The Maternity Styling Guide

— Section one

When to plan your session

Between roughly 28 and 34 weeks is the sweet spot. Your bump is beautifully round, and you are usually still comfortable enough to move and enjoy the morning. If you are expecting twins or carrying low, a week or two earlier can suit — just let me know and we will time it to you.

— Section two

The five simple rules

Everything in this guide comes back to these. Get these right and the rest falls into place.

• —Soft over structured. Fabrics that drape and move photograph far better than stiff or boxy shapes.
• —Fitted at the bump. Show the shape you are here to remember — flowing, but close where it counts.
• —Quiet colours. Earth and warm neutral tones keep the eye on you, not the outfit.
• —Comfortable and true. If you feel like yourself, it shows. Wear nothing that pinches or pulls.
• —Less is more. One or two considered looks beat a suitcase of options.

— Section three

What to wear — shapes that work

• —Flowing maxi dresses with an empire waist — they skim the bump and add gentle movement.
• —Fitted, stretchy dresses that follow your shape for a clean, modern silhouette.
• —A simple bodysuit or bralette with a long skirt or draped fabric, if you would like a little skin.
• —For a relaxed look — soft knit and well-fitted jeans, or a partner's shirt left open over a fitted top.

Fabrics

• —Choose chiffon, jersey, modal, fine knit and soft cotton — they fall softly and read well on camera.
• —Avoid stiff cotton, heavy denim, sequins and anything very shiny — they add bulk and distract.

— Section four

Styling the details

• —Jewellery. Keep it simple — a fine necklace or your everyday pieces. Nothing that competes.
• —Hair and make-up. Soft, natural hair and your usual make-up, a touch more defined for the camera, always looks like you.
• —Shoes. Go barefoot, or pack simple sandals or heels. We often shoot without shoes anyway.
• —Underwear. Wear seamless, nude underwear before the session so there are no marks on your skin.

— Section five

Bringing your partner and children

Maternity sessions are lovely with the whole family — and just as lovely with only you.

• —Coordinate. Dress everyone in the same soft palette so the group sits together. Coordinate, don't match.
• —Partners. A plain knit or shirt in a warm neutral. Keep it simple and unfussy.
• —Children. Soft, simple pieces in the same tones. Bring a quiet back-up outfit.

— Section six

Studio or by the sea

You can choose a calm, controlled studio session in Mona Vale, or a soft golden-hour session along the Northern Beaches coast. Each has its own feel.

• —In the studio. Warm, private and weather-proof, with my full wardrobe of wraps and fabrics to hand.
• —By the sea. Open light, sand and sky, in the hour before sunset. Bring a flowing dress that catches the breeze.
• —Not sure which suits you? Tell me the feeling you are after and I will guide you.