If you are anything like me then you have most likely stared at the clothes in your closet while getting ready, thinking you have nothing to wear and hate everything you own. Add in the pressure of wanting beautiful newborn photos with a postpartum body and it’s a lot for anybody to handle. I’ve been there, I understand. My goal with each newborn session is that you are prepared well before baby arrives earth side. That way there is minimal wardrobe stress the day of photos and you aren’t staring at your clothes wishing you would have planned it out beforehand.
In home lifestyle newborn sessions are so personal and taken in the most sacred place, your home! I want you and your family to feel like themselves in your clothing. This is the best time to let your personal style shine!
Start with YOU!
No matter what kind of delivery you had, you are absolutely incredible. Your body has grown and been the home for an actual human for months. A woman’s body is so strong and truly the entire birthing process is a miracle! Remember that when you are trying on outfits and your hips are wider and things have shifted and changed from what they used to be. You. Are. Beautiful!
My typical advice for a mama is to wear something comfortable and loose fitting for newborn photos. Long loose dresses, leggings and a sweater or jeans and a chunky cardigan work out well. Your body is still recovering and changing and maternity clothes can fit a postpartum body better. Keep in mind that your tops and dresses might be tighter across your chest and more revealing than normal if you are breastfeeding. Layers like open cardigans, kimonos or off the shoulder sweaters can be a great addition to flatter moms and add layers and texture.
Some of my favorite places to shop for mom are Free People, Madewell, Petal and Pup, Baltic Born, Pink Blush, Nordstrom, Old Navy & Gap, and Target.
Dads
Dads are typically a lot easier to style than the rest of the family. Jeans or chinos and a henley are my number one recommendation. This is also a great way to add in neutral colors with a shirt. Plain, cotton shirts or sweaters look good also. Collared shirts are ok, just make sure it looks more like a casual day at home versus a day in a corporate meeting. Think soft linen not stiff and uncomfortable work shirt. I do take a lot of photos with hands involved so make sure hands and nails are clean. And prepare him that I will ask him to take off his shoes and socks.
Nordstrom, Old Navy, Gap Banana Republic, Madewell and Target all have great options and here is my favorite henley from J Crew.
Outfits for Siblings
If you have other children make sure to plan ahead for them also. For toddler boys I love overalls, chinos, linen and anything with texture. For toddler girls rompers or bloomers and a top are my favorite to show off their little legs. Older girls look great in dresses, rompers or neutral tops and jeans or leggings. For older boys chinos and a top or jeans are great options. Please avoid neon colors, shirts with characters, huge logos across the front and dri-fit athletic wear.
My all time favorite kids clothing is Rylee and Cru. In addition, abercrombie, Zara, Old Navy and Gap, Remie Girl (dresses), City Mouse, H&M, Target (Cat and Jack brand), Jamie Kay, The Simple Folk and Reverie Threads are great places also.
Outfits for Baby!
If you don’t have an outfit for your baby don’t worry! I have an assortment of baby outfits, gowns, bows and swaddles I bring to all of my sessions. Lou Lou and Co has so many options as well as The Simple Folk and Mebie Baby.
Tips and Tricks
- Look around your house and see what colors are used throughout, build from there
- Add in lots of neutrals (or stick to all neutrals)
- Lay everything on your bed and see how it looks together! I do this multiple times for my own photos to see how it all looks and if I need to swap anything out
- Accessories and layers matter. Add in those bows, sweaters and jewelry
- Have everything clean and steamed/ironed if needed the day before our session
- Clean those fingernails and toddler faces!
- Think coordinating, not identical matching
- Take off socks and shoes
- Remove Apple watches and take phones out of your pocket
- Most importantly, relax and just enjoy your family. I am so excited to capture this special time for you!
To read more about what a lifestyle newborn session entails click here!
