Where to Buy Maternity Dresses Online That Photograph Well

Updated September 24, 2026

If you’re shopping online for the perfect maternity photoshoot dress…congratulations! This is a very exciting time in your life and one that deserves to be celebrated. Finding the perfect maternity photoshoot dress online isn’t easy, especially if your size has changed or if you aren’t sure what dress silhouettes will be flattering for your bump.

The stores I chose to include in this guide have a wide range of styles and sizes, and most of them you can keep wearing postpartum. Keep reading to see my top recommendations on where to buy the perfect pregnancy dresses online that will photograph well!

Table of Contents

• What to Wear for Maternity Photos
• How to Choose the Right Fit & Style for Photos
• Best Places to Buy Maternity Photoshoot Dresses Online
• Outfit Ideas & Inspiration for Your Maternity Session
• Tips for Coordinating Family Outfits Without Looking Overly Matched
• Buying a Maternity Photoshoot Dress Online
• Frequently Asked Questions About Maternity Photoshoot Dresses
• Looking for an NJ Maternity Photographer?

What to Wear for Maternity Photos

Before we get into my favorite places to buy maternity dresses online, I recommend that women choose a dress to wear for the majority of their maternity session for a few reasons:

1. They’re comfortable and won’t restrict your movement
2. Dresses are timeless and easy to wear again after your pregnancy
3. They beautifully highlight your bump

You can always change into a more casual outfit, a lace robe, or a bra and panty set to get a different look, but it’s a good idea to get started in a dress you feel great in as you get warmed up to the camera.

I’m participating in a blog circle this month and am sharing a link to a wonderful photographer in Ottawa! Be sure to check out her link at the end of this post.

How to Choose the Right Fit & Style for Photos

Flowy vs. Fitted

My personal photography style gravitates toward long, loosely-fitted dresses, but a bodycon or fitted dress is great for hugging your curves and showing off your bump, especially if yours is still small.

Flowy dresses allow for beautiful movement during your session and are easy to wear again after pregnancy. If you’re worried a loose dress will hide your bump, you can place a hand underneath your belly during your session–this way, you’ll never have to worry about what to do with them! I love long, flowy gowns for a romantic, timeless vibe. But if boho is more your style, loosely-fitting dresses work great for this as well.

Fitted dresses ensure your bump will be the star of the show no matter what and are especially good options for petite or short women. However, anyone can look great in a bodycon dress with the right color and fabric! Whether you choose a long or short fitted dress, I recommend finding a stretchy fabric in a breathable material, especially if you’ll be wearing it outdoors during the hot summer months.

Solid color vs. patterned

Pregnant or not, I always tell my photography clients to stay away from big, bold patterns in favor of a solid color or small, delicate pattern. Bold patterns tend to become dated very quickly (we all remember when zebra stripes were wildly popular) and are almost always distracting. By choosing a timeless, solid color, textured fabric, or very small pattern (i.e. tiny flowers), your emotion and connection can be the focus.

Tip: Ask your photographer what colors work well with their editing style before purchasing your dress.

Timeless Colors

Soft neutrals photograph best:

• Cream
• Dusty rose
• Sage
• Warm beige
• Soft blue
• Muted earth tones

Bright neons or busy patterns can distract from you and your belly, which should always be the focus.

Best Places to Buy Maternity Photoshoot Dresses Online

I chose the online stores below based on their versatility (before, during, and after pregnancy), availability of sizes, and variety of styles and colors that will photograph well. I also included an honorable mention at the bottom that has cute dresses in general. This post contains no affiliate links or commissions…I’m just really good at online shopping!

01. Nothing Fits But

I’m obsessed with the styles of dresses that Nothing Fits But has to offer. They’re probably my favorite (i.e. number one) on the list for that reason alone. These dresses are specifically designed for pregnant and postpartum bodies, and they offer a matching line of dresses for little girls too.

This company is based in South Korea, but I found their shipping times to be very quick. Their website says to allow 2-4 business days for shipping after placing your order. A great option if you need a dress quickly!

02. Baltic Born

Baltic Born has a huge selection of dresses at very reasonable prices. Many of their styles are on the fancier side, something you could easily wear again as a wedding guest or other event. (But not so fancy that you’ll be mistaken for a bridesmaid!)

Photographers are obsessed with Baltic Born dresses because the fabric is nice, they look elevated, the styles are classic and flattering, and they’re affordably priced for our clients. They also have a dedicated line of bump-friendly dresses that makes navigating their huge selection of styles much more manageable.

