If you're planning a St. Louis maternity photoshoot and wondering what styles might be right for you, you can also explore my maternity photography sessions here.

One of the most common questions I hear from expecting mothers before their session is:

“What should I wear for my maternity photoshoot?”

The right wardrobe can completely transform the look and feel of your maternity portraits. Certain fabrics, silhouettes, and colors photograph beautifully under studio lighting and help highlight the natural beauty of pregnancy.

In my St. Louis maternity photography studio, I guide clients through styling so they don’t have to worry about finding the perfect outfit on their own. Over time I’ve curated a client wardrobe with gowns, fabrics, and styling pieces chosen specifically because they photograph beautifully.

If you're planning a St. Louis maternity photoshoot and wondering what styles might be right for you, here are six of the most popular maternity portrait looks.

Editorial / Fashion-Inspired Maternity

Editorial maternity portraits are inspired by fashion photography and magazine-style imagery. This style focuses on dramatic lighting, intentional posing, and statement wardrobe pieces.

In my studio, editorial maternity sessions often include:

• sculpted lighting
• bold posing
• dramatic gowns or fabrics
• fashion-inspired composition

This style creates images that feel artistic, modern, and elevated while still celebrating the beauty of pregnancy.

Many clients who want something unique or fashion-forward choose this look for at least one portion of their session.

Moody & Dramatic Portraits

Moody maternity portraits are one of my favorite styles to photograph. By using controlled studio lighting and deep shadows, I can create images that feel dramatic, emotional, and timeless.

These portraits often feature:

• rich tones and darker color palettes
• sculpted lighting and deep shadows
• elegant posing
• dramatic silhouettes

This style highlights the curves of pregnancy in a powerful way and often creates some of the most striking images from a maternity session.

Many mothers in the St. Louis area are drawn to this look because it feels both artistic and elegant.

Some mothers also choose more intimate portraits for this style, such as partially draped fabrics or implied nude maternity portraits. When photographed with dramatic lighting and careful posing, these images feel artistic, elegant, and timeless.

Glamorous Maternity Gowns

Flowing maternity gowns are one of the most requested looks for maternity photography.

These gowns photograph beautifully because they create movement, softness, and elegance within the frame. Fabrics like chiffon, lace, and tulle help accentuate the shape of the belly while maintaining a flattering silhouette.

This style is perfect for mothers who want portraits that feel:

• elegant
• feminine
• timeless
• romantic

Many of the gowns available in my studio wardrobe were chosen specifically because they photograph beautifully under studio lighting.

Fabric & Movement Portraits

Flowing fabric portraits create an artistic and ethereal maternity look. Lightweight fabrics are styled and moved during the session to create motion and shape around the body.

This style works especially well in a studio environment where lighting can be carefully controlled to highlight the movement of the fabric.

Fabric portraits often emphasize:

• movement and softness
• sculptural shapes around the body
• dramatic lighting
• elegant posing

Many clients love including one fabric look during their maternity session because it creates images that feel unique and visually striking.

Classic & Timeless Portraits

Classic maternity portraits focus on simple styling and elegant composition.

Neutral dresses, soft lighting, and minimal wardrobe pieces allow the focus to remain on the beauty of pregnancy. These portraits often feel emotional, clean, and timeless.

Many mothers choose a classic look for part of their maternity session because these images never go out of style and will still feel beautiful decades from now.

Simple & Casual Studio Looks

Some mothers prefer a more relaxed look for part of their session. Simple outfits such as jeans, sweaters, crop tops, or fitted dresses can create portraits that feel modern and natural.

Even casual wardrobe choices photograph beautifully in the studio when paired with intentional lighting and posing.

This style often feels:

• relaxed
• natural
• modern
• personal

Many clients choose a casual look to balance the more dramatic or formal portraits from their session.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Outfit?

Most of my maternity clients choose their wardrobe directly from the studio client closet rather than bringing their own outfits.

Over time I’ve curated gowns, fabrics, and styling pieces that photograph beautifully and flatter a variety of body types. Because these pieces were selected specifically for studio photography, they tend to photograph better than many retail options.

Choosing from the client closet also makes the session feel much easier and more relaxed, since you don’t have to worry about shopping for the perfect dress beforehand.

You can explore the full studio wardrobe collection here.

Planning Your St. Louis Maternity Photoshoot

Maternity portraits are typically photographed between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, when the belly is beautifully round but most mothers are still comfortable posing.

Choosing what to wear for your maternity photoshoot doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right wardrobe, lighting, and styling, your portraits can feel elegant, artistic, and completely personal.

In my Winghaven maternity photography studio in O’Fallon, I guide clients through wardrobe options from the studio wardrobe so you don’t have to worry about shopping for the perfect outfit beforehand. Many mothers choose a combination of styles during their session — such as a flowing gown, a dramatic fabric portrait, and a simple casual look — to create a varied and meaningful gallery.

If you're planning a maternity photoshoot in St. Louis, St. Charles County, or the surrounding area, and would like help choosing the style that fits you best, you can learn more about St. Louis maternity photography sessions here. My studio is located in Winghaven in O’Fallon, Missouri, and I work with maternity clients throughout St. Charles, O’Fallon, Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, and the greater St. Louis area.

If you’d like to start planning your maternity session, you can reach out here.