What to wear to a Boudoir Photoshoot…
It never fails, this is always the question asked during a pre-consultation phone call. It’s a great question because it can have so many meanings. What to wear to a boudoir photoshoot? Lingerie? A cute dress? A robe? Most have no idea! And that’s ok! That’s what your photographer is for. It’s a mix of emotions of excitement, nervousness, and just not knowing what to expect. Here are my top 3 bits of advice I have for my clients on what to wear to a Boudoir photoshoot. The more prepared you are, the better. Also, always allow yourself some time before you book your Boudoir session to go shopping or if ordering anything online, give time for the shipping.
Choosing outfits from your Boudoir Photographer’s client closet:
You don’t have to wear outfits from your Boudoir photographer’s closet, but this is where you’ll find all different types of lingerie you’d never think you’d see yourself in. Plus, it’s part of the experience and the outfits are included in the price so why not have fun with it! Who doesn’t love to play dress up? This is everyone’s favorite part going through my Boudoir client closet picking out your favorites. I always send you a questionnaire beforehand so I can better prepare the assortment in your size and have out all of the accessories you were interested in. With a selection of garter belts, stockings, corsets, lingerie of all different styles, colors, and sizes, you are bound to find something that interests you and you’d like to wear to your boudoir photoshoot. Don’t fear the bold colors or the hot vibrant shades of pink or purple because you might just surprise yourself and fall in love with the pieces.
The vibrant colors photograph beautifully with contrast of skin.
Do you fear wearing something that has been worn by others? Another common concern and this is why you should ask your Boudoir photographer about their cleaning process. With all facilities where people can wear the same article of clothing, there is a protocol on safety and cleaning procedures. For most, the clothing is sprayed with an antibacterial disinfectant, hand washed/soaked, then placed into the washing machine in a delicate lingerie bag for a thorough cleaning. With all pieces, panty liners are available for added protection if choose to do so. I always recommend bringing both a nude and black thong to wear underneath most lingerie pieces for added protection.
But knock yourself out with the client closet! This is part of the experience. The fun of trying things on that extenuate your favorite features about yourself makes it even more special. And if you’re wondering what to wear to a Boudoir photoshoot that shows off specific favorite features of yourself, click here
for different styles of lingerie that you may not have known existed. Some show off more, and some less. It’s all based off of your preference when it comes to what to wear to a boudoir photoshoot.
Bring some of your own lingerie/pieces:
As we all know, one size does not fit all. All brands and company’s size their clothing differently. You may be a size small at Target, but you’re a size large at Old Navy. That’s just the way it is. So it is extremely important to bring a few pieces of your own. You might not have any lingerie at home and most don’t, but I recommend purchasing a few pieces either from Amazon or other company’s that have a great return policy if they don’t fit. Allow yourself enough time for shipping to try things on. How do you know that a piece fits you perfectly? Well, if you’re standing in front of the mirror and can’t take your eyes off of how amazing you look, winner winner chicken dinner, that’s the one! If you try a piece on and aren’t quite sure on how it hugs your body a certain way, or doesn’t look as flattering as you thought, don’t even second guess it. If you don’t feel 100% comfortable and sexy in it, it will show in your images. Even though you don’t think you are, your facial expressions can show if you’re feeling it or not. I always recommend bringing at LEAST two pieces of lingerie, but if you have more, great! I always have fun going through pieces together. I also recommend bringing a black thong, nude thong, and a cute bra/panties set that you feel great in. A push-up bra is always great as well. It’s not particularly what you wear to a Boudoir photoshoot, it’s how you feel in it.
Not sure what pieces to order for your body frame? Click here for a complete guide on what lingerie style is perfect for your body type. Hoping this helps with deciding on which style to get, but you can always ask your Boudoir photographer during your pre-consultation phone call with what you should wear to a boudoir photoshoot. The possibilities are endless and it always comes down to your comfort level. Never think that you have to go for the daring strappy pieces if it’s just not your thing. That’s perfectly fine! But I always do recommend trying a piece on that’s out of your comfort zone because you might surprise yourself and find a different side to you that you didn’t know you had. That’s the point of booking a Boudoir session right?
