Your Styling guide

Everything you need to feel confident and beautiful on the day

That’s the exciting part before your session. How can we bring to life your vision for the day ( if you have one), or what to wear if you would like your photos to look like the work I love and share.

Colours & Textures

What to avoid

Maternity Styles

Seasonal inspiration

A pregnant woman in a flowing brown dress standing near white curtains and a wooden floor, with natural light coming through the window.

Colours and Textures

The colours that photograph most beautifully in my sessions are soft, warm and natural — think cream, sand, beige, warm brown and caramel (avoid white as it could show some blue under-tones on the photos). Kaki (light or dark shade) works too for darker mood in the studio or outdoor sessions.

All black is also a favourite of mine, particularly for maternity sessions.

Please avoid bright or neon colours, stripes, or very dark clothing (except for all-black outfits).

And rather than matching — for example, everyone in beige — aim to coordinate. Choose colours from the same warm palette that complement each other without being identical.

Don’t forget underwear and bras in nude, white or black, depending on what you will wear Mum.

For textures, I love: chunky knits, linen, corduroy, waffle fabrics. Layers always add something beautiful to a photograph, especially for outdoor or cooler sessions.

Make-up & nails : Keep make-up as natural as possible — avoid heavy eye makeup or thick fake lashes, and be mindful of very dark fake tan as your baby's skin will be much lighter. Neutral nails are best (this applies to partners too — I take close-up shots of hands in newborn sessions).

No shoes needed in studio — we go barefoot.

A woman holding a baby while a young boy looks at them lovingly. The woman is smiling gently at the baby, who is in her arms, while the boy gazes at both with affection. The background is dark and textured.

What to avoid

DO

Soft neutral tones

Natural fabrics

Layering & textures

Coordinated (not matching)

Relaxed, comfortable fits

DON’T

Logos or characters

Bright / neon colours

Hair ties on wrists

Bulky watches

Business attire (dads)

Not sure what to wear? I have a full client wardrobe available as well.
Message me to discuss on whatsapp if you need help

07824 362735

Little details that matter

Small little things can make a difference in your photos, and bring this personalised touch, like :

  • Hair bows and clips - cream, beige or dusty pink. Simple, sweet, timeless.

  • Patterned socks - lovely in close-up shots of little feet.

  • Headbands - soft knit or fabric headband on a newborn or sitter. Keep it minimal, no oversized flowers ( I have some in my studio that you can use)

  • Knitted baby hat or socks - adorable for newborn.

A smiling baby sitting on a white high chair, wearing a cream-colored sweater and white headband with a bow.

Styling for Maternity sessions

Not sure how to dress your bump? Here are six styles I love and shoot regularly. All of them are beautiful — it's simply about what feels most like you.

1/ Blazer vibe

A woman sitting on a beige armchair with a pregnant belly, wearing a white blazer and lace top, holding a beige wide-brimmed hat, with a cream-colored curtain in the background.

One of my absolute favourites. A white or black blazer with a lace bra underneath is incredibly elegant. You can wear it with trousers, jeans, or just the blazer if you love showing some skin.

A black and white photo of a woman in business attire, standing by a wall with her pregnant belly exposed, looking to the side near a window with curtains.
A pregnant woman wearing lace lingerie and an open blazer, holding her belly with one hand, in a black and white photo.

2/ Flowy dress

I have lots of options in my client wardrobe, in a range of sizes. Whether you want to cover your arms or your bump, I have something for you.

Close-up of a pregnant woman in a flowing, beige, chiffon dress, highlighting her belly, with soft natural lighting.
A woman in a brown pleated dress, with her hand on her baby bump, looking out a window.
A pregnant woman with brown hair, wearing lacy, beige pajamas, standing by a window with soft light, gently cradling her baby bump.

3/ The classic jean

Works for every session. You probably won't be able to zip it anymore, Mum — and that's absolutely fine. Pair it with a lace bra or a simple white shirt.

A pregnant woman in a white lace bra and high-waisted jeans stands close to a man in a white t-shirt, with her hand on her belly. The man has his hand on her waist, embracing her.
Black and white photo of a pregnant woman standing sideways, with her hands resting on her belly, wearing a loose shirt and jeans, against a plain background.
A pregnant woman sitting cross-legged on the floor, holding a bouquet of white baby’s breath flowers, wearing blue jeans and a white top, smiling softly with a white background.

4/ Oversized jumper

Perfect for cooler months. Moody, timeless, incredibly comfortable. It will highlight your bump and your beautiful curves.

A pregnant woman with long brown hair, wearing a brown off-shoulder ribbed sweater, gently cradles her pregnant belly with one hand and looks down at it with a soft expression.

5/ Oversized shirt

Another great classic, simple and minimal, to focus just on you and your bump. One of my favourite.

A woman with dark hair, wearing a white button-up shirt slipping off her shirt, exposing her shoulder and pregnant belly, in front of a neutral background.

6/ Underwear only

Raw, natural, glamorous. If you want to embrace your body exactly as it is, this style is for you. M&S has some beautiful lace bras.

We can accessorise the look with a hat or an oversized shirt.

A pregnant woman wearing lingerie and a wide-brimmed hat, standing by sheer white curtains, gazing out of the window with her hand resting on her belly.
Black and white photo of a pregnant woman standing, with her hands gently resting on her belly. She is wearing a lace bra and is partially covered by an open shirt or jacket, with her head slightly turned and long hair flowing over her shoulder.

6/ All black

I have a gorgeous black long robe in my client wardrobe, which looks incredible on pregnant mums. I also have a black bodycon if you prefer to show your shape.

If your partner wears black too, that’s a great vibe I adore,

A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing a black sheer robe, stands by a window with white curtains, holding a bouquet of small white flowers, gazing out thoughtfully.
A pregnant woman and a man holding hands, with their bodies and profiles visible in a black-and-white silhouette.
A woman with dark hair in a black sheer top, standing with her side to the camera, touching her face, and another person next to her with visible tattooed arm, in a dimly lit room, black and white photo.

Seasonal Inspiration

I've put together outfit inspiration boards for each season, for family sessions - ideal for outdoor sessions.

Summer clothing inspiration board and accessories arranged on a display with a model wearing a white maxi dress at the center.
Summer clothing inspiration board and accessories arranged on a display with a model wearing a white maxi dress at the center.

Where to shop:

Women: Zara, Mango, Free People, H&M, & Other Stories, Next, M&S

Men: Zara, Next, Uniqlo, M&S

Kids & baby: Zara, Mango, H&M, Next, Mamas & Papas

Summer clothing inspiration board including button-up shirt, t-shirts, shorts, a long dress, a short dress, sandals, and open-toe heels.
Collage of autumn fashion items including a beige and a white sweater, brown pants, gray sneakers, a tan beanie, a brown sweater, a long white dress with floral print worn by a woman, a brown oversized cardigan, a white dress with floral print worn by a woman, and brown boots.
Autumn clothing collection featuring a beige plaid shirt, a cream T-shirt, an ivory maxi dress, a brown jacket, olive pants, green overalls, black rain boots, and black sneakers.
Fashion collage showing autumn and winter clothing including a brown jacket, black pants, boots, a knit hat, white shirt, beige pants, floral dress, pink sweater dress, and dark boots.

Start your Styling

Not sure what to wear? I have a full client wardrobe available. Have a peek at it, and you are welcome to use any during your session, with 2 to 3 outfits change depending on your session length.

Client wardrobe

If you have any questions or would like my opinion on your outfits, feel free to whatsapp me (07824 362735) or email me (hello@clairedubostphotography.co.uk) and we can find together what works best for your family.

Claire xx