03. Quince

If you want a maternity photoshoot dress that doesn’t look overly “maternity,” check out Quince. Their maternity collection includes washable silk, European linen, organic cotton, and stretchy knit dresses in simple, timeless silhouettes. Several styles are designed to accommodate a growing bump while still being wearable after pregnancy, making them a great option if you don’t want to buy a dress you’ll only wear once.

For maternity photos, I’d look especially at their silk slip dresses, tiered maxi dresses, and smocked styles. The flowing fabrics and relatively simple silhouettes photograph beautifully without feeling overly formal.

04. Piper & Scoot

Piper & Scoot include sizes from XS to XXXL and are maternity-friendly, so you can wear them before and after pregnancy too. Their dresses are on the more modest side, so you won’t find mini-length options if you’re very petite. But they are reasonably priced and based in Utah, which is great if buying clothing local to the USA is important to you!

Many of Piper & Scoot’s dresses come in bolder colors and patterns, so I recommend choosing one with a softer palette for your maternity session.

05. PinkBlush

PinkBlush is great if you’re looking for a more formal maternity dress, especially those long, fitted gowns you see in studio sessions or even outside in the snow. You’ll find them under the “Photoshoot Gowns” tab. If you are looking for a very timeless, classic maternity dress, I’d stick to this section.

PinkBlush has a huge selection of dresses to choose from, organized into every category from wedding guest dresses, to petite- or tall-friendly dresses, to baby shower dresses and lace dresses to help you narrow down your options. Many of their dresses come in several colors for you to choose from and will be labeled as you scroll down the page if they’re postpartum friendly too.

Honorable Mention – Petal & Pup

I decided to include Petal & Pup as an honorable mention. I love this brand and would definitely recommend shopping here for cute dresses you can wear pre- or post-bump. However, many of their dresses come in bolder colors and patterns and many have cut-outs and other details that would be harder to photograph than some of the brands I mentioned above.

You can totally find a dress that will look great for your maternity session at Petal & Pup, but you’ll have to be more selective. In terms of a cute place to shop for dresses in general, I highly encourage you to take a look!

Outfit Ideas & Inspiration for Your Maternity Session

If you are stuck deciding what to wear for maternity photos, here are a few foolproof combinations.

Romantic Outdoor Look

Long neutral maxi dress
Loose waves or natural curls
Barefoot or simple sandals

Soft and effortless always wins.

→ See my romantic outdoor picks: I’ve linked a few flowy, outdoor-friendly maternity dresses that photograph beautifully here.

Modern Minimal

Fitted ribbed knit dress
Hair pulled back
Bare feet or clean slides

Simple lines keep the focus on your shape.

→ See my modern picks: You can browse my favorite clean, minimal maternity dress options here.

Cozy In-Home Vibe

Soft oversized cardigan
Neutral fitted dress underneath
Natural light by a window

This feels intimate and relaxed without looking staged.

→ See my cozy in-home picks: I curated cozy, at-home maternity looks that work beautifully for lifestyle sessions here.

Elevated Drama

Long sleeve chiffon gown
Flowy train
Simple background

When in doubt, longer dresses almost always photograph better than shorter ones.

→ See my dramatic maternity picks: Here are my favorite statement maternity gowns that move beautifully on camera.

Tips for Coordinating Family Outfits Without Looking Overly Matched

If your partner or kids are joining your maternity photos, coordination matters. Matching exactly does not.

Here is the formula:

1. Pick your dress first.
2. Pull 2 to 3 complementary colors from it.
3. Keep everyone else in simple, solid tones.

For example: If you wear a soft sage maternity gown, your partner could wear cream or light tan. Kids could wear warm neutrals.

Avoid:

• Large logos
• Bold stripes
• Competing patterns

The goal is cohesion, not a family uniform.

Buying a Maternity Photoshoot Dress Online

I understand that buying maternity clothes online can seem daunting and isn’t for everyone. As a NJ maternity photographer, I love taking this off my clients’ plates by offering a curated selection of high-end maternity dresses for them to borrow during their sessions. You simply pick out your favorite options and I’ll bring them with me for you to try on. I’ve collected styles I know will be flattering on camera, are timeless in style, and can accommodate a wide variety of sizes and preferences.

Read more: What is a Client Closet?

If you’re looking for a full-service photography experience, with the client closet, a fun and laid-back session, and the creation of heirloom artwork to display in your home, let’s chat!

Learn more about my stress-free photography experience here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maternity Photoshoot Dresses

Where can I buy a maternity photoshoot dress online?

