What to Wear to Your Boudoir Session
Not sure what to wear to your boudoir session? Here are some tips on outfits, colors, and what to bring to your session to help you feel confident and prepared.
Here at Bella Nova Boudoir, every session we do starts with 2 outfits plus some photos wrapped in the white sheet. If you opted for a higher Collection, you may have the option to add more outfits to your session. We also have a full wardrobe with over 100 luxury pieces ranging from sizes small through 3XL. Some clients prefer to bring their own outfits, others prefer to use our wardrobe, and many like to mix and match. Regardless of what you decide to do, I hope this quick guide helps you feel ready as you prepare for your long anticipated boudoir session!
1: Start with Items You Already Own
If you already own any lingerie, bring any that you love! But it doesn’t just have to be lingerie. You can bring your favorite oversized sweater, a matching bra and panty set, a robe, button-down shirt, etc. It’s easy to think of JUST lingerie when you’re planning for your boudoir session, but you have so many other options!
2: Matching Sets Photograph Best
You don’t want to bring items that don’t match. If you’re bringing a set, make sure they match. Even something like two different shades of red will be noticeable on camera.
3: Think About Flattering Cuts & Lines
Not everything photographs good. For example, you don’t want to bring boy shorts or full coverage panties. They’ll hide your booty completely. To accentuate your booty, consider cheeky undies OR thongs. I don’t personally love g-strings, but sometimes they’re unavoidable. If you have the option between a g-string or a thong, always choose the thong. I know some women don’t love their booty… We all have our personal insecurities. But trust me, go with the thong or cheeky panties. :)
Additionally, try to avoid flowy lingerie such as babydolls. Yes, it’s going to hide things you may not be comfortable showing, but realistically, they don’t photograph well at all. Women of all shapes and sizes have insecurities about their stomach – it’s normal! While I encourage everyone to step outside of their comfort zone, a good option for women who don’t want to focus on their stomach is bodysuits or 3-piece lingerie sets that include a garter belt. High-waisted 2-piece sets are great, too!
4: Don’t Forget Meaningful Pieces
There are a variety of reasons you may be doing a boudoir session. If it’s as a gift, you may consider bringing your partner’s shirt, a wedding veil, or just anything that they love. Some examples that clients have previously brought include a motorcycle helmet, a golf club, a football, a jersey, and a guitar. Get creative!
If you’re doing the session for yourself, you can consider bringing items YOU love such as your favorite sweater, your favorite vinyls or books, any accessories you love, your favorite pair of shoes, etc.
5: Consider Colors That Photograph Best & Compliment Your Skin
We all have colors we believe we look best in. If you love blue, go for it! Purple? Lets do it!
Clients with light colored eyes always look amazing in green or blue. Realistically, ALL women look good in jewel tones. And personally, I believe everyone looks good in red.
Yes, black is classic and I love a good black lingerie set! However, color definitely photographs the best in our studio. And while it’s true that some skin tones photograph best in select colors, I don’t like to limit anyone to that. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box!
6: Don’t Worry – I’m Here to Help!!
Lingerie can be daunting. I get it! Fun fact: I never owned lingerie or even knew the first thing about lingerie before I became a boudoir photographer. So I totally get it!
Now, I have a full client wardrobe of over 100 pieces for you too choose if you find the task of purchasing your own to be too daunting. However, if you want to bring some of your own, I’m here to help! Don’t let the fear of what to wear stop you from booking the boudoir experience of your dreams.
