces that gently skim your beautiful curves.

Common Styling Mistakes

Don’t choose outfits solely based on trends. While it’s tempting to incorporate the latest fashion trends, remember that your maternity photos should feel timeless. Classic, elegant styles will never go out of fashion.

Avoid logos or text on clothing. These elements can be distracting in photos and date your images unnecessarily. Choose clean, simple lines that keep the focus on you and your beautiful bump.

Complete Styling Experience with Two Wild Souls Photography

Understanding what to wear for your maternity photos is just the beginning of creating stunning portraits that celebrate this incredible time in your life. At Two Wild Souls Photography, we’ve created a complete luxury experience that takes care of every detail, so you can focus on feeling beautiful and being present for this special moment.

Our comprehensive styling service includes access to over 50 designer gowns in sizes XS to 4X, ensuring that every expectant mother finds pieces that make her feel absolutely radiant. We also provide professional hair and makeup styling, so you’ll look and feel your absolute best from the moment you step in front of the camera.

Ready to plan your dream maternity session? Our Detroit maternity photography sessions are designed to be completely stress-free and entirely focused on celebrating you. We handle every detail of the styling process, from wardrobe selection to professional hair and makeup, ensuring that your experience is as beautiful as your final images.

Whether you’re envisioning elegant studio portraits or dreaming of an outdoor session at one of Metro Detroit’s most beautiful locations, we’ll work together to create exactly the experience you’re dreaming of.

For those seeking the ultimate luxury experience, our Metro Detroit maternity boudoir photography combines elegant styling with intimate portraiture for truly stunning results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maternity Photo Outfits

When should I start planning my maternity photo wardrobe? We recommend beginning to think about your maternity photo style around 20-24 weeks, giving you plenty of time to explore options without feeling rushed. If you’re working with Two Wild Souls Photography, our styling consultation will take care of all the wardrobe planning for you.

Do I need to buy special maternity clothes for photos? Not necessarily! Many regular dresses and tops work beautifully for maternity photos, especially pieces with empire waists or flowing silhouettes. However, our complete styling service eliminates this concern entirely—you’ll have access to our full designer wardrobe during your session.

How many outfit changes should I plan? Most clients enjoy 2-3 outfit changes during their maternity session, allowing for variety in style and setting. Our sessions include multiple wardrobe options, and we’ll work together to choose the perfect pieces for your vision.

What if I’m not comfortable showing my bump? Your comfort is our highest priority. We have many styling options that celebrate your pregnancy while keeping you feeling confident and comfortable. During our consultation, we’ll discuss exactly what feels right for you.

Should I coordinate with my partner for couple’s shots? Absolutely! If your partner will be joining for portion of your session, we’ll help coordinate his outfit with your chosen looks. Classic, timeless pieces work best—think solid colors that complement your choices without competing for attention.

Ready to Create Your Dream Maternity Photos?

Choosing what to wear for your maternity photos in Detroit should be exciting, not stressful. Whether you’re shopping Birmingham boutiques, exploring Somerset Collection, or considering gown rentals, remember that the most important element is how confident and beautiful you feel.

At Two Wild Souls Photography, we believe every expectant mother deserves to feel absolutely radiant during her maternity session. Our complete luxury experience includes everything you need for stunning portraits—from designer wardrobe options to professional hair and makeup—so you can simply relax and enjoy this special time.

Ready to start planning your maternity session? Contact us today for your complimentary consultation, and let’s create the maternity photos of your dreams. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee and comprehensive styling service, there’s never been a better time to capture this incredible chapter of your story.

Your maternity photos should be as unique and beautiful as your journey to motherhood. Let’s create something magical together—because you deserve nothing less than extraordinary.