There are plenty of options for buying maternity photoshoot dresses online, from dedicated maternity brands to larger retailers and dress rental companies. When shopping online, look for dresses specifically designed for a growing bump, or styles with stretch, ruching, empire waists, or generous skirts that will accommodate your pregnancy comfortably.

What should I look for when buying a maternity photoshoot dress online?

Look for a dress that defines your bump while still allowing you to move comfortably. Stretchy fabrics, fitted bodices, empire waists, and long flowing skirts are all great options. Pay attention to the fabric, measurements, and customer reviews when ordering online, since sizing and fit can vary significantly between brands.

When should I order my maternity photoshoot dress?

I’d recommend ordering your dress several weeks before your maternity session whenever possible. This gives you time to try it on, make sure you like the fit, and exchange it if necessary. Your body can also change considerably during pregnancy, so ordering too early may mean the fit is different by the time of your session.

Do I need to buy a maternity dress for maternity photos?

No. A maternity-specific dress isn’t required for beautiful maternity portraits. Many regular dresses photograph beautifully, particularly styles with stretch, ruching, wrap silhouettes, or an empire waist. The most important thing is that the dress fits comfortably and makes you feel good.

What color dress is best for maternity photos?

There isn’t one perfect color, but solid colors tend to photograph especially well. Cream, white, taupe, soft blue, blush, sage, and other muted tones create a timeless look, while deeper colors can add more drama. Consider the location, season, and overall style you want for your photographs when choosing a color.

Can I wear a patterned maternity dress for a photoshoot?

Yes, but keep the scale and overall design in mind. Small florals, subtle prints, and simple patterns can work beautifully. Very large, high-contrast, or busy patterns can draw attention away from your face and your bump.

Should I choose a fitted or flowy maternity dress?

Both styles can work beautifully. A fitted maternity dress emphasizes the shape of your bump, while a flowy dress creates movement and a softer, more romantic look. If you’re deciding between the two, think about the overall feeling you want your maternity photographs to have.

What length maternity dress photographs best?

Maxi-length dresses are a popular choice for maternity portraits because the extra fabric creates beautiful lines and movement. A long skirt can also be especially flattering when photographed outdoors or against a dramatic backdrop.

What fabric is best for a maternity photoshoot dress?

Look for fabrics that drape well and have some movement, such as chiffon, jersey, modal, or stretchy knits. Flowing fabrics can create beautiful movement in photographs, while fitted stretch fabrics can emphasize your bump. Avoid anything that feels stiff, restrictive, or uncomfortable.

What size maternity dress should I order?

Maternity clothing is generally designed to accommodate your changing body, but sizing varies by brand. Check the specific brand’s size chart rather than automatically ordering your pre-pregnancy size. For dresses ordered online, reviews can also be helpful for determining whether a style runs large, small, or true to size.

How far along should I be for maternity photos?

Many people schedule maternity portraits around 28–34 weeks, when the bump is clearly visible but you’re still relatively comfortable. The ideal timing can vary depending on your pregnancy, how you’re feeling, and whether you’re expecting one baby or multiples.

Can I change dresses during my maternity session?

Absolutely. Having two or even three different looks can give your gallery more variety. A fitted dress, a flowing gown, and a more casual outfit can create completely different photographs while still documenting the same stage of pregnancy.

Should I buy or rent a maternity photoshoot dress?

Both are good options. Buying gives you a dress you can keep and potentially wear again, while renting can give you access to a more specialized gown without the cost of purchasing it. If you’re looking for a very specific style for your maternity portraits, rental is worth considering.

Looking for an NJ Maternity Photographer?

Found the dress? Now you just need someone to photograph you in it.

As an NJ maternity photographer, I photograph expecting mothers throughout South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area, creating relaxed, beautiful portraits that celebrate this season of your life without feeling overly posed or formal.

Maternity sessions can take place outdoors at one of South Jersey’s beautiful gardens, parks, and historic properties, or in the comfort of your own home. Your session can be entirely focused on your pregnancy or include your partner and older children, too.

And yes, the dress matters. The right maternity gown can add movement, texture, and shape to your photographs—but you don’t need to know exactly what will photograph well. I’ll help you choose what to wear, plan your session, and create photographs you’ll actually want to print and display in your home.

I serve families throughout South Jersey, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Collingswood, and the Philadelphia area.

Inquire about a maternity session →

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Don’t forget to check out this post on Ottawa Prenatal Yoga by Ontario photographer Gillian McColl!