What To Wear For Boudoir
This topic really varies between boudoir photographers, and between clients’ confidence levels.
But what should you wear for a boudoir photoshoot?
Through my own extensive research and countless interactions with past clients, I have come to understand that the areas of the body that often cause the most concern during a photoshoot are typically the stomach and thighs. My stomach is something I personally struggle with. It is crucial to emphasize that above all else, your comfort and confidence are paramount. It is essential to recognize that not everyone finds their best selves in a traditional sexy lingerie set, and that is perfectly okay.
Working with bodies of all sizes and shapes, I can say with certainty that these 5 outfit choices are the best for ANY person looking into boudoir. Most of these outfits will be be aimed at women or LGBTQA+, but can be either be modified or similar things found to substitute.
My ultimate First Choice - The Bodysuit
The bodysuit stands out as a cherished essential in every boudoir photoshoot wardrobe. Its versatility makes it a favourite choice, offering a tonne of options to suit diverse preferences and needs.
Enhancing Confidence: Bodysuits serve as adept allies in our journey towards self-love and body positivity. They effortlessly cover areas we may feel less confident about, empowering us to embrace our unique beauty in every shot captured.
Diverse Styles: From the allure of short-sleeved designs to the elegance of long-sleeved ensembles, the bodysuit landscape is rich with options. Whether you prefer delicate lace or chic strappy details, there is a bodysuit style to match every personality and aesthetic.
Limitless Possibilities: The beauty of bodysuits lies in their adaptability to various tastes and moods. With a spectrum of colours, textures, and embellishments available, these versatile pieces enable countless creative possibilities, allowing each boudoir session to be a unique expression of individuality.
And finally, it has the remarkable ability to infuse a touch of glamour into your every-day or evening outfits with just a stylish combination of jeans and a jacket!
Secondly, the wardrobe staple, lingerie set
A good and decent lingerie set can be quite challenging to come across.
However, once you discover that perfect set that truly makes you feel absolutely incredible, it becomes essential to incorporate it into your boudoir photoshoot. It may not offer the same versatility as a bodysuit, but wearing that ideal set beneath any outfit allows you to bask in feeling like a Queen over and over again.
Pros for wearing a lingerie set
Incredibly sexy!
can be worn under a robe or open shirt for a gorgeous “evening” look
won’t ride up the way bodysuits will
it can be as sexy or casual as you like
Cons for wearing a lingerie set
attaching garters to stockings for a complete look can be fiddly
strappy underwear can draw attention to areas you aren’t fond of
your belly can be bared.
If you're feeling insecure about your stomach or hips, there are various strategies to help you feel more at ease.
You can opt for using a stylish shirt or a soft sheet to cleverly cover or drape over those areas. This way, you can effortlessly flaunt your stunning lingerie and figure while ensuring you feel completely at ease and confident.
Classic Shirt or Sweatshirt
If you are doing this shoot for a partner, I highly recommend bringing your partner’s favourite shirt or a business shirt of theirs. This can add a touch of intimacy and personal connection to the photoshoot, creating a special moment. Not only does it infuse a sense of familiarity and comfort into your session, but it also serves as a sweet gesture, intertwining your loved one's essence into the visual narrative we will create together.
The sweatshirt is not only a cute and cosy addition but also serves as a comforting choice to help you relax into the photoshoot experience. Feeling nervous or anxious is entirely normal, and having the option of a comforting sweatshirt can truly serve as a wonderful starting point to build your confidence and feel at ease in front of the camera. With this familiar item, you can have something to fiddle with and divert your attention, making the entire process more manageable and enjoyable.
Similarly to the shirt and sweatshirt, the classic sheer robe is a versatile addition to your boudoir wardrobe. Its transparent fabric gracefully accentuates your figure, adding a touch of allure while preserving an air of mystery. This garment opens up opportunities for creating sensual and erotic images, allowing for subtle hints that evoke a sense of sensuality, such as the suggestion of nipples showing through the delicate material.
Which brings me to my next potential…
Jeans.
Jeans can make a story. What I love the most about boudoir is that any kind of story can be authentically portrayed. Jeans can make a slow and sexy image - like stripping off from the day and it’s work. Jeans are also a fantastic way to show off your booty !
When selecting a pair of jeans, it is advisable to opt for a slightly loose fit. This choice will enable you to engage in activities with greater freedom of movement and comfort. Tight jeans will be more restrictive.
A fifth favourite to bring with you to your boudoir photoshoot is…
Shoes
If you possess a fabulous pair of heels that exude confidence and beauty, definitely bring them along! These statement shoes not only complement any outfit but also enhance your figure, adding a touch of sensuality by elongating your legs. Feel free to use them as a prop during the shoot; there's no necessity to wear them throughout if they aren't as comfortable for walking anymore.
When you incorporate different styles of heels and shoes into your boudoir shoot, you not only add a touch of personal flair but also create a unique visual representation of your individuality. Whether you opt for sleek stilettos or cozy slippers, each choice adds a layer of personal expression to your photoshoot, enhancing the overall experience and capturing your essence in a distinct way.
What should I not wear at my boudoir photoshoot?
There is no definitive right or wrong answer when it comes to this question. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal feelings and the specific vibe and mood you aim to embody during your session. Each individual's unique preferences and desired outcomes play a role in guiding this choice.
However, when asked, I don’t recommend the following
Corsets. They restrict movement and quite often create bubbles of areas under our arms that we later on notice and don’t like. I avoid them for that reason.
Baby dolls. These lacey nightgowns don’t often give quite the effect we hope for. While they are okay for playing with, the silhouette they give can be less than flattering and are mostly used for sitting poses because of this.
Onesies. While it is definitely comfort, it’s also definitely not boudoir.
Some awesome stores you can check out for outfits are
City Chic (they do incredible sales from time to time - for curvey babes)
Savage Fenty (the tags are so simple to remove!)
Hope this has been helpful, and as always, please feel free to fire questions through x
