As a San Diego newborn photographer, moms love asking me, “What should I wear for my lifestyle newborn photoshoot?“
Ladies, for some odd reason, choosing what to wear for your photoshoot is the most difficult task and I can relate 100%. You’re not the only mom searching for an answer.
Every mom I have worked with has asked this question, whether they’re a seasoned client or it’s their first time booking a lifestyle newborn session. I will simplify it so you won’t feel overwhelmed with trying to find the perfect outfit for your lifestyle newborn session.
Table of Contents
I always like to begin with my “why“. Why are moms struggling to find the perfect outfit?
Surprise! You’re not the only one struggling and here’s why:
- It’s your first newborn photoshoot and you have no clue where to start.
- You want to make sure the family’s outfits complement each other and look pretty in the picture.
- You don’t normally dress up and have nothing new to wear
- You just gave birth, your body is still healing, & it’s a challenge trying to find an outfit that flatters your body.
- You simply need a second opinion
- You are indecisive because there are too many options (Psss…it’s called decision fatigue and this happens to me all the time).
- You want a quick answer to save time
Regardless of your reason, I will help you break it down because what you wear matters to me and it impacts the final photo.
As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I want to create beautiful family photos, but I need your help to make it happen. One of the best investments in my business is creating a client wardrobe filled with my favorite dresses for moms to wear.
Why all moms LOVE my client wardrobe:
- It’s included at no extra cost for your lifestyle newborn photoshoot
- Saves time from having to go shopping (also avoids lengthy return processes)
- The dress collection is stylish, comfortable, and is bump-friendly
- The curated dress collection takes into account the specific needs of most moms that I have worked with (includes short-sleeves, cinches at the waistline, and necklines that are not too revealing)
- Alleviate the stress of having to find the perfect outfit
- Enhances the aesthetics of the photos
- Allows you to experiment a new style
Alternatively, moms can wear any dress they already have or wish to purchase separately. For moms who wish to go this route, I have a digital style guide with countless inspirations you can choose from. It serves as a visual guide so you can understand how the color selection contributes to the overall aesthetic of the photo.
What’s a Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot?
What’s the first thing that pops up in your mind when you first hear “newborn photos”? Let me guess, is it…
- The cute & elaborate props
- Excessive photoshop edits
- Baby posed in a basket
- Baby wrapped like a burrito
- Beautiful studio backdrops
If the listed items above are what you perceived, then it’s likely that you’re not familiar with a lifestyle newborn photoshoot.
My newborn photos are quite the opposite of what a typical studio would offer. I focus on making my clients feel comfortable and relaxed. In-home lifestyle newborn photoshoots are my favorite because it’s conducted in the client’s home, where they feel most comfortable and relaxed. As a result, the photos delivered are more intimate and memorable.
A lifestyle newborn photoshoot is different because there are no elaborate props, no excessive photoshop edits, and the entire newborn photoshoot truly focuses on the comfort of the baby and the parent.
Spoiler Alert: In-home lifestyle newborn photoshoots are a GAME changer!
You can read more about it HERE.
Tips for Dressing the Family
Tip #1 – Coordinate the colors, but avoid Matching Outfits
To create a timeless look that doesn’t conform to the current trends, you should focus on a color scheme first. I tell all moms during a consultation call these super simple steps:
- STEP #1: Select 2-3 neutral tones, earthy tones, or soft pastel colors (Examples: beige, white, blush pink, baby blue, mauve, cream, ivory, light gray, mint green, and taupe).
- STEP #2: Pick mom’s outfit first (as long as mom’s dress matches one of the colors selected).
- STEP #3: Then choose the kid(s) and dad’s outfit based on mom’s dress color & the colors selected.
Tip #2 – Please avoid trends, themed outfits, & distracting patterns
What have I learned about fashion these past years? Trends come and go, but timeless remains.
When I think of timeless clothing brands, I often think of Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Hermes, Gucci, Prada, Dior, and Versace. What do they all have in common? Besides their high quality and impeccable craftsmanship, they do not follow trends!
And no…this is not a call to action for you to splurge on an expensive luxury item, but you have a good excuse to do so, jk!
To be specific, I’m going to list out some trends I noticed as a kid in the 1990s-2000s and let you ponder if that’s something you’d consider wearing to a photoshoot today:
- Chokers
- Overalls
- Plaids/Flannels
- Flare jeans
- Silky slip dresses (this might be returning)
- Baggy jeans & loose shirts
- Thick/dark eyeliner & thin eyebrows (makeup trend)
- Juicy Couture
- Ugg boots
- Turtlenecks
I hope this list was enough for you to realize my point – steer away from trends.
Tip #3 – Always pick mom’s outfit first
As a woman, I have always found that men tend to have an easier time selecting their outfits. Am I right?? Whenever there was a formal event, I would have to order my dress months in advance just so there was wiggle room to exchange if I didn’t like what I purchased online.
It’s best to select mom’s outfit first, then have everyone’s outfit coordinated based on mom’s outfit and the color scheme.
Outfit Ideas for Mom
- A-line Maxi Dress (highly recommended) – I’m super specific with this because A-line dresses flatter most body types and a long dress (even for petite women) can help you move around comfortably during a photoshoot.
