Wondering what to wear for a boudoir photoshoot? I want you to look and feel your best for these intimate portraits! So, while the focus will be on your and your beautiful body, here are a few guidelines to help you choose fun and feminine outfits that feel true to you and bring out your natural beauty!
Love Your Outfits
First and foremost, if you don’t love the outfit, don’t bring it! If you don’t like the outfit itself, you’re not going to like the photos of you wearing it. Only bring what you love and feel comfortable in so you can really feel beautiful.
Keep it Simple
My style is very clean, light, and airy, so simplicity is key to making sure your outfit choices and my photography style complement each other. Pastels work beautifully with the lighting I use, so I recommend white, cream, or a very light blue or pink. Here are a few inspiration photos from my moodboard to give you an idea!
Get Creative and Be Yourself
Boudoir portraits are probably the most intimate photos of yourself you will ever have. So make sure they reflect the real you! For an intimate boudoir style shoot, a garter belt and thigh-high fishnets would pair nicely with a cropped sweater or graphic tee. A gorgeous bra can be paired with no pants. And of course, a sheet can be used for everything!
Also keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be lingerie. An old favorite t-shirt paired with cheeky bottoms can be perfect too! This is about you and your authentic personality, not about being someone you aren’t, so make your clothing choices accordingly.
Favorite Shops for Intimate Apparel and Lingerie
Treating yourself to some new lingerie in preparation for your shoot? Here are a few of my favorite shops:
https://gooseberryintimates.com/
https://www.anthropologie.com/intimates-sleepwear
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LazyGirlLingerie
https://www.chicwish.com/lingerie.html
Some Basic Tips
What to wear for a boudoir photoshoot is a little different than what you’d wear for any other portraits. Here are a few basic tips to help you feel comfortable in your outfits and ensure that they photograph well.
- Opt for solid colors over patterns, as solids look best on camera.
- Select items with texture to add interest to your portraits.
- Remember, you want to show off your beautiful figure, so form-fitting clothing is perfect!
- Keep in mind that form-fitting isn’t the same as tight. Clothing and underwear that is too tight will leave red marks and indentations on your skin, so make sure everything fits comfortably.
- Choose soft fabrics that won’t cause any redness between clothing changes.
- If wearing thigh-highs, check the size chart and buy 1-2 sizes larger than specified for your measurements. Buying them in the “right” size will likely result in discomfort. I can get them to stay up for each pose, or you can wear a garter belt to keep them from slipping.
- Make sure your wardrobe selections are not wrinkled.
- Cut the tags off of any sheer items before you arrive.
- If you are buying new lingerie, I highly recommend going to a local lingerie boutique to have yourself properly fitted.
- For getting ready, wear a soft robe with no undergarments. This will allow any marks from a tight bra or underwear to even out so they don’t show up in your images. Choose a light robe rather than your big fuzzy winter one. Heavy robes tend to leave little dimples in your skin and make you sweat because of nerves. And it’s hard to do makeup when you’re sweating!
I hope these tips on what to wear for a boudoir photoshoot have given you some inspiration! Remember, an intimate boudoir photography session is about you and your gorgeous body, not your outfit choices, so don’t stress about it. I can do a completely versatile shoot with a single scarf or the bedsheets and it will be gorgeous!
Need more tips on what to wear for your boudoir portraits? Let’s meet for tea, take a stroll, or hop on a phone call to plan your next Norabloom experience.
