What to Wear for a Newborn Photo Session in Austin

dad holds toddler upside down white mom holds newborn abby boy wrapped in white blanket

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most beautiful moments — and your newborn session is the perfect way to preserve those first tender days. At Jaclyn Specia Photography, we specialize in creating calm, natural portraits that highlight the deep connection between you and your baby. And one of the most common questions we get is:
“What should we wear?”

Here’s your go-to guide on what to wear for your newborn photo session in Austin — whether you’re prepping for your studio session in San Marcos or traveling from nearby cities like Buda, Kyle, New Braunfels, or South Austin.

1. Keep It Soft, Neutral, and Timeless

Soft, neutral tones are ideal for newborn photography because they:

Keep the focus on your baby
Photograph beautifully in natural light
Feel timeless and elegant in albums and prints

Great color options:
Ivory, beige, soft gray, pale blush, muted olive, or dusty blue.

💡 Avoid bright or neon colors — they can reflect on your baby’s skin and distract from the calm, organic look we aim for.

Need outfit inspiration? Check out Baltic Born’s neutral dress collection or Nothing Fits But for bump-friendly and postpartum styles.

2. Comfortable Fabrics Are Key

Newborn sessions last around 2-3 hours, so wear something that feels good to move and sit in. Flowy dresses, cozy sweaters, and soft knits work well — and photograph beautifully in our studio. We do have a full dressing room if you would rather change into your outfit.

For Moms:

Flowy maxi or midi dresses
Wrap dresses or stretchy knits
Subtle textures like lace or gauze

new mother in white tank top holds newborn baby boy wrapped in white blanket — Evoto

For Dads:

Solid or softly patterned henleys, button-downs, or lightweight sweaters
Khakis, chinos, or well-fitted jeans

dad holds newborn daughter wrapped in black blanket

Shop soft, casual looks for dads at H&M Men or Target’s Goodfellow Collection.

3. Coordinate — But Don’t Match

dad and mom hold newborn daughter wrapped in white blanket while looking down at her — Evoto

Stick to a cohesive color palette for the whole family, but skip the matchy-matchy look. Choose 2–3 complementary tones and mix in different textures.

Example Palette:
Mom in cream, Dad in soft gray, baby in a beige wrap.

Want to build a palette? Use the free Canva Color Palette Generator based on your favorite outfit.

4. What Should Baby Wear?

mom and dad look down at baby girl wrapped in white blanket at Austin newborn photography studio

Less is more. We provide wraps, knits, and swaddles at the studio — all in neutral tones that align with your chosen look. Most of your baby’s portraits will be taken with minimal clothing to highlight their tiny features.

💡 Want to include a sentimental item like a hand-knit blanket or heirloom outfit? Just let us know in advance — we’ll work it in beautifully.

5. Don’t Stress — We’re Here to Help

As part of your newborn session experience at Jaclyn Specia Photography, we’ll guide you through outfit planning ahead of time. Many clients send wardrobe options for feedback, and we offer a small client closet with hand-picked studio-approved pieces.

mom hugs dad while he holds newborn baby boy wrapped in blue blanket

Quick Styling Tips:

Iron or steam your clothes the night before
Avoid logos or busy prints
Keep jewelry minimal and delicate
Bring a backup outfit (especially for baby)

Bonus: We love this portable steamer from Amazon for last-minute prep on the go!

Serving Austin and Central Texas Families

Whether you’re located in Austin, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Buda, Kyle, or even San Antonio, we’d love to help you feel confident and prepared for your session. With years of experience working with newborns and growing families, we know how to make your experience feel relaxed, meaningful, and beautifully captured.