Maternity Photo Shoot Hairstyles: 15 Stunning Ideas for Glowing Moms-to-Be

You’ve got the dress picked out, the location scouted, and your photographer booked—but have you thought about your hair?

Trust me, the right hairstyle can completely transform your maternity photos from beautiful to absolutely stunning.

I remember watching my best friend stress about her hair the morning of her shoot, only to realize she’d spent weeks planning everything except what would frame her glowing face in those precious photos.

Your hairstyle isn’t just about looking good (though you absolutely will). It’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and completely yourself during those few hours when you’re celebrating your changing body.

Whether you’re the type who loves romantic, flowing waves or prefers a sleek, modern look, there’s a perfect hairstyle waiting to complement your bump and your personality.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need a celebrity hairstylist or hours in the salon chair to achieve gorgeous results.

Let me walk you through fifteen stunning hairstyle ideas that photograph beautifully, work with different face shapes and hair types, and—most importantly—make you feel like the radiant mama-to-be you are.

Some of these you can totally DIY the morning of your shoot, while others might be worth booking that salon appointment for.

Either way, you’re about to discover the perfect finishing touch for your maternity photos.

Loose, Romantic Waves

Image Prompt: A pregnant woman in her third trimester faces slightly toward the camera with soft, loose waves cascading over her shoulders. The waves catch golden hour sunlight, creating dimension and shine. She wears a flowing maxi dress in soft blush, with one hand gently touching her hair and the other resting on her belly. The background shows a dreamy outdoor setting with blurred greenery. Her expression is serene and confident, with the wavy hair framing her face beautifully and moving slightly as if caught in a gentle breeze.

How to Pull This Off

• Start with second-day hair or apply texturizing spray to clean hair for better hold
• Use a 1.25-inch curling iron or wand, wrapping sections away from your face
• Curl only the bottom two-thirds of your hair, leaving roots smooth for a natural look
• Let curls cool completely, then gently separate them with your fingers (never a brush!)
• Finish with light-hold hairspray and a shine serum for that healthy glow
• Book your shoot for late afternoon when natural light makes hair look most dimensional
• This style works beautifully for outdoor shoots where movement and texture shine
• Budget-friendly option: sleep in braids the night before for natural, heat-free waves
• Keep a small bottle of shine spray in your bag for touch-ups between shots

Want to know why I love this look for maternity photos? Loose waves photograph incredibly well because they create movement and softness that echoes the gentle, feminine energy of pregnancy. Plus, they’re forgiving—if a wave falls flat or gets messy during the shoot, you can easily refresh it.

Sleek Low Ponytail

Image Prompt: An expectant mother in elegant black attire turns her profile to the camera, showcasing a perfectly smooth, low ponytail that sits at the nape of her neck. Her hair is glossy and sleek with not a flyaway in sight. She wears statement earrings that are visible with her hair pulled back. The ponytail has a subtle wrap of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. Studio lighting highlights the shine and smoothness of her hair. Her makeup is sophisticated, and she exudes modern elegance and confidence. The overall mood is chic, powerful, and timeless.

How to Pull This Off

• Apply smoothing serum to damp hair before blow-drying perfectly straight
• Use a paddle brush while drying to eliminate any texture or wave
• Create a clean center or side part with a fine-tooth comb
• Gather hair at the nape of your neck and secure with a snag-free elastic
• Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic, pinning underneath
• Smooth any bumps with a boar bristle brush and light-hold hairspray
• This style works beautifully for studio shoots or urban locations where sophistication is key
• Perfect if you’re doing more fashion-forward maternity photos or wearing structured clothing
• Keep bobby pins and a travel-size smoothing product handy for quick fixes
• Consider this style if you have strong features—it won’t compete with your beautiful face

I’ve seen so many moms-to-be skip sleek styles thinking they’re “too formal,” but honestly? A polished low pony can make you feel incredibly powerful and put-together during a time when comfort clothes are the daily norm. It’s like giving yourself permission to feel glamorous.

