When you begin looking for your boudoir outfits, there are a few things I want you to keep in mind while you shop. Here are my general tips and advice to keep in mind when outfit shopping:
Look for texture.
Items that have more interesting fabrics photograph better than simpler ones. Some fun textured fabrics to look for:
- Lace
- Mesh
- Fishnet
- Floral print
- Velvet
- Sequins
- Glitter
- Rhinestones
- Chains
- Feathers
- Fringe
- Leather
- Strappy things
- Ruffles, frills, or bows
Pass on simpler fabrics.
Try to avoid basic satin or silk by itself. If you find an item you love but it’s plain satin or silk, try to find the same look but with a floral print to elevate the outfit. Here’s an example from a past client who brought in a simple floral dress for her shoot:
Pick items that fit you well in all the right places.
Ill-fitting items won’t photograph well, so make sure it fits you like a glove before you purchase. Try to avoid straps that dig into your skin, or tops that don’t support your chest, for example. Take a look at this babe’s bodysuit and how the straps rest comfortably on her skin:
Skip items that hide you.
I’m in the business of showing you off, baby! The following items hide you a bit too much:
- Full coverage boy short bottoms –> pick something cheeky instead
- Sports jerseys –> bring a button-down shirt or flannel instead
- Long-sleeve bodysuits that aren’t sheer –> opt for something with fabric you can see through
Take a peek at how my past clients brought pieces that didn’t cover them too much in the front and back (specifically the booty area):
Bring a variety of options.
For some poses, a good old-fashioned bra with underwire support and maybe some light padding will photograph better than a bralette with no support at all. Similarly, a pair of cheeky bottoms can photograph better than a g-string in certain poses. The key is variety! At the very least, try to bring the following two items:
- One top that has good bust support –> this will be perfect for poses laying on your back
- One set of bottoms that isn’t a g-string –> this will be perfect for booty poses on the floor
My two clients below brought wonderful outfit choices for these poses on the floor. On the left, this gal opted for a classic push-up bodysuit + garter set. This allowed for support when laying on her back in this pose.
On the right, this beauty brought a cheeky bodysuit that was perfect for my classic booty pose on the floor. If you bring a g-string, that’s totally okay! I have other poses for g-string outfits. But the cheeky bottoms will look great on the floor!
Pass on items that are almost there.
This means maybe you love how the top looks but don’t like the bottoms. Try to go for outfits that you feel 100% confident, powerful, and sexy in!
Bring any color that you like!
My home studio is decorated with neutral colors and tones: grey, dark brown, black, and white. You can bring any color of the rainbow, even hot pink and lime green! Gem tones and colors from the Crayola bold crayon box work really well in my home studio. And of course, classic black + white will always look great!
Some vibrant neon colors from past clients:
Pass on (most) props.
You are the only prop we need! Because boudoir is meant to emulate your bedroom (the word quite literally translates to “woman’s bedroom”), props that wouldn’t naturally bring into that space won’t generally work in your shoot.
A prime example of a prop that generally wouldn’t work for boudoir would be something sports-related, like a basketball or football. Props that do work could be a whip, handcuffs, or a book (perhaps it’s your favorite or your partner’s favorite). I’ve also had gals bring in cowboy hats and that was a super cute idea!
A few of my gals have brought cute little birthday cakes for past shoots that worked well for props:
Go as wild as you want!
Boudoir is extra af by nature, so you can really lean into fun and daring outfits if you’re comfortable doing so.
Some spicy things I’ve seen come through the home studio doors: crotchless bottoms (seen on the left here), fishnet bodystockings (seen on the right), lingerie sets with chains, animal print, and even a garter belt set with red feathers!
Don’t feel like you have to bring heels.
High heels drastically limit how well you can get into my posing flow, so unless you have a sentimental pair of heels you want to shoot in, you can leave them at home. If you do bring a pair of heels, we’ll most likely only use them in booty poses on the floor, like we did in this photo below:
Accessories can be fun — if they fit your personal style!
Feel free to bring fun accessories that match your personal style. Don’t feel like you have to accessorize if you’re not into accessories in your day-to-day life!
I will also have a client accessories closet that you will have access to for your shoot. I don’t have the items photographed just yet (coming soon!) but my client accessories closet has a variety of body chains and sheer lace robes in red, black, and white. You’re welcome to wear any (or none!) of the items for your shoot!
Some examples of accessories my clients have brought in the past:
- Dangly earrings
- A sexy wristwatch
- Bangle bracelets
- Gloves (sheer, lace, or leather)
- A blazer
- Faux fur coat
- Their wedding dress + veil!
- Chokers
- A leather whip
- Body chains
- Eye glasses
- Sheer, lacy, or floral print robes
- Sheer or fishnet stockings
- Something from a recent achievement (I’ve had a past client bring in her framed master’s degree!)
Avoid lower quality items.
I get it — places like Shein offer unbeatable prices. From my experience, I have seen a lot of these outfits fall apart during past boudoir shoots. It’s either that or they are a bit ill-fitting in places, or things are sewn on incorrectly or backwards. I want you to feel confident in all of your outfits, and the quality of your items can definitely play a part in that. You’re worth more than a $5 bra. I promise!
Lastly, remember that boudoir is for you first, and whoever you want to gift the photos to second.
This means I want you to pick outfits and colors and textures that you love, first and foremost. Whoever you are giving the photos to will love the end results no matter what, so please be selfish and pick styles that you feel confident, powerful, and sexy in!
I’m so excited to see what you bring for your boudoir shoot! If you need recommendations of where to shop, both locally to Denver and online, head here for my ultimate lingerie guide.
For more real life inspiration, feel free to scroll through posts featuring past clients and their stunning outfits here.
See you soon!
-Ashley
