Boudoir Outfit Ideas: How To Choose the Best Look for Your Boudoir Session
Prepping for a boudoir session should be fun! So if you've been wondering what the best things to wear for a boudoir photoshoot are, then you're in the right place.
As a boudoir photographer, I love seeing my clients transform into the most secure and confident version of themselves. Over and over again, I've watched even the most hesitant of women break out of their shells and embrace their sexiness in front of the camera.
It's a truly empowering experience.
To make this transformation happen, I carefully prep my clients before their boudoir sessions so they can relax and trust the process (and me). I want you to be able to really be in the moment and feel confident and comfortable that I am capturing you in your most beautiful form.
When we start planning our sessions, for most of my clients, the first question they have is, "what should I wear for my boudoir shoot?"
It's a great question!
The answers will vary depending on your personality and the vibe you want for your boudoir photos.
The Best Things to Wear for a Boudoir Photoshoot
When choosing your wardrobe for your boudoir shoot, the most important thing to consider is whether you feel confident and comfortable in the clothes (or level of nudity) you select.
Perhaps you're excited about the idea of flaunting that sexy new lingerie you found at Macy's? Or, do you want to step out of your comfort zone and go nude for a few shots?
Maybe that feels like too much, and you'd rather stick with a leather jacket paired with your favorite jeans. It's really up to you and your comfort level how much of your body you want to show, and I'll let you lead the way. Just about anything goes.
Boudoir Outfit Ideas
The idea of what is sexy is unique to who you are – it's simply my job to give you the space to express your vision and capture the authentic you.
I invite you to bring your ideas to the table, shop my client closet and choose an outfit you love.
Discover Your Body Type Before Building Your Boudoir Outfits
Are you unsure about what outfits would flatter your body? Are you struggling to decide what actually looks good on your particular shape?
Don't worry. That's why I'm here. I have many boudoir outfit ideas and can help guide you to the best choice for your body.
Sexy and Secure Style
Understanding your body type can help you feel more confident in your outfit choices before stepping into the studio. In addition, knowing what works best for your shape can help you pick outfits that accentuate your best features.
For some reason, a lot of body types are named after fruit and inanimate objects. Who knows why? But, whether you're a diamond, a hourglass, an apple or pear or carrot, your body is beautiful (yes, YOUR body), and we can find just the right style for you to wear and highlight your best features.
Let's learn what works best for your body type.
HOURGLASS (Top OR Bottom)
Women with an hourglass figure have waists that are smaller than their bust or hips.
The corset was invented to help women achieve this "ideal" hourglass figure where all the curves are "in the right places." So, if you're shaped like this to begin with, you're ahead of the game.
No matter whether you are a top hourglass (your bust is slightly larger than your hips) or bottom hourglass (your hips are slightly larger than your bust), I recommend choosing clothing that accentuates your natural waist.
The lingerie you wear should be form-fitting for this body type – we want to highlight those gorgeous curves and slim waist.
(If you've got it, flaunt it, right?)
Bodysuits and corsets are amazing assets for this figure. And, you definitely can't go wrong with a cinched waist or a push-up bra and panties.
PEAR (Triangle)
A pear-shaped body is one where the bottom is wider than the body's upper half.
You are a pear shape if your hips or thighs are wider than your bust. Sometimes called "bottom-heavy," or triangles, pear-shaped women generally have gorgeous well-rounded bums.
I encourage pear shapes to wear things like cheeky underwear, thongs, and other lingerie that will accentuate their booty. Because, seriously, who doesn't love a cute butt?
APPLE (Round)
You're an apple if your shoulders and bust are broad with your body tapering down to relatively narrow hips and little definition between the waist and hips.
Many apple-shaped women have fuller mid-sections, so the key is to wear an outfit that will draw the eye away from the stomach and bring it higher up to the bustline.
You'll want to steer away from things like a corset. They'll not only be less flattering but likely uncomfortable. Instead, look to something like a bodysuit with a deep V-neck that will pull focus to your cleavage or a babydoll dress with an empire waist.
CARROT (Inverted Triangle)
This is the slimmer version of an apple shape. If your shoulders are broad compared to your hips – but your tummy is not quite as round, then you're an inverted triangle – or, as I've recently learned, a carrot.
With this body shape, there's only a slight difference in the width of the waist and hips, and you'll often be told you have a swimmer's body.
Teddies and bodysuits will highlight your natural shape. Halter tops and a bralette with a matching thong are other great alternatives.
BANANA (Rectangle)
Otherwise known as a rectangle shape, ladies deemed to be bananas are tall, long, and lean. Their bodies are slender and generally lack curves – but this doesn't mean they can't rock a boudoir shoot.
If you're a rectangle-shaped woman, the perfect choice is a lacy bralette that drapes below the breasts or even a vintage slip dress that sweeps the top of the thigh. Corsets and bustiers with scalloped edging can create the illusion of curves if you want them.