Half-Up, Half-Down with Volume

Image Prompt: A glowing pregnant woman stands in a sunlit nursery with her hair styled in a voluminous half-up, half-down look. The top section is gently teased at the crown and pinned back with a delicate clip, while the bottom half flows in soft waves past her shoulders. Natural light from a nearby window creates highlights in her hair. She wears a soft, neutral-toned dress and looks over her shoulder toward the camera with a warm smile. The hairstyle perfectly balances polish and romance, with visible volume at the crown that photographs beautifully. The mood is warm, approachable, and naturally elegant.

How to Pull This Off

• Section off the top half of your hair from temple to temple
• Gently backcomb the crown section for lift (don’t go crazy—subtle volume is key!)
• Smooth the very top layer over the teased section so it looks polished, not messy
• Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color or a pretty barrette
• Curl or wave the bottom section for added texture and movement
• Finish with flexible-hold hairspray that won’t make your hair stiff or crunchy
• This versatile style works for almost any location—gardens, studios, beaches, or home
• Perfect if you want your hair off your face but still want length showing
• Comfort tip: this keeps hair from sticking to your neck if you’re shooting in warm weather
• Add fresh flowers or a delicate hair accessory to the pinned section for extra romance

This is hands-down one of my favorite maternity shoot hairstyles because it’s the perfect middle ground. You get the face-framing benefits of having your hair up without losing the femininity of showing off your length. Plus, if you’re anything like I was during pregnancy, having hair completely off your neck feels amazing.

Messy Side Braid

Image Prompt: An expectant mother sits in a field of wildflowers during golden hour with a relaxed, messy side braid draped over one shoulder. The braid is loose and slightly undone, with wispy pieces framing her face and small flowers tucked throughout. She wears a bohemian-style flowing dress and looks down at her belly with a peaceful expression. The braid shows texture and imperfection—it’s romantic rather than perfect. Warm, soft sunlight backlights the scene, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. The overall vibe is natural, free-spirited, and deeply connected to nature.

How to Pull This Off

• Start with textured, not-freshly-washed hair for the best grip and volume
• Create a deep side part and sweep all hair over one shoulder
• Loosely braid your hair, intentionally leaving it imperfect and slightly messy
• Gently pull apart sections of the braid to create width and texture (this is called “pancaking”)
• Leave face-framing pieces out before you start braiding for a softer look
• Secure the end with a clear elastic and let a few strands escape naturally
• This style is perfect for outdoor, bohemian, or nature-themed maternity shoots
• Tuck in small flowers, baby’s breath, or greenery for an organic, garden-inspired touch
• The messier, the better—this isn’t supposed to look “done”
• Weather-proof: this style actually looks better if it gets a little windblown during your shoot

FYI, this is the hairstyle I always recommend to moms who tell me they “aren’t good with hair.” It’s literally designed to look imperfect, which means you can’t mess it up! The more relaxed and undone it is, the more beautiful it photographs.

Classic Hollywood Waves

Image Prompt: A pregnant woman poses elegantly in a studio setting with glamorous Old Hollywood-style waves. Her hair is styled in deep, structured S-curves that flow smoothly from roots to ends, reminiscent of 1940s starlets. She wears a form-fitting maternity gown in jewel tones and holds one hand gracefully near her face. Dramatic lighting creates shadows that emphasize the defined wave pattern. Her makeup is sophisticated with a bold red lip, and she gazes confidently at the camera. The overall aesthetic is timeless, luxurious, and dramatically feminine. Black and white or rich color photography would both showcase this style beautifully.

How to Pull This Off

• This style truly benefits from professional styling—consider booking a salon appointment
• Hair should be set with large rollers or pin curls while damp, then carefully brushed out
• Waves are created by brushing hair in an S-pattern and securing with clips while setting spray dries
• Use shine-enhancing products generously for that glossy, polished Old Hollywood look
• A strong-hold finishing spray is essential to keep waves intact throughout your shoot
• Best for studio shoots or elegant indoor locations with controlled lighting
• Pair with vintage-inspired maternity gowns or sophisticated, form-fitting dresses
• This look requires time—plan for 1-2 hours of styling before your shoot
• Works beautifully for black and white photography that emphasizes classic glamour
• Pro tip: bring your hairstylist’s card to the shoot in case touch-ups are needed

I won’t lie—this is a high-maintenance look, but oh my goodness, the photos are absolutely breathtaking. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a movie star, this is your moment. Just make sure you schedule plenty of time and don’t attempt this as a morning-of DIY unless you’re a hairstyling wizard.

