What to Wear for Your Boudoir Photo Shoot
So you've booked your boudoir session!
Now the biggest question looms in your mind...what to wear to your boudoir photo shoot? A common mistake many make when planning their boudoir session is thinking that boudoir is only one thing: matching lingerie sets. This is not the case at all! Your boudoir session should be all about YOU first and foremost. You should feel completely comfortable in what you're wearing (unless you're going for the uncomfortable stuff) and it should make you feel sexy! Don't feel like you have to fit yourself into the box of what most people are doing for their boudoir sessions. BE YOU! Whether that means going all out for the full lingerie set, garter belt, stockings and high heels or simply barefoot with cotton undies and a t-shirt.
The focus of your session should be you, not your wardrobe or props. Keep patterns to a minimum as they can be distracting. Bright colors can be as well, but sometimes bright colors truly fit certain personalities. It all depends on you. Your outfits will determine the look and feel for your session, so keep that in mind when you're choosing. Do you want your session to feel more dark and mysterious, or would you prefer light and airy? If you feel like you have multiple facets of your personality consider doing multiple sessions and changing the hair and makeup as well. If you're planning on purchasing prints or canvases for your home, consider the colors in the rooms where you want to hang things. Choose colors that will compliment your decor. (and make sure to measure your wall space before your session!)
Let's dive into some wardrobe options:
Matching set
The matching lingerie set is one of our most common wardrobe options. You can't go wrong with matching bra and panties, and they come in endless options. Solid black /white is classic and timeless. The most important consideration for the matching set is to make sure it fits right. That goes for everything on this list, actually. If you go a size down from what you should wear, it will create bulges under the bra band and around the underwear band. I've never met a woman who has referred to the "muffin top" affectionately, so be sure it fits right! If you're not sure, ask an associate to measure you. Click here for our blog and a video on getting the proper fit.
Chemises & Baby-dolls
The chemise and babydoll are great options for those who are concerned with the midriff section... which is probably the majority of us. They can be incredibly sexy but still give you that comfort of feeling covered. It's not always about the "less is more" motto, it's about what you feel good in. Slips fall under this category as well, if you need extra support consider a shape-wear slip.
Corsets & Bustiers
Again, for those concerned with the midriff section, corsets and bustiers can be your best friend! They cinch in your waist helping to create the curves you want. The one down side to corsets is also the benefit, they're incredibly tight! This makes some poses difficult, as well as breathing. Corsets can also flatten out your chest making you look smaller up top. This is where bustiers really shine, they have cups that enhance your cleavage while still cinching your waist. There are also cup-less options for those of you who are going for more risque photos as well as waist cinches. You can find great quality corsets at Bonjour Lingerie in New Orleans. Jill, one of the owners, also makes custom corsets if you want a corset that fits you like a glove.
Your Man's Clothes
If you doing your session as a gift for your man, you could bring something of his to add a personal touch. The button down dress shirt and tie combo has become incredibly popular. Shirts that are larger than the size you would normally wear work best so that you can have the shirt off your shoulders and still pull it all the way around you. You can also try thinking outside of the box. Does he have a favorite band shirt? Pajama pants? Trousers and suspenders? Get personal!
T-Shirts & Sweaters
One of my favorite things that clients bring in, which may sound crazy, is a big t-shirt that hangs off the shoulder. T-shirts are the exception to the "no prints" rule, the ones with big graphics or words on them photograph really well. Pairing a t-shirt or tank top with a bra and panty set, or just cotton undies, is a great way to slink into the next set with a little strip tease!
Accessories
We're pretty much minimalists when it comes to accessories. It's easy to overwhelm your look with over-the-top jewelry in addition to an elaborate outfit. Be careful when pairing your accessories with outfits taking care not to go overboard. If you're wearing a big, chunky necklace, smaller earrings may be better. If you're a fashionista and never leave the house without being fully accessorized then go for it! But if you don't typically wear a lot of jewelry don't feel like you have to go out and buy some for your session. Fur coats (real or fake) and masks can be a lot of fun for a session. If your boudoir photos will be a gift to your groom on your wedding day, you can bring in your veil as an accessory. While some outfits definitely call for the finishing touches of accessories, some accessories definitely call out to be the only thing on you in the photo.
Nothing at all!
Truly one of my favorites, the birthday suit! Don't worry though, just because you're completely nude in the photos doesn't mean you have to show everything if the thought of that terrifies you. We can wrap you in a sheet and only show what you want, or you can go all out! How much you show, or don't show, is completely up to you. A lot of clients have told us that the nude portion of their session was the most liberating part! Artistic nudes can be a great way to focus on capturing your femininity in a beautiful and timeless way. Our fine art nudes make great additions to home decor! If you're interested in fine art nude prints or canvases for your home, be sure to let us know in advance so that we can shoot for wall art. And again, don't forget to measure your wall space before your session!
If you have any questions at all about what to wear for your session, please don't hesitate to give us a call! We would be more than happy to discuss your wardrobe options and the look you're going for. The more prepared you are for your session, the better. Typically we photograph up to 3 outfits or sets, but we recommend bringing a couple extra outfits just in case.
To book a session or for more information call 225-571-3668. You can also visit our website at www.breathlessboudoir.com
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