Boudoir Photography Outfit Ideas: What To Wear & What To Avoid
Deciding what outfit to wear for your boudoir shoot can vary greatly based on who you are, what parts of yourself you want to accentuate, and what makes you feel comfortable. As a full-time boudoir photographer, I think it is really important to get to know my clients so we can put together an outfit that is perfect for them.
Many photographers (myself included) carry a wide range of outfits from sizes XS to 4XL to ensure there are lots of options for everyone — and yes, that includes fantastic plus size boudoir outfits.
All bodies are different even within the same size of clothing, so I always recommend trying stuff on so you can make sure you feel comfortable and happy with your outfits. Nothing is more empowering than feeling beautiful and exactly like yourself during a boudoir photo shoot.
Popular Boudoir Photography Outfit Ideas
While there are countless ideas and different styles you can try for your boudoir photo shoot, I want to cover some of the most common choices photographers will suggest to their clients.
Keep in mind — most of my clients are femme presenting so these suggestions will speak strongly to this aesthetic. However, some of these options will also work for everyone.
Bodysuits
Whether you are curvy or petite, some people immediately lean towards purchasing a loose-fitting teddy for their boudoir shoot thinking it will be comfortable and cute at the same time. Instead, I recommend finding a well-fitting bodysuit for your session.
Bodysuits are the most popular option for boudoir lingerie as they are the perfect middle ground between sexy and comfortable. For anyone who is tummy-conscious, bodysuits are great because they cover your stomach while still accentuating your chest, butt, and legs… or depending on the type of body suit you choose you can have them all covered and still look amazing.
A snug-fitting bodysuit that sits in all the right places is the perfect outfit for most boudoir sessions. Not only is it simple and looks great on its own, but it can also be accessorized with things like garters, harnesses, pantyhose and more. If you want to purchase your own bodysuit for your upcoming boudoir session, I recommend checking out La Vie En Rose, Torrid, and Victoria’s Secret in West Edmonton Mall for a wide variety of affordable sizes, colours and styles.
Sheer, Flowy Robes and Dresses
This one is actually a personal favourite. Flowy robes and dresses can be a lot of fun to play with, twirling and dancing. They create soft, classy, and playful photos that often allow a less sexual and more sensual appearance. This leaves room for photos you can share publicly online if you are shy about lingerie!
Often we want to shout to the rooftops about how empowering our experience was and how good we feel about ourselves. If you want a look you can share without feeling bashful a good flowy robe or dress can do the trick. Swap for a simple house coat if you want that “morning sexy” vibe with plenty of coverage.
Just The Sheets
Wrapping yourself in bed sheets is simple and classy, but also exciting and playful! Many people are surprised by how sexy they feel posing naked in bed just covered with a sheet.
Plain white sheets work best and also give you lots of control over how much skin you want to show. Each pose can accentuate different parts of the body and hide others based on how you drape the sheet or bunch it up. Just wearing sheets feels raw and realistic while leaving a lot of room to build personality around the different poses. You can come off shy, coy, relaxed… or sexual, wanting, and ready for action. If you want to take it a step further, try a sheer or lace sheet. These types of sheets leave options for fun detail or silhouette shots (like the example above).
2 Piece Bra and Bottom Combo
The 2 piece bra and bottom combo can be a little more tricky to ensure you get the right fit, but there is a reason why it made the list.
Many people want a pushed-up and perky look to their chest that only comes from wearing a well-fitting bra. This could mean accentuating a small chest properly or perking up a heavy-set chest. So it is very important to make sure your bra fits right, otherwise, it can take away from the experience and affect the photos.
If you decide to go with a 2 piece set for your shoot, I recommend picking up a few different shades, especially white, black, and skin or nude that can be worn on their own, paired with a nice robe, or layered with an outfit to help get that lift in the chest you want. If you need more tummy coverage, find a two-piece set with a high-waisted bottom. Mesh, lace, and harness sets can also add sexy details to an otherwise typical undergarment and create something fabulous.
Oversized Button Down Shirt or Cozy Sweater
Nothing feels as organically sexy as an oversized shirt and no pants…
Honestly, who likes pants anyways?
An oversized shirt adds an element of “realism” to the experience and helps you feel less like you have to dress up and be someone else to feel sexy. You can even incorporate oversized clothes that belong to your partner to make it an extra sentimental experience that connects the photos to your loved one while also being incredibly empowering.
This is another boudoir outfit idea where you can choose how much skin you want to share, whether you decide to be modest or eventually take it all off. The decision is all yours and either way is beautiful.
Boudoir Outfits To Avoid
The most important part of choosing a boudoir photography outfit is making sure you feel comfortable and beautiful in it. While the options above are popular and commonly used, everyone and their tastes are unique. Trying different styles on will help you find the perfect outfit for you. That being said, there are a few options I recommend avoiding.
Teddies
As mentioned before, teddies do not make my list of recommended boudoir clothing options. Although they have a time and place and can fit nicely depending on the body shape, they often cover your natural curve and swallow you up in material. Your photoshoot is about CELEBRATING your body and all of your curves. So something that hugs the body in all the right places is better than hiding it in all the wrong ways.
Corsets
Corsets are another outfit option that does not make the list. Surprising, right? So many people naturally expect the corset to be a good option.
If you are not used to seeing your body in a corset it can feel like your skin is being pushed around to all the wrong places. Like a teddy, there is a time and place for this look but it can limit posing potential and accentuate the chest too much.
Unless the look you are going for requires a corset, or you know and love your body in a corset, I would recommend a corset-style top over the real thing.
Ready To Book Your First Boudoir Photo Shoot?
As you can see there are SO MANY outfits to choose from and which route you go should depend on how you feel in them. Even though I am a professional boudoir photographer and have photographed hundreds of people from all walks of life, I still get so excited when we find the perfect outfit that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.
If you are still feeling unsure about what to wear or are struggling to find something that matches the vision in your mind, take a look at my closet. I have spent years building a beautiful collection of outfits in different styles and sizes that can elevate your look. These outfits are available to all my clients and can be worn on their own or paired with items of your own. All boudoir sessions come with a complimentary wardrobe fitting.
If you are interested in booking a boudoir photo shoot or have questions about outfit ideas, posing tips, or more, please reach out! I hope this guide sparked ideas or helped you solidify an outfit. Stay tuned for my next guide on where to buy your lingerie. We will cover different body types, genders, budgets, and more!