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Beachy, Tousled Texture

Image Prompt: A mom-to-be stands barefoot on a sandy beach at sunset with perfectly tousled, beachy hair that looks naturally windswept. Her hair has a slightly damp, textured appearance with loose, unstructured waves. She wears a simple white or cream flowing dress that moves in the ocean breeze. Salt spray has given her hair that coveted “just came from the ocean” texture. She laughs naturally while looking off-camera, with one hand in her hair. The golden sunset light creates a warm glow, and the ocean is softly blurred in the background. The mood is carefree, joyful, and authentically beach-inspired.

How to Pull This Off

• Apply sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch with your hands
• Let hair air-dry or diffuse on low heat for natural texture
• Use your fingers to create separation and piece-y texture—no brushing allowed!
• Add a tiny bit of texturizing paste to ends for enhanced definition
• If your hair is stick-straight, braid it while damp and let dry for added wave
• Perfect for actual beach shoots where the ocean breeze will enhance the look naturally
• This style gets better as the shoot goes on—wind and movement are your friends
• Embrace the imperfection: flyaways and movement make this style work
• Budget-friendly: mix 1 tablespoon of sea salt with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle for DIY texture spray
• Comfort factor: this requires minimal styling, so you’re not standing around for hours beforehand

This is my go-to recommendation for beach maternity shoots because it literally works with the environment instead of fighting against it. While everyone else is frantically smoothing flyaways, you’ll be rocking that effortlessly gorgeous, sun-kissed look that screams “coastal mama.”

Sleek High Bun

Image Prompt: An expectant mother in her third trimester poses in profile against a minimalist white studio backdrop with her hair in a perfectly smooth, sleek high bun positioned at the crown of her head. The bun is polished and tight with no loose hairs, creating a clean, sculptural silhouette. She wears a form-fitting neutral-toned maternity dress that emphasizes her belly. Her posture is elegant with one hand resting on her bump. The clean lines of the hairstyle mirror the simplicity of the setting. Studio lighting is bright and even, emphasizing the modern, sophisticated aesthetic. The overall mood is contemporary, powerful, and refined.

How to Pull This Off

• Straighten hair completely using a flat iron before gathering it up
• Use a fine-tooth comb and strong-hold gel to slick hair back without any bumps
• Gather hair at the crown of your head (higher than you’d normally wear a bun)
• Twist hair tightly and wrap it into a smooth bun, securing with multiple bobby pins
• Spray an old toothbrush with hairspray and use it to smooth any flyaways along the hairline
• This style works beautifully for modern, minimalist maternity shoots
• Perfect if you’re wearing structured clothing or going for a fashion-forward aesthetic
• Great for showing off statement earrings or a beautiful neckline
• Keep a small mirror and extra bobby pins handy for between-shot touch-ups
• Consider this if you have strong features or a long neck—it’s incredibly flattering

Honestly, this look makes such a statement. I love it for moms who want their photos to feel contemporary and editorial rather than traditionally romantic. It’s like saying, “I’m growing a human, and I’m still powerful and put-together.” Plus, it’s incredibly comfortable for a long shoot—nothing hanging on your neck or getting in your way.

Crown Braid Halo

Image Prompt: A glowing pregnant woman stands in a blooming garden with a delicate crown braid wrapped around her head like a halo. Small flowers and greenery are woven throughout the braid. The rest of her hair flows in soft waves down her back. She wears a flowing, ethereal white or cream maternity dress and looks down at her belly with a serene smile. Natural outdoor lighting creates a soft, romantic glow. The crown braid frames her face beautifully while keeping hair off her forehead. The overall aesthetic is fairy-tale-like, natural, and timelessly romantic. The mood is peaceful, magical, and deeply feminine.

