Gorgeous Maternity Photoshoot Dresses for Timeless Pictures

If you’re looking for a gorgeous maternity photoshoot dress that will have you feeling more like a glowing pregnant goddess (and less like you have swollen ankles and a giant bowling ball stuck in your stomach), we've got you. Pregnancy is stressful enough. Finding the perfect dress to accentuate your growing bump and capture this special time in your life shouldn’t be.

From glam, bump-hugging options to flowy boho frocks, we’ve rounded up the chicest, most-timeless maternity dresses that will totally slay in photos. Read on to shop our faves for every type of preggo person, plus don’t forget to peep the best nursing pajamas for Netflix and feeds once baby arrives—and add ‘em to your pre-newborn checklist now.

What to look for in a maternity photoshoot dress

According to Maternity Photographer Trish Olivera, owner of The Boho House, choosing a maternity photoshoot dress is all about flattering your growing bump and wearing something you personally feel comfortable and like your best self in. In general, she recommends long, flowy maxi dresses, as shorter dresses tend to cut pregnant mamas in the wrong spot and aren't as flattering for photos.

As for colors, neutrals all the way. “My personal favorites are blush, beige and white,” she says of her preferred pregnancy photoshoot colors. Solids are best, but if you have your heart set on a print, go with something soft instead of really loud, as it won’t translate well on camera.

“Think light and airy flowers or patterns, as opposed to bright stripes and bold checkered prints.”

The location of your photoshoot also plays an important role in the style and color of your dress. For a eucalyptus tree session, Olivera likes to add in greens and creams. For beach sessions, light blues and even hints of pastel pinks and white is always a clear winner in her book!

The best maternity photoshoot dress options 2024

• Best overall: Mother Bee Maternity Ruched Waist Faux Wrap Maxi Dress
• Best budget: Yeshape Turtleneck Long-Sleeve Maternity Dress
• Best rated: Saslax Maternity Off Shoulders Half Circle Gown
• Best gown: Pluviophily Maternity Tulle Dress Robe
• Best printed: Nothing Fits But Cotton Kiko Maternity Dress
• Best bump-baring: Anphon Off-The-Shoulder Split-Front Maxi Dress
• Best bump-hugging: Glampunch Off-The-Shoulder Maternity Dress
• Best nursing: Seraphine Slate Blue Maternity & Nursing Maxi Dress
• Best lace: Saslax Soft Stretchy Lace Maternity Gown

Best overall

Mother Bee Maternity Ruched Waist Faux Wrap Maxi Dress

More than 4,000 moms agree that this faux wrap maxi dress is the bee's knees for maternity photography. "It couldn't be more comfortable given how uncomfortable I was," notes one reviewer. "It's soft and doesn't wrinkle. I'm still wearing it eight months after I had my daughter and I'm back to my pre-pregnancy clothes."

Available in sizes: S through XL

Best budget

Yeshape Turtleneck Long-Sleeve Maternity Dress

While a short, flowy frock may not be the most flattering for maternity pics, a simple bodycon style can make you and your bump look like a total bombshell. This stretchy, under $30 turtleneck dress has ruching at the sides and hits just below the knees.

It would look best for a timeless indoor photoshoot (think simple black and white style photos!). Add a couple maternity dresses like this to your wardrobe and you won't regret it.

Available in sizes: S through XXL

Best rated

Saslax Maternity Off Shoulders Half Circle Gown

The Amazon reviews don't lie! With over 6,000 5-star ratings from fellow pregnant mamas, this lightweight jersey dress is a top contender if you want something simple yet elegant and super comfy. It features a slight train for a little extra flair, a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder long sleeves for all your outdoor fall/winter photoshoots.

Reviewers rave about how many compliments they received while wearing the dress and how absolutely perfect it was for their maternity session. In 22 different hues, you're bound to find the color you're looking for.

Available in sizes: XS through XXL

Best gown

Pluviophily Maternity Tulle Dress Robe

If you're going for glam or just looking to channel your inner celebrity, this tulle, kimono-style gown won't disappoint. It's available in a plethora of pretty colors to match your vision and features a long, romantic train, plus plenty of tulle layers to amp up the drama.

Wear it open to expose your bump or close it for a more dress-like (albeit slightly see-through) look. It's one size fits all and looks far more expensive than it actually is (only $115!) so you won't feel too guilty if you only wear it for pictures.

Available in sizes: One size fits most, including many plus sizes

Best printed

Nothing Fits But Cotton Kiko Maternity Dress

Show off your bump in this pretty, ruffle puff-sleeve dress before, during and after all your pregnancies! It's super comfortable thanks to the soft linen-cotton fabric and features an all-over floral print that's oh-so-romantic. Ideal for a spring or early summertime shoot, you can rock this versatile frock off the shoulder for a more boho look or on for a more feminine vibe.

Bonus: it's great for nursing (hello, easy access) once baby is here.

Between sizes? Size up for the best fit. The off-the-shoulder look is ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor maternity photoshoot ideas. We also love the easy-to-wear midi length.

Available in sizes: XS through XL

Best bump-baring

Anphon Off-The-Shoulder Split-Front Maxi Dress

With nearly 5,000 5-star reviews, you really can't go wrong with this gorgeous, off-the-shoulder split-front gown, great for showing off that growing bump. Perfect for an in-studio session or a shoot at a secluded outdoor location (think private beach, remote grassy field, etc.), it features a lace top and sheer chiffon bottom, giving you that dreamy, ethereal look you'll love.

Expect your most ethereal pregnancy photos ever.

Available in sizes: S through XL

Best bump-hugging

Glampunch Off-The-Shoulder Maternity Dress

For all the mamas who love a good, tight-fitted maternity photoshoot dress, this popular and top-rated number by Glampunch is worth checking out. It fits like a glove, and the spandex rayon material is incredibly comfortable so you won't be itching to take it off—in fact, you won't want to at all.

Available in sizes: S to XL

Best nursing

Seraphine Slate Blue Maternity & Nursing Maxi Dress

Not your first rodeo? This elegant empire-waist dress features discreetly hidden nursing access in case you need to quickly feed your toddler mid-shoot—because of course that's when they'll be hungry.

Mock-wrap detailing just below the boobs is ultra slimming, and the super-soft viscose fabric drapes so beautifully over your baby bump, which is perf for those mandatory hands-on-the-belly pictures. We love that it's a more covered alternative to off-the-shoulder dress styles, and easily pairs with a layering cami if you're looking for a modest option.

Go barefoot for outdoor nature photos, or slip into some nude heels for some city shots if you're feeling fancy. It's one of the most versatile maternity dresses for photoshoots.

Available in sizes: 2 through 16

Best lace

Saslax Soft Stretchy Lace Maternity Gown

If you're envisioning a fairytale-esque photoshoot in the middle of the woods, then this soft stretchy lace maternity gown is a must-have. It's the ideal mix of sexy and chic, with a romantic sweetheart neckline, double leg split and boho bubble sleeves for that absolutely ethereal look.

Available in sizes: S through XL

Additional photo session tips:

As far as dress fabrics go for maternity pictures, Olivera strongly advises steering clear of satin (hello, sweat stains!), especially if you’re planning an outdoor session. Even though your photographer will be able to edit stains out, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Another hot tip? When purchasing your dress, always order two sizes. “Sometimes pregnant moms will grow a little quicker in some weeks than others, so having a backup to a smaller or larger size will be so helpful,” she adds.