The #1 thing asked by expecting mamas when planning their maternity session is, “What on earth should I wear?!” It’s a seemingly simple question that has us scouring Pinterest for ideas (visit my board for a curated gallery of outfits), and spending way too many hours shopping online, only for the dress to finally arrive (late!) and not even fit. It can be frustrating and exhausting, which is the opposite way I want you to feel going into our session. That’s why I’ve created the Studio Wardrobe here at Megan Marlene Photography.

The Studio Wardrobe is a complimentary service available to all my clients & families for sessions held in the studio (with a few available for outdoor sessions). It’s filled with over 100 options for mamas, dads, children, and babies, too, taking away the stress and the extra expense, letting you focus on what matters most: making memories with your family.

During pregnancy, it can be extra challenging figuring out what to wear as nothing fits right or looks right, and it seems pointless to spend $100+ on a gorgeous, custom gown that you’re only going to wear once. After all, it’s not very practical to wear a full-length silk dress to do the grocery shopping. (Fun perhaps, but not practical) So instead, I buy all the pretty dresses in the perfect neutral palette, so you don’t have to.

The Studio Wardrobe is filled with dresses, skirts, and tops that have been hand-picked and curated from some of the most desirable high-end brands and the most exclusive boutiques. And the wardrobe is evaluated and updated each season, and new outfits are added all the time. With sizes ranging from XS to 3X, there are dozens of options to choose from so you can find something that flatters your growing bump while photographing beautifully.

Today I’m sharing my top three favorite options for maternity gowns and why they work so well.

Chiffon Maxi Dress

This is probably the most popular dress on Pinterest right now, and for good reason! The flowing chiffon flatters every body type and the sheer sleeves provide both coverage and lightness. It features a flexible, elastic waist that can be pulled up to show off your baby bump or sit at the natural waistline (making it a great option for postpartum mamas at our newborn session). And if the surplice neckline is a bit too low, I have tank tops, slips, and safety pins all available. Because this dress is so popular, I have it in various sizes and colors/patterns (with a few more on my wish list!).

Brand: Baltic Born

Lace Overlay

This lace overlay is one of those outfits that a lot of women gravitate toward but aren’t quite brave enough to try it on. Please, try it! I promise you’ll love it. The overlay is completely sheer with an intricate lace design, falling to a mid-thigh length. We pair with a fitted solid slip that hugs your curves in all the right places and shows off your bump to perfection. The softness of the lace floats over your body, giving an airy, ethereal feel to the images that is truly breathtaking.

Brand: Free People/Jen’s Pirate Booty

Off-Shoulder Gown

There are a few versions of the “off-shoulder” gown in the Studio Wardrobe. One is chiffon, one is a gorgeous blue number, and then this one is a deep lace beauty. Instead of only being on the shoulders, the 8 inches of lace drapes across the front of the dress, just skimming the top of your baby bump and adding softness to each image. The gown itself is somewhat fitted, which allows it to show off your bump, while the wide skirt gives flow and movement.

Brand: BHLDN

These are just a few of my favorite dresses but there are so many more. Before each session, I provide an online gallery with most of these gowns featured, but with more being added all the time, there’s nothing quite like viewing them in person. For each studio maternity session, we set aside the first 20 minutes so you can browse the wardrobe, pick out your favorites, and try them on with me available to give feedback and advice. Then you’ll finish getting ready and we’ll have the most wonderful maternity session together- and you’ll be looking absolutely beautiful, inside AND out.