How to Pull This Off

• Part your hair down the middle and divide into two sections
• Dutch braid each section from front to back along your hairline (braiding under rather than over)
• Wrap the braids around your head like a crown and pin securely
• Tuck the ends underneath and pin invisibly for a seamless look
• Leave the back section of hair loose and curled or wavy
• Weave in fresh flowers, baby’s breath, or delicate greenery throughout the braid
• This style is perfect for outdoor, garden, or nature-themed maternity shoots
• Works beautifully for bohemian or whimsical photography aesthetics
• If you’re not confident braiding, definitely book a hairstylist for this one
• The floral additions make this feel extra special—coordinate flowers with your dress color

I’ve seen so many expectant mamas tear up when they see themselves with this hairstyle because it feels so uniquely feminine and special. There’s something about wearing flowers in your hair while celebrating growing new life that just hits differently, you know?

Textured Updo with Loose Pieces

Image Prompt: An expectant mother poses indoors near a window with soft natural light illuminating a beautifully textured updo. The updo is loosely pinned at the back of her head with intentional texture and volume, not sleek or tight. Soft, romantic pieces frame her face on both sides, curled and deliberately left loose. She wears an elegant maternity dress and turns slightly toward the camera with a gentle smile. The hairstyle has a relaxed, undone quality while still looking polished and intentional. The lighting creates dimension in the textured updo, and the loose pieces move slightly. The mood is romantic, sophisticated, and effortlessly elegant.

How to Pull This Off

• Curl your entire head before starting the updo for built-in texture
• Leave out face-framing sections before gathering hair (about 1-inch pieces on each side)
• Loosely twist and pin sections at the back of your head in a relaxed, unstructured way
• Don’t worry about perfection—texture and messiness make this style work
• Gently pull at the pinned sections to create volume and a fuller look
• Curl the face-framing pieces with a small barrel curling iron for soft, romantic tendrils
• This versatile style works for both indoor and outdoor shoots
• Perfect if you want an updo but worry about looking too “done” or formal
• Keep extra bobby pins that match your hair color in your shoot bag
• This style stays comfortable for hours—great for longer sessions

BTW, this is my favorite compromise hairstyle for moms who can’t decide between up and down. You get the elegance and sophistication of an updo with the soft, romantic feel of having some hair down. It’s like getting both looks in one, and it photographs beautifully from every angle.

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Straight and Sleek with Center Part

Image Prompt: A pregnant woman in her second or third trimester stands against an urban backdrop with perfectly straight, glossy hair parted down the center. Her hair hangs smoothly past her shoulders without a single bend or wave, reflecting light beautifully. She wears modern, minimalist maternity clothing in neutral tones and looks directly at the camera with confidence. The straight hair creates clean, strong lines that complement a contemporary aesthetic. The lighting is even and bright, emphasizing the shine and health of her hair. The overall mood is modern, powerful, and confidently elegant. The simplicity of the hairstyle makes a strong statement.

How to Pull This Off

• Apply heat protectant to towel-dried hair before blow-drying
• Blow dry using a paddle brush, pulling sections taut for maximum smoothness
• Flat iron small sections at a time at the appropriate heat for your hair type
• Create a precise center part using a fine-tooth comb
• Finish with shine serum or oil on the ends (avoid roots to prevent looking greasy)
• Use anti-humidity products if shooting in humid conditions
• This style works beautifully for urban, modern, or studio maternity shoots
• Perfect if you’re going for a contemporary, editorial look
• The sleekness emphasizes strong bone structure and facial features
• Touch-up friendly: bring your flat iron if you have access to power on-site
• Consider this if you have naturally straight hair—it requires less work to achieve

Sometimes the simplest styles make the biggest impact, and this is proof. I love recommending this to moms with strong features or those going for a more fashion-forward vibe. It’s like saying, “I don’t need elaborate styling to look stunning—my natural beauty and this growing bump speak for themselves.”

Fishtail Braid Over Shoulder

Image Prompt: An expectant mother sits comfortably in a wooden rocking chair with a beautifully detailed fishtail braid draped over one shoulder. The intricate braid shows clear definition and texture, with the woven pattern visible. She wears a cozy knit sweater or cardigan and cradles her belly with both hands while looking down peacefully. Soft, diffused natural light from a nearby window creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. The fishtail braid has been gently pulled apart for width and volume, making the intricate pattern more visible. A few loose pieces frame her face softly. The mood is cozy, intimate, and tenderly maternal.

