One of the most common questions I get as a Grand Forks newborn photographer is: “What should we wear for our newborn session?” The truth is, the outfits you choose can completely transform the look and feel of your photos. Your clothing sets the tone—soft, timeless, and cozy outfits help create images that feel just as beautiful years from now as they do today.

If you’ve been wondering what to wear for newborn photos, here are my top tips to make styling your family simple and stress-free.

1. Keep It Neutral and Timeless

Soft neutrals like cream, beige, white, taupe, or light gray always photograph beautifully. These shades complement your baby’s delicate skin tones and keep the focus where it belongs—on your little one. Subtle pastel tones can also add a gentle pop of color without being overwhelming.

2. Choose Comfort Over Complicated

Newborn sessions often include lots of snuggling, sitting, and moving around gently with your baby. Opt for clothing that you can move in comfortably and that won’t wrinkle easily. Flowing dresses for moms and soft knits for dads are always a great choice.

3. Add Texture, Not Bold Patterns

Delicate lace, knit sweaters, or gauzy fabrics add depth to your photos. On the other hand, loud prints, bright logos, or neon colors can distract from the tender moments we’re capturing. If you’d like a pattern, keep it subtle—like a small floral or a soft plaid.

4. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone in identical outfits. Instead, think in terms of a cohesive color palette. For example, mom might wear a flowing cream dress, dad in a soft gray henley, and siblings in light earth tones. The goal is to look effortless, connected, and timeless together.

5. Don’t Forget About Yourself, Mom

It’s easy to put all the focus on baby, but your comfort and confidence matter too! I always recommend starting with your outfit first as women’s clothing often features soft textures, elegant prints, and fluid movement, making it the ideal foundation for coordinating the rest of the family’s look. Once your outfit is selected, curating complementary tones and styles for everyone else becomes effortless.

6. Keep Baby Simple

Your newborn doesn’t need much—just a soft swaddle, a simple onesie, or even just their diaper with a cover. I have a selection of wraps and blankets in the studio, so you don’t have to worry about bringing much for baby.

Dress I Love for Newborn Photos

I love recommending these styles of dresses for newborn photos because they’re both timeless and incredibly flattering. The soft, flowing shapes are comfortable for postpartum bodies while also photographing beautifully. To make your session even easier, I keep several of these dresses in my client wardrobe for moms to borrow—so you don’t have to worry about shopping or finding the perfect outfit.

Dress Links: Blue Dress | White Floral Dress | Cream Floral Dress | White Dress | Pink Dress | Floral Off The Shoulder Dress | Blue Floral Dress

Newborn Photographer Grand Forks

Your newborn photos are about capturing the love and connection in this fleeting season of life. The outfits you choose should enhance that story, not overwhelm it. By keeping your clothing soft, simple, and timeless, you’ll create images you’ll cherish forever.

If you’re searching for newborn photography in Grand Forks, ND, I’d love to help you capture these precious first days with your baby. I’ll guide you every step of the way—including outfit planning! See more of my work and all the details about your newborn session here.