This is the introduction to a six part series on Maternity Portrait Fashion 101. 

A few weeks ago I decided I wanted to create a comprehensive guide for choosing what to wear at a maternity portrait session. I wanted to put in all of the basics of fashion and design into the guide. I had originally planned on this guide existing as one blog post with helpful tips and outlined simply but in the time I have been creating the guide it has exploded with all types of information that is all so helpful. So to make everything as clear and concise as possible I'm going to break it up into more manageable sections (and post in reverse order just so it's easy to read as you scroll). This guide will mainly cover more elegant or semi-formal wear. I have tried to make sure to stick to explaining the basic concepts as simply as I was able in a blog series. Enjoy!

Here's the rundown of what to expect. Click the link to access the post:
Part 1: Body Type - the basics on how to determine your body type.
Part 2: Dress Line - different styles of dress lines and which ones are best for each body type. Bonus gown style examples.
Part 3: Neck Line - different styles of neck lines and which ones are best for each body type. Bonus gown style examples.
Part 4: Sleeve Type - different styles of sleeve types and which ones are best for each body type. Bonus gown style examples.
Part 5: Color - the basics of color mixing and which colors to wear based on  the seasons.
Part 6: Accessories - extras to wear with your outfit or have in your maternity portrait.

For examples of my favorite maternity dresses be sure to check out this "Maternity Dress" board on Pinterest. For more examples of maternity styling check out my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto

​Here are the basic five shapes:
Hourglass:
This is typically considered the "ideal" body type according to Western standards. This is an interesting observation as most women do not exhibit this shape. These are the basic criteria:

• the bust and hips are wider than the waist; the bust and hips are about the same width
• the body is more curvy, like the shape of an hourglass: wide, narrow, wide.
• the waistline is well defined and typically more narrow

Triangle or Pear:
This body shape is more narrow at the top and wider at the bottom. This shape has also been called "spoon" or "bell". These are the typical characteristics:

• the waist, hips, or bum are wider than the bust
• more narrow shoulders may be present
• the body might have a smaller bust

Round or Oval:
This body type is a bit more round in the middle waist area and more narrow in the shoulders and hips. This shape and the Inverted Triangle shape are very similar in the waist. These elements are typical:

• the body has similar proportions between your bust, waist, and hips
• the body might have a fuller waist

Inverted Triangle or Apple:
This shape is larger on the top part of the body and more narrow on the lower part of the body. This shape and the Round shape are very similar in the waist. This shape consists of these details:

• the shoulders are more broad and the hips are more narrow
• the body might have a fuller waist

Rectangle or Athletic:
The rectangle body shape tends to be more athletic and is considered the opposite of curvy. This shape has also been called the "ruler" or the "banana" shape; there is not a lot of fat on this body type. This is surprisingly one of the most common body shapes for women. These elements are prominent:

• the body weight is distributed evenly in your body
• the body is not very curvy
• the body might be more athletic

During pregnancy your body type tends to be more round in the middle with your expanding baby bump which typically makes your body type either a triangle or a round shape. However, different body types will all carry their babies in different positions in their body (high or low, wide or narrow, closer to the body or not) and that may affect your overall body shape. Using the above criteria as a guideline look in a mirror with tight clothing to determine which shape you exhibit. Ask your close friends for their opinion if you have trouble knowing which shape best describes your body.
​

A Line:
Fitted bodice, draped fabric flares out to form a capital "A" shape from the hips to the floor. Similar to the ball gown but not as full in the skirt.

• good for all body types

Empire:
Tightly fitted bodice ending just under the bust line, the skirt drapes out gently from the bodice, makes the waist appear higher. Similar to sheath but has a higher waistline.

• good for all body types

Ball Gown:
Fitted bodice, cinched waist, full/poofy skirt. Similar to the A-line dress line but fuller in the skirt. More dramatic.

• good for all body types *except* round

High Neck:

• great for inverted triangle, round, or rectangle body types
• adds a sense of sophistication and elegance

​Scoop or Round:

• great for triangle or hourglass body types
• emphasizes collar bone
• good for medium to smaller busts

Growing baby bellies typically change the normal body type to more of a round or triangle shape. You may still maintain part of your original body shape depending on how you carry your baby but in general the baby bump will draw the eye to the center of your body. These styles are typically more popular with maternity gown's:

• Sweetheart
• V-neck
• Scoop or round

​For more examples of maternity styling check out my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto

This is part FOUR in a six part series. Check out the series introduction here for links to each post.

Sleeve Type:
Choosing an appropriate sleeve style can really complete your gown. You can direct attention to or away from different parts of your body with different sleeves. ​​Refer back to the post on Body Shape for help on choosing sleeves that will most flatter your body.

Sleeveless:
No sleeves on the gown.

• great for triangle or hourglass body types
• tends to be universally flattering
• naturally enhances curves for medium to large busts

Off the shoulder:
​Sleeves are detached from gown or are connected to the dress below the shoulder or at the armpit area. The shoulder area is bare.

• great for triangle or hourglass body types
• can make a smaller bust seem smaller
• can make a petite frame seem taller

Cap or short:
Sleeves come just past the shoulder (cap) or extend further down the arm but still above the elbow.

• great for inverted triangle or hourglass body types
• emphasizes collar bone
• good for medium to smaller busts

​
3/4 or Long:
Sleeves extend past the shoulder and down past the elbow, either to the mid fore-arm (3/4) or to the wrist (long).

• great for inverted triangle or athletic body types
• makes the shoulders appear more narrow
• adds a sense of drama

Bell or Flared:
The longer sleeve will start fitting closely to the body but at about the elbow the sleeve flares out dramatically to form a bell shape.

• great for inverted triangle, round, or rectangle body types
• adds a sense of sophistication and elegance

Asymmetrical:
Instead of two sleeves there is only one sleeve on the gown.

• ​great for inverted triangle, hourglass, or rectangle body types
• broad shoulder or fuller arms should avoid this style
• a more contemporary look

​For more examples of maternity styling check out my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto