What to wear to your Boudoir Photo Shoot - Top 10 Boudoir Outfits

As an experienced Boudoir Photographer with over 13 years in the business I have seen and photographed a lot of different people with a variety of personalities, tastes, and styles. My most frequently asked question I get from people before they come in for a boudoir session with me is what should I wear? I understand that choosing the perfect attire for your boudoir session can help you convey your desired mood and essence. When it comes to selecting outfits for boudoir, you don’t necessarily have to wear just lingerie either, that is the cool thing about boudoir, there are so many ideas and options out there that the sky is the limit! To make things a little easier I have compiled a list of my absolute Top 10 Favourite Outfits you can wear to your boudoir shoot! If you are looking to express your femininity during your session then this post is for you, however, if you are looking to express more of your masculine side, then stay tuned for an upcoming blog post all about my Top 10 Favourite Outfits for men or those looking to celebrate their masculine side.

10. Jeans

I love to celebrate the beauty and confidence of every individual. During your boudoir photo shoot, I will encourage you to embrace your unique style and personality. Jeans is such a classic outfit choice that every person has already, so why not bring your favourite pair of perfectly worn in jeans that you absolutely adore! The added texture of denim paired with the softness of skin creates quite the juxtaposition if you will. Opting to go topless or wearing a bra and panty set underneath are both great options to rock with your favourite pair of jeans.

9. Cozy or Oversized Shirts / Sweaters

Looking for an alternative to traditional lingerie? Relax and exude an effortlessly sexy vibe by incorporating cozy or oversized articles of clothing into your boudoir wardrobe. These pieces can create a captivating casual-chic aesthetic that speaks to your natural beauty. Pair your T-Shirt or Sweater with lacy panties or even thigh-high stockings to strike the perfect balance between cozy and seductive.

The oversized sweater look can give you a comfy and cozy feel while giving you a little more coverage. T-Shirts can be plain or are a great way to add an element of yourself into the photos by choosing a t-shirt with your favourite band, show, sports team, etc.

If you are doing your boudoir shoot as a gift to not only yourself but to someone special in your life then this outfit option is a great way to incorporate your partner into your photo session then too! Feel free to bring their favourite t-shirt or sweater to use during your boudoir session and every time they wear this favourite piece of clothing, they will think of you and the boudoir photos of you wearing it!

8. Just Panties or Stockings

Wearing just panties or stockings to your boudoir shoot can be an incredibly empowering and liberating experience. It's a way to fully embrace your body, celebrate your sensuality, and step out of your comfort zone. The simplicity of the ensemble allows your natural beauty to take centre stage, showcasing your curves and contours in an intimate, yet elegant manner.

Choose a pair that makes you feel confident, sexy, and empowered. Allow yourself to surrender to the moment, letting your body tell its own story through stunning imagery. Whether it's the delicate lace detailing or the smooth satin finish, the choice of panties adds a touch of personal expression to your boudoir session, capturing the essence of your unique style and femininity beautifully. Same goes with just stockings, choosing a lace top or a fishnet will again help add personal touches of your own unique style. When you strip away the layers of clothing, you are not only creating visually captivating images, but you are also connecting with your innermost self.

This is also a great way to ease into trying the “nude” look without going all the way as it will give you a little more coverage. And just because you are only wearing panties or stockings doesn’t mean you have to “bare” it all either, that is the great thing about posing! Using your hands to cover any parts you don’t want to show, or pulling a bed sheet over are little tips and tricks you can add in during the posing process.

7. Button Up Shirt

This is a classic outfit option, especially an oversized white button up shirt. The button up shirt is a great outfit choice, you can pair it with a bra and panty set, pair it with just panties, or even choose to go nude underneath, there are a lot of options with just this one simple outfit choice.

Choosing to go with a classic white option adds a touch of sophistication and allure. Opting for a plaid or coloured button up shirt can add a playful vibe to your boudoir photos. The vibrant patterns and bold hues create a visual interest, drawing attention to your unique style and personality.

The button up shirt can be styled in many different ways it is truly so versatile. Wearing the shirt nude and fully buttoned up to reveal the curve of your collarbone adds a subtle sensuality to your photos. Choosing to have the shirt unbuttoned completely to reveal your intimate lingerie underneath or perhaps just a pair of panties along with the curve of your breast portrays confidence, elegance, with a dash of playfulness.

6. Implied Nudes

Implied nudes are a tasteful yet alluring outfit option that embodies the essence of sensuality and femininity. This outfit choice is a great way to ease yourself in to trying nudes without actually showing anything off. Through carefully crafted poses, lighting, and composition, these boudoir images embrace the power of suggestion, leaving some things to the imagination.

Your implied nudes will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the human body without displaying nudity. With a focus on artistic expression, these photos create an atmosphere that celebrates confidence, vulnerability, and the unique allure of each individual.

Using a bed sheet is one of my favourite ways to photograph implied nudes. The soft fabric delicately drapes over the body revealing just enough. A bed sheet is great for posing as it embraces the curves and contours while accentuating every inch of you. You can choose to cover up as much as you want or can opt to show off a little more skin. This simple choice enhances your natural beauty and radiance while allowing your true authentic self to shine through.