- Avoid tight outfits or tight dresses that restrict mobility while we transition during your session.
- Specific Features of a Dress that most Moms love:
- Short-sleeves
- Square neck
- A-line dress
- Maxi dress
- Nursing-friendly
- Flowy dress
- Neutral, light, and pastel colors pair well with my photography style.
- P.S. With a full session booking, moms have access to my curated client wardrobe to wear at no additional cost.
- Favorite Online Dress Shops for Moms:
Outfit Ideas for Dad
- Recommendation for Tops: Polos, button-down shirts, henleys, blazers
- Recommendation for Bottoms: Chinos, khakis, or neutral-colored pants
- While I previously suggested mom pick her outfit first, I also think it’s important that dads have the right to wear what they feel is comfortable and suitable for the photoshoot, but remain close to the color scheme.
- Clothes to Avoid Wearing: Shorts, t-shirts, Converse shoes, slippers, graphic tees, bold logos on shirts, or busy patterns.
- Stylish Shops for Dads:
Outfit Ideas for Baby
TIP #1 – One Piece Clothing
One-piece clothing generally fits better for newborns. A two-piece clothing might not fit well and can look bulky. By doing your newborn photoshoot in-home, it makes it convenient to to clean any mess and everything is easily accessible at home.
The best color for a newborn baby should be a solid or monochrome color, with no distracting patterns. However, I have also seen adorable baby wraps with beautiful and cute designs that blend well and don’t become distracting at all (see picture below).
TIP #2 – Avoid onesies that cover your baby’s feet
Part of the photoshoot experience includes capturing close-up details of your newborn, especially their hands and feet. So please don’t hide those adorable hands and feet.
TIP #3 – Keep it simple (That’s the motto)
I am all about minimalism and keeping things as simple as possible so we don’t overwhelm ourselves (Also why I love photographing a lifestyle newborn session). Your baby only needs two items: a onesie and a swaddle.
It’s so simple, you’re going to feel like you’re forgetting or missing something. I get that feeling all the time, so I included an extra list below.
Other things you might want to include (optional):
- Handmade knit or item that was gifted to your baby.
- Any sentimental items can be included in your session, such as your wedding rings.
- Personalized items, such as a blanket with the baby’s name.
Recommended Shops for Newborns:
- Moon and Sun – 1615 W. Lewis St., San Diego, CA 92103
- Little Love – 1110 Torrey Pines Rd., Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Zara Kids – San Diego Locations
- Fashion Valley Mall
- Westfield UTC
- H&M Baby – San Diego Locations
- Fashion Valley Mall – 7007 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
- Westfield UTC – 4309 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
Outfit Ideas for Sibling(s) in San Diego
If you have another child or other children participating in this lifestyle newborn session, it would be much easier to select their outfits according to what mom and dad is wearing.
I typically encourage comfortable clothing that will allow a child to move around easily, sit on the ground, and not have to constantly fix a falling sleeve or falling suspenders. If you have found an outfit for the other sibling(s), it would be a good idea to have them try it on in advance.
Recommended Shops for Siblings:
- Moon and Sun – 1615 W. Lewis St., San Diego, CA 92103
- Little Love – 1110 Torrey Pines Rd., Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Zara Kids – San Diego Locations
- Fashion Valley Mall
- Westfield UTC
- H&M Kids – San Diego Locations
- Fashion Valley Mall – 7007 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
- Westfield UTC – 4309 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
Final Details & Preparations for your San Diego Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot
- Have a back-up outfit for everyone (accidents happen)
- You do not need to deep clean your home, I typically use the living room or a nursery
- Please avoid temporary tattoos on (kids), it’s very time-consuming to manually edit these.
- Avoid chapped lips (use lots of chapstick)
- Avoid chipped nail polish and treat yourself to a manicure if it’s necessary.
- Please iron or steam your clothes (my camera can pick up wrinkles extremely well)
- If we’re doing a photoshoot on your bed, you will need to remove your shoes
- Any recent spray tan or tan lines will be time-consuming to edit.
CREDITS
@kyleemarieblog and her family. It was a pleasure meeting Kylee and her beautiful family in person. Her Instagram profile is full of lifestyle and foodie content in San Diego. When I first moved to San Diego, I honestly wasn’t sure where to go or what to do. She always knew about the new places to try and explore. She was truly an awesome person full of helpful resources for locals. Give her a follow!
The Best Outfits for Your Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot
This was quite a thoughtful and lengthy blog and I hope you found it helpful. I wrote it with intention to help expecting mothers plan for their lifestyle newborn session. There are so many reasons why I love an in-home lifestyle newborn photoshoot and I hope my gallery will inspire you to make it happen!
If you are in San Diego or Orange County and is expecting a baby, I would love to chat with you about booking a lifestyle newborn session! Most moms start reserving their in-home sessions in their second trimester. You are more than welcome to send me a DM on Instagram @sarahs_photobooklet if you have questions. Thank you!!
Sarah Nguyen Photography | San Diego Lifestyle Newborn Session