How to Pull This Off

• Divide your hair into two large sections instead of three (like a regular braid)
• Take a thin piece from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to the right section
• Repeat on the other side, alternating back and forth down the length of your hair
• Secure at the end and gently pull apart the braid to make the pattern more visible
• This takes practice—watch a video tutorial if you haven’t done this braid before
• The tighter you braid initially, the more defined the pattern will be
• Perfect for cozy, intimate indoor shoots or autumn maternity sessions
• This braid photographs incredibly well—the texture creates visual interest
• Works beautifully with casual maternity outfits like sweaters, flannels, or cardigans
• If fishtail braiding feels too complicated, ask a friend or book a stylist

I’ll be honest—fishtail braids look way more complicated than they actually are, which makes them perfect for photos. People see that intricate pattern and think you spent hours on your hair, but once you get the technique down, it’s really just repetitive movements. Plus, it stays secure for an entire shoot without getting messy.

Voluminous Curls

Image Prompt: A radiant pregnant woman stands in a well-lit studio or elegant indoor space with gorgeous, voluminous curls bouncing around her shoulders and down her back. The curls are big, defined, and full of life—not tight ringlets but bouncy, glamorous curls that have serious volume and movement. She wears a form-fitting maternity gown in a rich color and poses with one hand on her hip, the other on her belly. Her expression is confident and joyful. The lighting creates highlights and shadows in the curls, emphasizing their dimension and fullness. The overall mood is glamorous, confident, and celebratory. The hair has that “I stepped out of a salon” polish.

How to Pull This Off

• Start with volumizing mousse applied to damp hair throughout
• Blow dry using a round brush, lifting at the roots for maximum volume
• Use a large-barrel curling iron (1.5 to 2 inches) to create big, bouncy curls
• Curl sections away from your face, leaving the last inch of hair straight
• Let curls cool completely, then flip your head upside down and shake them out
• Gently run your fingers through to create separation and volume (no brushing!)
• Finish with volumizing hairspray, spraying at the roots for lift
• This show-stopping style works beautifully for studio or formal maternity shoots
• Perfect if you want to feel glamorous and are okay with a more “done” look
• Keep a curling iron on-site if possible for refreshing any curls that fall during the shoot
• This style makes a statement—pair it with equally glamorous outfits and makeup

Wondering when to go all-out with your hair? This is it. Voluminous curls are for the mamas who want to feel like the absolute star of their maternity shoot (which you totally deserve to be!). Just be prepared for the time investment—this isn’t a rush-job hairstyle, but the results are absolutely worth it.

Low Twisted Chignon

Image Prompt: An expectant mother poses elegantly with a sophisticated low twisted chignon at the nape of her neck. The chignon is made from twisted sections of hair rather than being braided, creating a soft, romantic texture. It sits low and slightly off-center, with a few delicate pieces left loose around her face. She wears a classic, timeless maternity dress and turns to show her profile, highlighting the elegant hairstyle. Soft, diffused lighting creates a gentle, romantic atmosphere. The twisted chignon has subtle texture and dimension rather than being sleek. The overall aesthetic is refined, classic, and timelessly elegant.

How to Pull This Off

• Apply volumizing spray to add grip and texture before styling
• Divide hair into 3-4 large sections
• Twist each section loosely and pin at the nape of your neck in an overlapping pattern
• Leave a few face-framing pieces out before you start twisting
• Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color, tucking in ends invisibly
• Gently pull at the twisted sections to create fuller, more romantic texture
• This elegant style works for almost any maternity shoot location
• Perfect if you want sophistication without the formality of a tight bun
• More forgiving than structured updos—slight messiness actually enhances the look
• Comfortable enough to wear for hours without pins digging into your scalp
• Add a delicate hair accessory or small flowers for extra romance

This is such an underrated maternity shoot hairstyle! It gives you all the elegance of an updo but feels much more approachable and romantic. I love it for moms who want to look polished but still feel like themselves—it’s refined without being stuffy.

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Waterfall Braid with Flowing Hair

Image Prompt: A glowing pregnant woman stands outdoors in a garden or near water with a delicate waterfall braid cascading down one side of her head. The waterfall braid creates a beautiful pattern where strands “fall” through the braid like water while the rest of her hair flows freely in soft waves. She wears a flowing, romantic maternity dress and looks off to the side with a peaceful expression. The braid starts at her temple and curves around her head, with the loose, wavy hair creating a contrast to the intricate braided section. Natural outdoor lighting creates a soft, dreamy atmosphere. The mood is ethereal, feminine, and romantically delicate.

How to Pull This Off

• This braid requires practice or professional help—it’s more complex than standard braids
• Start with a small section at your temple and begin a regular three-strand braid
• Instead of continuing with the same three strands, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new piece
• Continue this pattern, letting strands “fall” through the braid as you work across your head
• The unbraided hair should be curled or waved for the full romantic effect
• Watch multiple video tutorials before attempting this yourself
• This style is perfect for outdoor, garden, or waterside maternity shoots
• Creates stunning visual interest without being overwhelming
• Pairs beautifully with flowing, bohemian, or ethereal maternity dresses
• If you’re not confident, this is definitely worth booking a hairstylist

IMO, this is one of those “wow” hairstyles that makes people stop and stare at your photos. It looks incredibly intricate and special, which is perfect for commemorating such a significant time in your life. Just don’t try it for the first time on the morning of your shoot unless you’ve got nerves of steel!

Simple, Natural Air-Dried Waves

Image Prompt: A mom-to-be relaxes at home or in a natural setting with her hair styled in simple, natural air-dried waves that look effortlessly beautiful. The waves are soft and loose with a lived-in quality—not perfectly styled but naturally pretty. She wears comfortable, casual maternity clothing and has minimal makeup. The lighting is soft and natural, possibly from a window, creating an intimate, authentic atmosphere. Her expression is relaxed and genuinely happy. The hairstyle requires no heat tools or elaborate styling—it’s her natural texture enhanced slightly. The overall mood is authentic, comfortable, and beautifully real. This is the “I woke up like this” aesthetic but actually achievable.

How to Pull This Off

• Start with freshly washed hair and apply leave-in conditioner or curl cream
• Gently scrunch your hair while it’s still wet to encourage natural wave pattern
• Let hair air-dry completely without touching it (this is key!)
• Once dry, very lightly scrunch again to break up any crunchiness
• Use a tiny amount of hair oil on the ends for shine and smoothness
• This style celebrates your natural texture—don’t fight what your hair naturally does
• Perfect for intimate, at-home maternity shoots or lifestyle sessions
• Great if you want photos that feel authentic and unforced
• The easiest option if you’re not comfortable with elaborate hairstyling
• Works beautifully for moms who want a natural, minimal aesthetic
• Budget-friendly: requires no special tools or salon appointments

You know what I love most about this look? It’s permission to just be yourself. Not every maternity shoot needs to be super styled and formal. Sometimes the most beautiful photos come from embracing exactly who you are—pregnancy hormones, natural hair texture, and all. This style says, “This is me, growing my baby, and I’m beautiful just as I am.” <3

Your Hair, Your Confidence, Your Beautiful Photos

Here’s the thing about maternity photo shoot hairstyles that nobody tells you: the “perfect” one is simply the one that makes you feel like yourself—just a more celebrated, photographed version. I’ve watched expectant mothers transform when they find the right hairstyle, standing taller and smiling more genuinely because they feel confident and beautiful.

Whether you choose glamorous Hollywood waves, a simple air-dried look, or something delightfully bohemian with flowers woven through braids, remember that these photos are capturing more than just a hairstyle. They’re preserving this fleeting moment when your body is doing something absolutely extraordinary. Your hair is just the frame for that beautiful story.

Don’t stress if your hair won’t cooperate on shoot day or if you can’t achieve Pinterest-perfect results. Embrace the texture you have, work with your natural beauty, and trust that the genuine joy and anticipation shining from your face will far outweigh any hairstyle “imperfections.” After all, when your little one is flipping through these photos years from now, they won’t care if every curl was perfectly placed—they’ll just see their radiant mama, glowing with love for them before they even arrived.

Now go ahead and book that photographer, pick a hairstyle that makes your heart happy, and get ready to create some absolutely stunning memories. You’re beautiful, your bump is beautiful, and whatever hairstyle you choose will be perfect because you’re wearing it.