Implied nudes don’t have to be done with a bed sheet either, if you have a favourite blanket from home, or perhaps you would like to use your partner’s clothing during the shoot but you don’t want to wear it, this is a great way to incorporate that t-shirt, sweater, or sports jersey without having to wear this bulky piece of clothing. Opting to use that piece of clothing to drape over your body like you would with the sheet, allows you to incorporate them into your boudoir photo shoot.

5. Tank Top and Panties

Believe it or not I used to not love this outfit but it has grown on me over the years that it is now in the top 5 of my list! An outfit that portrays not only comfort but confidence! Whether a plunging neckline or a crop tank is more your style, there are lots of choices when it comes to the tank top you choose!

If you choosing a full bodied tank top is more your style, opting for something that is not only stretchy but that has a good neckline will help with posing. A scoop or low cut neckline or even a deep v is a great way to give you a little more coverage on your body but still allows you to show off your shape. It is a timeliness yet seductive look that allows your silhouette to shine through.

One of my favourite ways to wear a tank top though is to either choose a crop tank or to play around with pulling up the tank top to reveal some sexy underboob, adding a teasing touch to your boudoir photos.

Choosing a tank top that is white in colour or one that is very sheer adds a touch of playfulness. Highlighting your feminine allure, this outfit is sure to leave an undeniable impression. With the white or sheer tank top it can be even more fun to either soak the shirt in water and spray your skin to include water droplets or for even wearing this outfit in the shower or tub room.

4. Bra and Panty Set with Lace or Lots of Details

Bra and Panty sets are a go to when it comes to boudoir outfit choices. This outfit might already be something you own too! The key with this outfit choice though is to make sure you choose a bra and panty set with lots of details. Details like lace, straps, bling, all add dimension by adding more texture to your boudoir photos.

Whether you are looking for a little oompf with a push up bra or something more elegant and simple like a bralette, there are lots of options when it comes to this outfit choice. I love opting for a higher waisted panty too, especially if you have some curves, it will just help accentuate those fabulous hips of yours!

As much as I love playing around with colours in boudoir I do love the feel and look when you choose a matching set as to making sure the colour on the top and the bottom are close in colour will help the flow of your images.

Bra and panty sets not only add a touch of elegance and sophistication but also set the stage for a captivating narrative, effortlessly capturing your allure and sensuality yet again.

3. Personalized Touches

This may seem like a very vague option for your boudoir outfits, however, I preach that I want to photograph you as your most authentic self, and what better way to do that then to incorporate your very own style or things about you into your boudoir photos.

Make your boudoir shoot truly unforgettable by incorporating personal items with sentimental value. Perhaps a significant piece of jewelry, a favourite perfume, or a beloved book can add a touch of intimacy and authenticity to your photos. These personalized touches can create a connection between you, your story, and your own essence.

2. Bodysuit / Teddy

This outfit is one of my absolute favourite things you can wear to your boudoir shoot! For a balance between sophistication and playfulness, consider incorporating a beautiful bodysuit into your boudoir ensemble. These one-piece wonders give an air of mystery and can enhance your curves while allowing you to feel both comfortable and confident. Experiment with various fabrics – from delicate sheer to quirky patterns – to add personality to your look. Bodysuits or teddies are a great outfit option for anyone no matter your shape or size too. If you are looking for a little more body coverage for your shoot then this is the outfit for you!

Even though a bodysuit or teddy gives you a little more body coverage, it still shows off your shape nicely by hugging your body and curves from top to bottom. With tons of different styles and cuts, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you like lace or are wanting something more sheer, there’s a bodysuit for that! Whether you want something with cups or perhaps a deep v neckline, there’s a bodysuit for that too! The options are truly endless.

1. Nude or your Birthday Suit

My absolute favourite outfit choice in boudoir is not wearing anything at all! What better way to capture you as your true authentic self then to wear nothing and embrace your body for what it is. Going nude for your boudoir shoot can be a powerful and empowering choice, shedding away an expectations or inhibitions allows your inner confidence to shine through. There is nothing more beautiful than allowing for a raw and authentic portrayal of your self, celebrating the beauty and strength that comes from within. Remember, your boudoir shoot is about capturing your raw, unapologetic self, and there's nothing more beautiful than that.

Remember, the most important aspect of your boudoir shoot is to feel comfortable and empowered. Choose attire that reflects your individuality, allowing your authentic self to shine through. As your boudoir photographer I am committed to creating a safe and judgment-free space where your beauty and sensuality are celebrated.
I love being able to capture your unique essence and creating timeless boudoir images that will empower and inspire you for years to come. Embrace the journey, embrace your sensuality, and let the magic unfold as you select the perfect attire for your boudoir shoot!

Well that’s a wrap! Let me know if you think I may have missed a boudoir outfit or if you disagree! There are lots more options than just these ten but these happen to be my favourite choices as a boudoir photographer.

Much Love,

Calie Brianna Schwartz

Lover of Boudoir