DIAMOND
Diamond-shaped figures have hips that are broader than their shoulders and have a narrower bust. In addition, your upper legs may be thicker while your arms are slender.
Your body type looks fantastic when wearing off-the-shoulder tops or loose, flowy materials. Silk or satin robes are great ideas for this shape, as well as button-downs paired with garters and stockings.
Planning Your Outfits for Your Boudoir Photoshoot
Boudoir is about showing off your body, expressing your sexiness and sensuality and celebrating who you are in this moment.
I tell my clients to choose a variety of outfits for us to work with during our time together. They can either bring them from home or select items to wear from my robust client closet.
Boudoir Outfit Ideas
There are so many options to choose from when planning your boudoir shoot. You can be as racy, sexy, or subdued as you wish.
Love bright red? Then own it!
Prefer something more romantic? I'm here to support you.
Before your shoot, I'll help you define the mood and style you want for your boudoir session and then make some suggestions about boudoir outfits that will help determine your look.
Here are some outfit ideas so you can start thinking about what to wear. (And remember, no matter what style or outfit you choose, I'll guide you through thoughtful poses that will deliver the boudoir photos you're dreaming of).
LINGERIE
Most women immediately begin thinking of what lingerie they can incorporate when planning their boudoir session. And, it's no wonder – lingerie is an archetype for the sexy, seductive outfit.
Choosing your favorite piece of lingerie is a classic place to start building your boudoir shoot wardrobe. Lace, satin, silk – all are luxurious and sensual materials whose textures play beautifully against your skin. They are evocative and alluring. And no matter what you choose to wear, you can tone it up or down to suit your personal style by adding accessories.
And honestly, you can't go wrong with a stylish lace bra and panty set, garter belt, or fishnet stockings. So don't be afraid to get bold and include at least one lingerie set in your wardrobe.
CASUAL ATTIRE
You don't have to bare all to do boudoir.
There really is something for everyone in this art form, and casual attire can be just as sexy as a lace nightgown.
If you're a woman who is uncomfortable stripping down to your skivvies, but you still want the empowerment a boudoir photo shoot offers, then let's get creative with your everyday wardrobe.
Outfits like these offer more coverage for more modest women and are universally flattering.
When styled well, anything can be sexy. Items like your boyfriend's favorite sweater, a pair of jeans, shorts, your partner's t-shirt, camisoles, sheer tops, and even pajamas can be transformed into something sensual.
You can pair ripped denim jeans with a bustier and an off-the-shoulder, oversized sweater. Or style a sexy, oversized t-shirt paired with a lace bra and panties peeking out. There are just so many options.
Plus, when you add accessories, it levels up the whole look.
These outfits are more subtle but still get the point across without being as overt as lingerie or nudity. And they are just as sexy.
BODYSUIT OR TEDDY
A bodysuit is a fantastic option for those who want to show off their curves. I'm a big fan of incorporating at least one or two bodysuits into your wardrobe for the boudoir shoot.
Bodysuits are universally flattering. They are similar to a leotard or one-piece swimsuit and typically provide a good amount of support for your breasts. (If they don't, then that's what body tape is for!)
They are literally one of the best things to wear for a boudoir photo shoot because they are so versatile.
You can choose from solid bodysuits that offer more coverage or pick those with lace cutouts that provide a peek-a-boo effect. They can also be worn alone or layered with other accessories like a kimono or robe to add dimension and movement to your outfit.
IN THE BUFF
One of the fun things about a boudoir shoot is the freedom to be as comfortable with your body as you wish. My studio is a judgment-free zone, and I want you to be able to embrace every one of your curves when you're here.
There are so many options to how we can incorporate full or implied nudity into your photo shoot. And I, as a woman, recommend that you take at least one shot as a gift to your future self.
Our bodies change so much through life, from our twenties, through pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, that taking time to celebrate and honor it in the moment is essential.
I promise you'll look back on it and be delighted at how gorgeous you are.
We will shoot to your comfort level if you choose to do nude shots. You are in complete control of that. From creating images that have you partially hidden and carefully draped with sheets to those photos that are more risque, where you are confidently naked, I will expertly pose you to ensure the photos we create are tasteful and discrete.
BRIDAL BOUDOIR
If you're a bride-to-be and want a bridal boudoir shoot as a surprise for your partner (or a gift to yourself), then you have a few things to add to your packing list. You'll want to bring your wedding undergarments, veils, shoes, and jewelry to the shoot.
Veils are so fun to play with and give us many options to work with when it comes to nude shots or implied nudity. If you have one, we will find a way to incorporate it. Lace and gauze add a beautiful textural element and the sentiment create an extra special element for the photos.
Conclusion
Understanding your body shape and what works best for it will enable you to plan boudoir outfit ideas that you feel confident in.
But, no matter what you choose to wear, you will be stunning. Because boudoir is really about the woman in front of the camera and the energy she brings.
The photos we create during your boudoir session are not only going to be intimate but empowering. And they will be something you and your loved one can enjoy for a lifetime.
