9 best maternity photo shoot dresses

Which maternity photo shoot dresses are best?

It doesn't matter if it's your first or your fifth child, each pregnancy is one to remember. A maternity photo shoot is one of the many ways you can immortalize this time. However, these shoots are more than just saying cheese and moving on. You need a top-quality photographer, a great location and, above all else, you need the perfect dress. 

Maternity photo shoot dresses come in many styles to best match the look and the atmosphere you want, but most are meant to be worn during the third trimester, which is the most common period to stage a maternity photo shoot.

What to know before you buy a maternity photo shoot dress

Showing your belly

The most important question you have to ask yourself when planning your photo shoot is whether you want to show the skin of your belly or not. Dresses that do or don't show it are equally available, so you won't struggle to find a good one whichever way you choose to go.

If you're struggling to decide, ask yourself how natural you want to look, as showing the skin of your belly is about as natural as it gets. It celebrates both the changes your body has gone through and the entire process of your pregnancy now that you're in the home stretch.

But not everyone is comfortable with showing the belly, and it's no less a celebration of your progress to not show your skin. Additionally, not showing the skin of your belly can actually help keep the focus of your pictures on you as a person rather than the changes to your body.

Size

Like most maternity clothes, the best maternity photo shoot dress size for you is the same size you wore before your pregnancy. If you wore a size 6 or a medium, for example, you typically stick to that. The exception to this rule is if the maternity dress you want has a sizing chart that directs you to a different size. In these cases, always follow the guidance of the sizing chart.

Style

You can wear any type of dress you want for your maternity photo shoot, but there are three styles that are more common than most.

• Long and flowing: This is the most common style. It consists of a dress made to look like it drapes and flows around your body. These can show or not show the skin of your belly. The length is variable. At a minimum, they extend a few inches past your feet to gather around them on the floor. At most, they can extend 6-plus feet so you can achieve "caught in the wind" looks.
• Form-fitting: This style wraps tight to the body so you can clearly showcase the progress of your pregnancy without showing any skin. The length of these dresses rarely extends past the ankles with most ending above the knee.
• Lacy: This style is similar to long and flowing in a few ways; it tends to be as light and airy and usually gathers around the feet. It's a great option for those who aren't comfortable with putting their belly out there but still want to show a little belly skin.

Color

Like with style, you can choose any color for your maternity photo shoot, but there are still some that are more common than others.

• White is the most common as it symbolizes the purity of the upcoming baby. Try alternate shades of white such as eggshell or cream if pure white doesn't suit you.
• Black is the next most common simply because it helps the body look slimmer.
• Red is the final common color as it symbolizes passion and love.

How much you can expect to spend on a maternity photo shoot dress

Most non-designer dresses cost $20-$60, though some can stretch up to $100. Designer dresses typically cost at least $100 with better brands costing $300-plus.

What are the best maternity photo shoot dresses to buy?

BBHoping Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

This dress is functional and comfortable, perfect for those who don't want to waste money on a dress they'd otherwise only ever wear once. It comes in four sizes and 27 designs.

Sold by Amazon

Ever-Pretty Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

This elegant dress has lovely lace detailing on the arms and around the neck and chest. It's great for pairing with earrings and necklaces. It comes in 12 sizes and six colors.

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Guruixu Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

This turtleneck-style dress lends your photo shoot an air of professionalism and refinement, excellent for those who dislike usual maternity photo shoot styles. It comes in five sizes and four colors.

Sold by Amazon

Kim S Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

Most of the designs of this dress come with a floral sash that sits above the belly for some additional flair. It comes in six sizes and 19 designs.

Sold by Amazon

Mother Bee Maternity Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

This simple dress is good for those who want the setting and design of their photo shoot to stand out more. It comes in four sizes and 40 colors.

Sold by Amazon

Peauty Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

This dress has cute buttons on the chest to make it a touch more visually dynamic. It can also be worn during the postpartum period. It comes in six sizes and 12 colors.

Sold by Amazon

Yeshape Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

This is another turtleneck-style dress, but one that's more playful than professional thanks to the shorter skirt. It comes in five sizes and 12 colors.

Sold by Amazon

Ziumudy Lace Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

This lace dress uses a floral-like pattern that makes it perfect for photo shoots that take place in nature. It comes in seven sizes and nine colors.

Sold by Amazon

Ziumudy Maternity Photo Shoot Dress

This dress extends past the feet for roughly 1 foot, making it good for those who want a flowing look without excess. It comes in three sizes and eight colors.

Sold by Amazon

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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.