What to wear for lifestyle newborn photos

athousandwordstexa
Sep 7
3 min read

lifestyle newborn portrait of mom and baby at home during newborn photo session — Welcome to the only photoshoot you can literally wear your PJs for.

You’ve booked your newborn session (yay!) and now comes the question every new mom asks: what the heck do we wear? First things first—take a deep breath. This isn’t about fitting into jeans two weeks postpartum or pulling off some Pinterest-perfect aesthetic. Lifestyle newborn photos are about capturing real, cozy moments with your baby at home. The right clothing will help make those images timeless while keeping you comfortable.

Here’s my guide on what to wear for your lifestyle newborn photos—because I want you focused on snuggling your little one, not stressing about your outfit.

Comfort Comes First

You just had a baby. Comfort is queen. Choose pieces you can breathe in, move in, and cuddle in. Flowy dresses, soft knit tops, and leggings or lounge pants are all perfect. Skip anything stiff or scratchy—you’ll be holding baby a lot, and comfort makes it easier for everyone.

Neutrals Are Your Best Friend

Neutral colors photograph beautifully and don’t distract from the real star of the show—your baby. Think creams, taupes, grays, soft blues, blush, sage, or earthy tones. White always looks fresh and clean, while darker neutrals like charcoal or navy can make your baby pop in your arms.

What to skip? Loud logos, neon colors, or big bold prints that take attention away from those tiny fingers and toes.

Think About Being Baby’s Background

Ok, I know this sounds weird. But most of your photos will feature baby in your arms, so your outfit acts like a backdrop. A simple, solid-colored shirt or dress will highlight baby’s features and skin tone. If you go too patterned, your baby can get lost against your clothing. Think of yourself as the canvas, and your newborn as the art. And don't worry, I promise we'll get beautiful frame worthy photos with you in them as well. That's kind of my thing.

Textures Add Warmth and Dimension

Lifestyle photography loves texture. Knit sweaters, flowy cotton dresses, linen shirts, or waffle-knit blankets can all add depth to your images. Textured fabrics bring warmth without overwhelming. Just keep it subtle—think cozy, not cluttered.

Silhouettes That Flatter Postpartum Bodies

Let’s be real—your body just did something incredible, but it may not feel like “yours” yet. Pick silhouettes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Flowing maxi dresses, wrap dresses, or oversized sweaters are all beautiful and forgiving. Avoid anything that clings uncomfortably—these photos aren’t about squeezing back into skinny jeans, promise.

A Word on Makeup & Hair

This is not the time for a full red-carpet glam, unless that’s truly your vibe. A little natural makeup goes a long way: even skin tone, mascara, and a neutral lip color. Powder can help reduce shine. For hair, think simple—soft waves, a low bun, or just down and brushed. The goal is “you, but rested” (even if you’re not).

Coordinating the Whole Family

The best family photos happen when everyone looks coordinated, not matchy-matchy. Pick a soft color palette—like neutrals with one or two accent colors—and build everyone’s outfits around that. If you’re in cream and sage, maybe dad wears a soft gray tee and jeans, and big sister wears a pale blush dress. Keep it simple, cohesive, and comfortable.

Casual Is Perfect

Remember, this is a lifestyle newborn session. We’re not doing formal portraits in ballgowns (unless you want to, in which case I’m here for it). Bare feet are totally fine—shoes aren’t needed indoors and can even look distracting. Jeans and a tee? Great. Flowy loungewear? Perfect. Soft knits? Absolutely.

Outfits for Baby

While this post is about your outfit, let’s touch on baby. A plain onesie, muslin swaddle, or just a diaper is perfect. Neutrals or soft pastels work best. Babies photograph beautifully in their simplicity—you don’t need fancy outfits with ruffles and bows.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to what to wear for your lifestyle newborn photos, think comfort, simplicity, and softness. Neutrals and darker tones will frame your baby beautifully, textured fabrics will add depth, and coordinating without over-matching will make the whole session feel effortless. Most of all—don’t stress about your postpartum body or a “perfect” look. These photos are about connection, snuggles, and the real magic of life with a newborn.