What to Wear for your Newborn Photoshoot - A New Parent’s Guide
Welcoming a new baby is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and a newborn photoshoot beautifully preserves those first fleeting days. One of the most common questions new parents ask is: What should we wear? The good news is that choosing the right outfits doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few thoughtful color and styling choices, your photos can feel cohesive, timeless, and full of emotion. This guide will help you feel confident and comfortable while complementing your newborn and the overall aesthetic of your session.
Embrace Vibrant Hues
If you love bold colour and joyful energy, vibrant hues can absolutely have a place in newborn photography. Rich blues, emerald greens, mustard yellows, and deep burgundies photograph beautifully when used intentionally. The key is balance. Choose one statement piece—perhaps a flowing dress for mom or a button-down for dad—and keep the rest of the family in softer, coordinating tones.
Avoid busy patterns or neon shades, as they can distract from your baby. Instead, opt for solid colours or subtle textures that add interest without overpowering the image.
Below you’ll find examples of bright hues that clients have chosen for their newborn portraits - beautiful options that reflect their personal esthetic.
Soft Pastels for a Dreamy Look
Pastels are a classic choice for newborn sessions—and for good reason. Blush pinks, soft blues, lavender, sage, and creamy yellows create a gentle, airy feel that pairs beautifully with a newborn’s delicate features. These shades reflect light softly and enhance the calm, peaceful mood most parents love.
For parents, pastel dresses, knit sweaters, or linen shirts photograph wonderfully. Siblings can wear complementary pastel tones without needing to match exactly. Pastels are particularly stunning in studio settings with neutral backdrops and natural textures, allowing your baby to remain the true focus of every image.
Earth Tones for a Rustic Vibe
Earth tones are ideal for families who love a warm, organic, and cozy aesthetic. Think soft browns, warm taupe, olive green, rust, clay, and muted mustard. These colors add depth and emotion while maintaining a relaxed, natural feel.
Earth tones work beautifully with textured fabrics like knits, linen, waffle cotton, and denim. They’re also incredibly flattering on all skin tones and photograph consistently well. This palette is perfect for parents who want their images to feel grounded, intimate, and effortlessly timeless.
Neutrals for Timeless Elegance
You can never go wrong with neutrals. Cream, ivory, beige, black, soft gray, and warm white create a clean, classic look that will never feel dated. Neutral outfits keep the focus exactly where it should be—on your baby’s tiny features, expressions, and connections with you.
Layering is a great way to add dimension when working with neutrals. A cozy cardigan, textured wrap, or soft shawl adds visual interest without introducing extra color. Bare feet or simple footwear also help maintain a natural, cohesive look.
Coordinate with Complementary Colours
Rather than matching outfits exactly, aim to coordinate. Choose a colour palette of two to four complementary shades and build outfits around it. This creates harmony without looking overly styled. For example, you might combine cream, sage, soft blue, and warm brown across the family.
Avoid logos, heavy graphics, and high-contrast patterns. Simple, comfortable clothing allows you to relax, move naturally, and truly enjoy the moment. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows—and that confidence translates into authentic, heartfelt images you’ll treasure forever.
In the end, the most important thing is that your outfits feel like you. Thoughtful colour choices simply enhance the love, connection, and beauty already present in this incredibly special season of life.
Jennifer Willard Photography specializes in photographing maternity, newborn, baby’s first year into their teen years and the family that loves them. Her studio has hundreds of props in a rainbow of colours. She loves to capture the magic of childhood and the joy between family members. If you are looking for newborn photography - get in touch today!