What Should Parents Wear for Newborn Photos?
Parents are an important part of your newborn story. While your baby's individual portraits capture tiny details and first features, family portraits preserve the love, connection, and joy of welcoming your newest family member. Simple, coordinated clothing and timeless posing create heirloom images you'll treasure long after your baby has grown.
Choosing what to wear for your newborn photography session in Glendale can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Between recovering from childbirth, caring for a brand-new baby, and trying to coordinate the whole family, clothing is often one more thing on a very long list.
The good news is that it doesn't have to be complicated. You can also reduce things to think about by knowing the best time to schedule your newborn photos.
The best newborn portraits are timeless because they keep the focus exactly where it belongs—on your baby and the connection you share as a family.
Here are my recommendations after photographing hundreds of newborn sessions. If you are not sure, here is what happens during a newborn session.
Keep the Focus on Your Baby
Your newborn is the star of these portraits.
The purpose of your clothing isn't to compete with your baby—it's to complement them.
Simple, coordinated clothing allows your baby's tiny features, expressions, and personality to become the center of every image.
When parents wear timeless clothing, those portraits still look beautiful twenty years from now.
Solid Colors Photograph Best
Solid colors almost always produce the most timeless photographs.
Large patterns, busy prints, logos, and graphics can draw attention away from your baby and quickly make portraits feel dated.
Some of my favorite colors include:
Charcoal
Navy
Forest green
Chocolate brown
Cream
Taupe
Soft gray
Ivory
These colors coordinate beautifully while allowing your baby's skin tones to stand out naturally.
Why I Often Recommend Darker Colors
Many parents ask what photographs most flatteringly after having a baby.
One option I frequently recommend is darker solid colors.
Deep navy, charcoal, forest green, chocolate, and black create beautiful contrast while naturally drawing the eye toward your baby's face.
Many new moms also appreciate that darker colors can feel more comfortable during the early postpartum weeks. If you're still adjusting after delivery, darker clothing often provides confidence without sacrificing beautiful photographs.
The goal isn't to hide you.
It's to create portraits where your newborn naturally becomes the visual center while your connection remains the heart of the image.
Long Sleeves Create a Timeless Look
Whenever possible, I recommend long sleeves.
Long sleeves photograph beautifully because they create clean lines and keep attention on faces rather than bare arms or shoulders.
They're also less likely to date your portraits compared to seasonal fashion trends.
Classic sweaters, knit tops, henleys, and simple long-sleeved dresses all photograph wonderfully.
Coordinate—Don't Match
Your family doesn't need identical white shirts and blue jeans.
Instead, think about choosing colors that complement one another.
For example:
Cream + Navy + Taupe
Charcoal + Ivory + Sage
Olive + Cream + Brown
Navy + Soft Gray + White
The result feels natural and polished without looking overly coordinated. If you are not sure how to coordinate, I wrote a guide to show you how to coordinate your outfits in 5 easy steps.
Dress for the Entire Portrait
Most parent photographs during a newborn session are framed from about mid-thigh or waist up.
However, we also create a few full-length portraits throughout the session.
That means it's important to think about your entire outfit—not just your shirt.
Choose:
Pants that coordinate with your top
Dresses that photograph well standing and sitting
Shoes or socks that fit your overall look
Clothing that's comfortable enough to move and cuddle your baby in
Even if only a handful of full-length images make your final gallery, you'll be glad you planned for them.
Keep Clothing Comfortable
You'll spend much of the session holding your baby.
Choose clothing that allows you to move naturally, sit comfortably, and cuddle without constantly adjusting your outfit.
Comfort helps everyone relax—and relaxed parents create more genuine photographs.
What About Siblings?
If brothers and sisters are joining the session, simple clothing works best for them too.
Choose:
Solid colors
Soft textures
Neutral shoes or bare feet
Clothing without characters or logos
Children don't have to match perfectly. Coordinating colors are much more timeless.
Why We Photograph Family Last
Many parents are surprised to learn that family portraits usually happen near the end of the newborn session.
There's a good reason for that.
Your baby's individual portraits require the deepest sleep and the most patience. We begin with those while your baby is naturally sleepy and content.
Once your baby's individual gallery is complete, we transition into parent, sibling, and family photographs.
This approach helps the session flow smoothly while allowing siblings to avoid waiting for long periods. If another adult is available, many families choose to have young brothers or sisters arrive a little later or enjoy a nearby outing until it's time for the family portraits.
Accessories to Avoid
For timeless portraits, I recommend avoiding:
Large watches
Smart watches
Bulky bracelets
Apple Watches
Large statement necklaces
Large hoop earrings
Baseball caps
Clothing with visible logos
Bright neon colors
Simple jewelry is always a beautiful choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Mom wear black?
Black photographs beautifully, especially when paired with neutral wraps and soft newborn colors. Navy, charcoal, olive, and other deep tones are equally flattering.
Can we wear jeans?
Yes, as long as they're clean, fitted, and coordinate with the rest of the family's clothing. Avoid distressed jeans or bold washes if you're looking for a timeless style.
Should we be barefoot?
Bare feet photograph beautifully for many family poses, especially on beanbags and soft fabrics. If shoes will appear in full-length portraits, choose simple styles that complement your outfit.
What if we don't know what to wear?
I'm happy to help. Before your session, I can offer guidance on color palettes and outfit coordination so you feel confident when you arrive.
Timeless Clothing Creates Timeless Portraits
The best newborn portraits aren't about wearing expensive clothes or following the latest fashion trends.
They're about creating images that still feel beautiful decades from now.
Simple colors, classic clothing, and thoughtful coordination allow your baby's first portraits to become lasting family heirlooms—while keeping the focus where it belongs: on your newest family member.
Continue Planning
What To Bring To Your Newborn Photography Session
How Long Does A Newborn Session Take In Glendale?
How Much Does Newborn Photography Cost In Los Angeles?
