What to Wear for Your Maternity Photos in Jacksonville & St. Augustine 🌊🌴

You’ve booked your maternity session (yay! 🥰), the bump is looking extra cute… and now you’re staring into your closet thinking, “But what do I wear?!”

As a maternity photographer here in Jacksonville & St. Augustine, Florida, I help moms-to-be with this question all the time. Let’s walk through the top, on-trend (but still timeless!) ideas for what to wear so you feel confident, comfortable, and absolutely radiant in your photos.

1. Flowy Dresses Are Still the Queen of Maternity Photos in Jacksonville 👑

No matter the year, one trend hasn’t gone anywhere: long, flowy dresses and gowns that move beautifully and highlight your bump.

Why they work so well:

• They skim, not cling, over areas you might feel self-conscious about.

• The movement of the skirt catches the ocean breeze or river breeze so beautifully.

• A fitted top + flowy skirt (empire waist) really shows off your belly.

  
  

Look for:

• Maxi or floor-length dresses

• Fitted in the bodice, looser from just under the bust

• A slit in the skirt if you like a little leg moment 😉 or if you choose a two-piece set, something that allows for a few "expose that beautiful belly" shots.
  

These are perfect for:

• Beach sessions at Vilano, Atlantic Beach, or St. Augustine Beach

• Marsh & field locations around Jacksonville

• Historic cobblestone streets in downtown St. Augustine
  

  

2. Neutrals & Soft Tones: The Most Flattering Color Trend 🎨

One of the easiest ways to style for your maternity pictures is to choose neutral and soft color palettes. They photograph beautifully and flatter every skin tone.

Think:

• Cream, ivory, beige, taupe

• Soft blush, dusty rose, mauve

• Sage green, light olive

• Misty blue, soft gray
  

Why neutrals win:

• They keep the focus on you and your bump instead of your clothes.

• They pair perfectly with our local scenery: sandy beaches, green marshes, warm sunset skies.

• They create that light, airy, timeless look you see all over social media.
  

Colors to be cautious with:

• Bright neons (they color-cast onto your skin)and unless you're going for an 80s Barbie vibe, they never fit the mood.

• Loud, busy patterns that distract from your bump. We want to keep the focus where it belongs, on you and that precious baby bump.
  

(Soft florals or subtle textures? Totally welcome. 🌷)

3. What Works Best for Jacksonville & St. Augustine Locations 🌴

We live in a gorgeous area with SO many location options for your photoshoot. And of course the location you choose, also affects what outfits look best:

For Beach Maternity Photos

On the beach, light and airy is the vibe. I often suggest solid or neutral colors that complement the sand and water.

Try:

• Cream or white maxi dress

• Blush, soft blue, or sage gown

• Barefoot or simple sandals (you’ll probably kick them off anyway!)
  

Avoid:

• Heavy dark colors that absorb light

• Loud prints that fight with the ocean and sky
  

For Parks, Fields & Greenery

In the parks and marsh areas around Jacksonville & St. Augustine, neutrals still win, but you can get a little richer with color:

• Terracotta, rust, warm mustard in fall 🍂

• Soft greens and blues in spring and summer

• Creams and tans all year long
  

For Historic Downtown St. Augustine

Think romantic and slightly dressy:

• Flowy dresses with pretty sleeves

• Soft florals or light patterns

• Dressy sandals or low block heels (remember, there are cobblestones!)
  

  

4. Textures & Fabrics That Photograph Beautifully ✨

One thing for maternity photos, I put a huge emphasis on is comfortable, breathable fabrics that move well and don’t cling in the wrong places. It's hard to comfortable in the 3rd trimester so make sure your clothes don't add to that.

Great fabrics:

• Chiffon

• Tulle

• Soft cotton

• Linen blends

• Light knits (especially for cooler evenings)
  

Why they’re trendy:

• They add dimension and softness in photos.

• They catch the light and wind, giving that dreamy, romantic feel.

Fabrics to avoid:

• Very shiny satin or silk (can highlight every little wrinkle & line)

• Stiff fabrics that don’t allow you to move or sit comfortably (you want to be able to capture every pose, every moment of your maternity photos, not be stuck due to the dress being uncomfortable)
  

  

5. Casual But Chic: Jeans, Knits & Everyday Looks 👖

While gowns are a top trend, many modern maternity sessions now include a more casual outfit too: think bump-hugging jeans with a soft sweater or a fitted tee. BONUS when that tee or sweater can be lifted to expose that beautiful bump.

Ideas:

• Maternity or under-the-bump jeans + fitted, solid top

• Chunky knit sweater or cardigan over a fitted dress (perfect for that random chilly day we can get here in the winter)

• Button-up shirt worn open over your bump
  

These looks feel like you, while still being flattering and photo-ready.

6. What Your Partner & Kids Should Wear 👨‍👩‍👧

You don’t have to match perfectly—but you do want to coordinate.

Tips from current styling guides:

• Put you (mama) in your outfit first, then build everyone else around your outfit.

• Partners look great in neutral chinos or jeans with a simple top in white, cream, gray, or soft blue.

• Little ones are adorable in:

  • Solid-colored dresses

  • Rompers

  • Simple button-ups(Skip cartoon characters and neon logos.)
    

Think cohesive, not identical—like everyone is in the same color story. Lay the clothes beside each other to see if they coordinate well.

7. Subtle Accessories That Elevate Your Look 💍

The trend right now is very minimal and intentional with accessories.

Pretty options:

• A wide-brim hat for a few photos on the beach

• Delicate layered necklaces

• Simple earrings or a bracelet

• A soft wrap or shawl for texture

But remember: your bump is the star. If an accessory competes with that, we’ll likely skip it.

8. A Few “What Not to Wear” Tips 🚫

To keep your photos feeling dreamy and timeless:

• Avoid neon colors and busy, high-contrast patterns

• Skip clothing with big logos or writing

• Be careful with strapless bras that slip—support matters!

• Check that your underwear doesn’t show through (nude tones usually work best)
  

  

9. When in Doubt, I’m Here to Help 💌

Almost every mama I photograph asks, “Is this okay to wear?” and the answer is: you do not have to figure this out alone.

Many photographers in Jacksonville (myself included!) offer:

• Pre-session outfit planning help

• Personalized color and style suggestions based on your location and season.
  

If you’re expecting and starting to dream about your maternity photos in Jacksonville or St. Augustine, I’d love to help you style a session that feels like you—glowy, relaxed, and full of love. 💕

✨ Next step: Send me a message with your due date and where you’d love to shoot (beach, park, or historic St. Augustine). Then we can work together to ensure the styling, location and everything work together. You can also CLICK HERE for the contact tab to get my guide with all the information.

Let’s celebrate this beautiful season together—with photos you’ll treasure long after baby is in your arms. 🥹📷💗