Picking an outfit for boudoir is one of the best parts of preparing for the photoshoot, and, really, why limit it to just one?! There are so many styles and ideas to choose from, so we decided to give you some helpful tips, some motivating imagery, and some serious shopping lists to guide you in your selection process.
First, One Must Research!
Before heading to Victoria’s Secret or searching every last acre of the web, decide what look you are going for. Do you want your images to be playful and fun? Super sultry and sexy? Or maybe you want to dress up as a naughty school girl. Whatever the case may be, you’ll probably need to get together some motivational images before heading out on your quest to pick out your outfits.
You can look on Pinterest and Instagram for ideas. Searching “boudoir” or “boudoir photography” is the easiest, but also searching “lingerie photography” or “lingerie campaigns” can often garner better search results–especially if you are looking for boudoir images that are classy and elegant. You can also search for fashion campaigns with key words like “fashion lingerie” or “sexy fashion editorial.” Or you can just click the links we provided for each of the keywords…we’ve done the work for you!
Once you have your ideas, look for similarities in the images you have chosen. Is the bra type the same in many of the images? Does the model wear socks in all of your images–if so, maybe you like socks! LOL Is she wearing a beautiful coat? Take those similarities and begin trying to find them in-store or online. If you are someone who likes to try your clothing on before buying, going to the store will obviously be your best bet!
*** DON’T FORGET ACCESSORIES*** That is, of course, if you like accessories! However, if you do opt for accessories, remember the saying “less is more.” It is very true with regard to how the composition looks in a photograph–sometimes accessory heavy imagery can look nice, but is not always entirely necessary. Also, in the event you want to wear shoes–it’s not necessary to wear them–you can try an array of styles. Thigh high boots look incredible in boudoir photography–and thigh-high boots are very fashionable at the moment. Heels, are always a go-to for shoe type in boudoir, but remember the shoe should look more classy–think stiletto–than the type a stripper would wear.
Still At A Loss? Let Us Help!
1. The Never-Fails-Bra-And-Panties
Surely there are a myriad of types of bra and pantie outfits. Being a woman means you likely know the endless array of styles and cuts (balconette, bandeau, contour, demi cup, full cup, plunge, push-up, shelf, sports, strapless, triangle, unlined, thong, g-string, bikini, full, hipster, boyshort, etc.) Typically you know what style fits and looks nice on your body, BUT trying on other styles may give you a new idea of what “sexy” looks like. You may find a style you never thought you’d like or would look good on you, so keep an open mind! This type boudoir outfit is for the woman who is more comfortable showing some skin, but is also an easy go-to for any woman wanting to show a little more because she will likely feel relatively comfortable without baring it all completely.
2. The Lingerie Look
Here we find ourselves, again, with numerous options to choose from! So what is best? The easiest answer is to choose the one you feel most comfortable in–because you will be more open and likely not as nervous during the photoshoot. The next answer, which is also a question, would be: which do you LOVE?!
The Sexy Slip
The slip may bring back memories of your grandmother INSISTING you wear a slip under your dress–you know, so no one could see through your dress that was already NOT SEE-THROUGH -__-. But those days are over! The slip can also be a sexy option that is also relatively casual because it is not very revealing. This is a great option for the woman who feels more comfortable covered up.
The Babydoll
There are mesh and lace types as well as satin and silk. However, whichever you choose, the babydoll can be a nice option for the woman that wants to cove up but also entertains the idea of showing more than what a slip would show. It is also great if you aren’t too thrilled about the status of your stomach–who ever is?! The babydoll drapes the body nicely and hides any areas in the stomach region you aren’t happy with.
The Teddy and Bodysuit
The teddy and bodysuit are very similar. In fact, getting into the nuances would be enough to fill another blog entry. So here’s the deal: the teddy and bodysuit are the gymnastic leotard’s and the one-piece bathing suit’s sexy older sister. Need we say more?
There are lace and mesh types, or, again, satin, spandex, and even jersey. if you want to cover up but be more revealing than you would in a babydoll, then the teddy or bodysuit is ideal for you!
Corsets and Bustiers
If you had trouble saying boudoir–if so, you can find out how to pronounce it here–then you’ll likely really have a hard time saying bustier. We can promise it doesn’t sound like its spelled. If you want to know how to say it properly and be a french #boss, watch this quick video
Corsets and bustiers, like teddys and bodysuits, are very similar. However, the bustier is much longer than the corset–typically having fabric that goes to the hips or beginning of the thigh. Many bustiers have garter clips attached so you can wear thigh-high stockings with them–which can be really sexy! Both the corset and bustier can be really forgiving and add an extra “boost”–pun intended…we hope you got that one–to your breasts; especially, if the corset or bustier has padding. The corset can also be nice for slimming the waistline–just know that movement might become increasingly difficult the tighter you cinch it up!
Kimonos and Robes
Most of us know what a kimono is, but if you do not, or you would like to find out more, you can check out it’s beautiful and rich history here. The kimono and robe can be used to cover up completely and still be sexy, or to open up to lingerie, bra and panties, or even…nothing! It’s really up to you! There are many beautiful options and you can tailor the fabric choice to your liking or personality.
3. The His as Hers
If you haven’t already become overwhelmed with the all of the options and are still following along–we hope you are–this option is probably the most fun a woman has when being photographed for a boudoir session. We’ve all heard it:
He loves seeing you in his clothes!
Whether it is his plain t-shirt or his button-up, it can look super HOT with nothing on under it or even some barely-there bra and panties. A plain t-shirt and some cute bikini panties is very playful while still sexy, while a button-down and nothing else is…well, you get the idea!
4. The Coat
Think of a furry coat and nothing else…or a furry coat and some lacy panties. Maybe even a furry coat and a bodysuit. Whatever the case, furry coats are SUPER SEXY and FLUFFY!! You can also choose a leather jacket or denim jacket; the same ideas apply!
5. The Sports Theme
Got a favorite team? Does your significant other? Photos in yours or your significant other’s favorite team’s jersey is bound to be HOT HOT HOT! You can wear it with knee-high socks! You can incorporate the sport’s ball, puck, or stick! Sports themes can be a ton of fun and great for a woman that is more shy, or even for a woman who likes to be risque.
6. The Full Monty…AKA The Completely Nude
This is only for women who are comfortable being completely nude in front of another person. We do not advise nudity for any woman who is not 100% comfortable with such. If you are not, it will show, and it’s just awkward for you! We want women to feel comfortable, powerful, and beautiful! You can add props or pieces of clothing like the images shown. You can even do implied nudity and cover up your exposed areas with your hands. You can even incorporate jewelry and accessories which can look incredibly beautiful!
The sky is the limit, really, in choosing a boudoir outfit, but, ultimately, it’s about what makes you comfortable and feel beautiful! so have fun! Dress up however you want for your boudoir session, and prance around like you own the place…we’ll let you!