I also recommend bringing a pair of heels that you love. Every woman has a pair of heels in their closet. Whether or not they actually wear them, it’s a staple in a woman’s wardrobe. Even if you don’t own any, or yours may be outdated, check out your local thrift stores for those sexy heels because you’re bound to find a great deal on them to incorporate during your boudoir photoshoot.
If you have any questions regarding different types of lingerie to wear to your boudoir photoshoot, reach out to your Boudoir Photographer to help you choose the best type for your personality, comfort level, and body type. I know I always love when my clients send me photos of beautiful pieces while they are out shopping and ask me, “What do you think about this one?” Usually I respond with UM YES! But I will also give my honest opinion with some, such as Babydoll style lingerie. It’s adorable in the bedroom and to wear around the house but it isn’t that flattering with Boudoir photography. It doesn’t hug your curves like it should and it flares out on the bottom giving the illusion that you’re bigger than you actually are. So please if you’re wondering what do I wear to my Boudoir session, use your photographer’s knowledge and experience. That’s what they are there for!
What to wear to a boudoir photoshoot that’s a bit more modest? You can wear an oversized sweater and it can be so sexy without even trying. When the neck of the sweater is stretched so it hangs off the shoulder, or it’s stretchy so you can pull it, it adds to the spice. Pair it with your favorite panties and it’s perfect! Anything in your closet at home can be worn to your boudoir photoshoot. Bring it and see if it works!
Using a cozy sweatshirt to show you in your happy place
Bring clothing or accessories that are important to you:
I LOVE when this happens! It helps create unique images that have emotion attached to them. This can be different depending upon the reason behind why you booked a Boudoir session in the first place. Is it for yourself? Then bring that cozy oversized sweater that sways off the shoulder perfectly to show off that sexy collarbone. A cute sweater or top mixed with a cute pair of undies is always so tasteful and beautiful. I can always get a natural laugh out of you too with it so it adds that much more beauty to the photo. If it’s for your husband or significant other, bring something that you know they love on you or that they would love to see on you and they haven’t (yet). Bring their white button up shirt, their neck tie, their favorite hat, or their favorite look on you. Maybe you wore that cute cowgirl hat to that country concert you met at years ago, or incorporate your cowgirl boots. Trust me, he still remembers that night and would love to reminisce and make it happen all over again. And he will when he receives that album of you! If you are wondering if a certain item can be worn to your boudoir photoshoot, send your photographer a quick email or text asking if it’d work.
Incorporating a tie into your images
I have had girls bring all sorts of things that their significant others love. If it’s important to you, it’s important to me, so I make sure I incorporate them into the session. Here are a few examples of what I’ve seen in the past:
-A coffee mug that was used the morning she sat out looking at the mountains as she was proposed to so beautifully.
-A slitherin wand from Harry Potter since they both loved seeing the movies together
-A necktie he wears to work used in Boudoir images with it tied around neck and wearing a cute lacey bra, and also used as a blindfold.
-A motorcylcle jacket that her boyfriend and his friends wear when they get together
-Duct tape. Because of a special memory she had in their garage
Heck, I’ve even had people want photos of inside the garage!!
Or maybe it’s for a special occasion such as a Groom’s gift on their wedding day. What to wear to a boudoir photoshoot when incorporating a special event, there can be small things that can make it pop with a specific theme. With wedding Boudoir, a wedding veil, garter, or those beautiful pearl earrings he got you into a Boudoir session. He will see you wearing them that day with the most wonderful memories so why not wear them to your Boudoir session to give them some added spice of his new bride. A boudoir album delivered on the day of your wedding to your groom is the best gift! And deciding on what to wear or not wear to a Boudoir shoot for your groom, is completely up to you!
That’s what makes Boudoir photoshoots so exciting. The session is literally catered to you and to what you are looking to get out of the session. Each work flow/posing flow is changed up a bit to fit your comfort level or style in which you’re going for. If you’re unsure of what reason you are booking the Boudoir photoshoot for, here is a great list on Top Reasons to book a Boudoir Session.
Remember, the point of a Boudoir session is to have fun, love the skin you’re in and learn to love yourself in a way you didn’t know how. An experience like this one, is truly one to remember and you will leave feeling, loved, powerful, beautiful, and empowered. And just remember, if you are concerned with what to wear to a Boudoir photoshoot, contact your photographer for recommendations or even ask your friends experiences and what worked best for them. You’ve got this!!