So you’ve decided to take a leap of faith and scheduled your boudoir session. It’s going to be empowering, nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time. That’s completely normal, don’t stress. However, anxiety has kicked in with the age-old question:
WHAT THE HELL DO I WEAR???
Don’t worry; I’ve got you every step of the way. We will figure it all out. Take a deep breath (or fifteen) and remind yourself how amazing this is going to be. It’s undeniably scary to do something new, put yourself out there and be vulnerable. The best things out of life happen when we move past our comfort zones, I pinky promise.
Give yourself permission to enjoy the experience rather than live in fear of it.
What to Wear TO Your Session
So your session has finally arrived, what are you supposed to wear there?
GET COZY
The day of your session, you’re going to want to dress in the loosest fitting clothes possible. Bras, socks, leggings, tight pants, and the like all leave little indentations in your skin. They take a while to fade, so it’s best to skip them altogether.
Stick to a loose dress or loose-fitting pants and a shirt with no bra or a soft bralette. Wear comfy shoes that won’t leave marks on your feet (think flip flops, UGGS, or slippers)
* If you are going to be using our studio wardrobe, don’t forget a nude thong to wear underneath.
Before we go any further in picking out your wardrobe, I want to take a moment to address the elephant in the room and reframe your mindset a bit.
Flattering: throw that whole damn word out a window. Preferably from one five-stories up.
The word flattering is defined as “enhancing someone’s appearance.” However, it’s often wielded as a weapon to fit folx into boxes of beauty standards. It is linked to uncomfortable shapewear, or clothes mean to make you look smaller/more feminine/or hide your body behind a sack because someone decided they didn’t like it.
Stop, right now. You don’t have to fit into some tiny box that was created to make you feel small and powerless. Your body is incredible, stunning, and powerful just the way it is. Please don’t forget that.
We will find the perfect balance of highlighting your favorite parts of yourself and making sure you feel entirely comfortable. You’ll feel at home in your own skin, I pinky promise.
Lingerie Styles
So lingerie comes in 4,898,936,967 different styles (I checked!); let’s breakdown how to find the right ones for you.
Let’s talk underwear.
Some styles of undies work better for boudoir, these three are our favorites.
THE THONG
If you’ve got a bangin’ bum and you want to show it off, a thong is a great way to do that. We always prefer more coverage to g-strings; they photograph in a way that perfectly accentuates that kickass bum.
HIGH-WAISTED LOVES
These are our all-time personal favorite. High-waisted undies look killer on every body shape, especially those that might be a little insecure about their stomachs.
Let’s be crystal clear; we love all tums and celebrate them equally. But, we also realize some folx aren’t ready to celebrate theirs yet, and that’s equally okay.
CHEEKY BUMS
Cheeky undies were literally created to showcase your butt, and do so fabulously. They will always get a thumbs up from us.
Don’t forget your top half!
When choosing bras for your boudoir session, the fit is essential. We all have that bra that is so pretty, but so painfully uncomfortable that it lives in your drawer never to see the light of day. Leave that one at home and bring a few of your favorites.
If you are going to be wearing a bra in your session (zero obligation to, I hate wearing them myself), we recommend you bring at least two.
SOMETHING CLASSIC
A great black bra is a fantastic base for so many boudoir outfits — it goes with everything! Aim for a solid, neutral color.
SOMETHING FUN
Texture really adds something extra to photographs. Think lace, velvet, strappy bits, embroidery, etc.
Don’t forget bra’s awesome little sibling, bralette. These beauties move and mold to your body in a way that traditional bras don’t. Plus, they are comfy AF.
And our very favorite: the bodysuit
Bodysuits are our jaaammm! These beauties are gorgeous on everyone and come in so many fabulous options. While some folx are nervous to try one on (we get it, fitted can be scary), we really hope you will.
They skim your body, rather than hiding it by adding bulk (I’m looking at you fluffy baby dolls). Look for details that highlight your favorite parts (trim, lace, sequins, etc). A higher cut leg always looks fantastic!
Add that little extra bit of fun.
You can add a little extra texture or modesty with pieces to throw over your lingerie-clad or birthday suit self. Think button-ups, cozy sweaters, robes (not the comfy one that you watch Netflix in, think soft and delicate), your favorite jacket, and faux fur coats (we have entirely too many at the studio).
Stick to colors that are complimentary to your under bits (whether that’s your lingerie or your skin tone), texture, timeless patterns, and items with shape to it.
ALL OF YOUR SNARK IS WELCOME HERE
If you’ve met me on an average day, I’m probably wearing some sort of feminist or Harry Potter tee.
Your favorite shirts and sayings are fantastic to include in your session. Folx have worn everything from a World of Warcraft hoodie to the “No Bra Club” shirt (one of our wardrobe favorites).
* As a studio policy, we do not photograph shirts (or things in general) that promote racism, sexism, or any sort of cultural appropriation.
Feeling modest?
There is no rule in boudoir that means you have to bare everything (or anything at all). Look for bodysuits with long sleeves, fitted shirts, PJ sets, rompers, sweaters that drape beautifully, and soft robes
If showing loads of skin isn’t your thing, that is 100% okay. We empower you in a way that feels right for you; you can wear as little or as much as you want.
Oh good, a great excuse for shopping.
There are just as many lingerie stores as there are styles of lingerie (4,898,936,967 different styles to refresh your memory). It can be super overwhelming, so here are some great places to start.
ALL STORES MARKED WITH * ARE SIZE INCLUSIVE
Addition Elle* / Aerie / ASOS* / Bawdy Love* / Boohoo* / CosaBella* / Eloquii* / Forever 21* / Fredericks / Hips and Curves* / Journelle / SavagexFenty* / Third Love* / TomboyX* / Torrid*
Final Tips
Always bring more outfits than you think you might need. It’s better to have more to choose from than limit your options. For the record, I showed up to my own boudoir session with a rolling suitcase. You’re not bringing too much; you’re totally fine.
Be brave; bring one outfit that is completely out of your comfort zone. This is a day to challenge yourself.
