What to Wear For Your Boudoir Photoshoot: The Best Lingerie and Outfit Ideas
- Jul 27
- 8 min read
Choosing the right outfits for your boudoir photos can feel more daunting and stressful than the photoshoot itself, I hear you.
Here's the good news, most women don't know:
You don't need a drawer full of expensive lingerie or a crash diet.
You might even have some of the best outfit pieces in your closet already.
No matter your size or body type, I'm going to show you the best boudoir outfits and how to style them to match your personality.
After photographing 1000's of everyday women with zero photoshoot experience, I've seen which outfits create the best boudoir portraits and which outfits and details you don't even need to worry about.
The 2 Most Important Rules For Your Boudoir Outfits!
More important than any trend. Remember these rules when you're deciding which outfits to choose for your boudoir photoshoot.
Proper Fit:
Make sure your outfits fit properly - not too lose or too tight.
Colour & Style:
Choose colours and styles that YOU love and are drawn too.
I often get asked "what colours will look best?" and my answer is always - "your favourite colours". The only colours that DON'T photograph well are neons, yellows and oranges. Besides that, I recommend choosing your favourites because you will wear it again and it represents you.
The Best Lingerie For Boudoir Photos
What our eyes see and what the camera sees is very different.
Outfits, among other things, can look different in photos and that is why the BEST lingerie for Boudoir may be different from regular wear lingerie and outfits.
Here are the top lingerie outfits that will flatter every gorgeous curve and keep your photos timeless, so you can love them for many years to come.
Bodysuit / Teddy
A very popular and one of my favourite options.
Bodysuits (also called teddies) are flattering for every body type because they show off your beautiful curves and figure while toning your midsection.
If you’re a little self conscious about your midsection (like 98% of my clients and most women are) or you just love the style, try a bodysuit.
Bodysuits come in many different styles and colours to fit your personality and will give you a variety of different looks for your boudoir photoshoot.
Matching Bra & Panty Set
A classic option that you can customize to your personality with all the different varieties - colour, textures, patterns, lace and straps.
Make sure your bra fits without spillage or gaping. Also, make sure that the bra and panty have the same colour because the camera will over exaggerate any difference.
The best bra types for boudoir are:
Push up
Plunge
Balconette
Underwire
The best panty types to shape your booty are:
Cheeky
Thong
Tanga
Corset & Bustier
Corsets come in different styles, full length & cropped versions.
The 2 most important things to make them work great for boudoir are:
A sweetheart neckline:
This will accentuate your curves, where a straight bust can flatten your girls
Boning:
Corsets that aren’t super boned and allow you to bend will be the most flattering.
Bralette
Bralettes are great options for babes with smaller busts.
A high halter neckline will emphasize your sultry shoulders and bring attention up to your eyes.
Bralettes come in lots of beautiful shapes and sizes, detailed with lace, satin, velour and applique that will be perfect to flaunt!
Chemise, Slip or Robe
Chemises and slips are elegant, feminine and can give that seductive, getting into bed type of look.
Choose sheer or silk and body hugging/contouring options for the most flattering look that won’t hide your curves.
Robes are great to tease with, especially off the shoulder. Choose a sheer, see-through robe so you can still see your silhouette. If you choose a silk or non see-through robe just make sure to pull it in certain ways that you can still see your figure, otherwise these can be unflattering. For example, off the shoulder or posing your arm in a triangle.
Garter Belt
Garter belts are a perfect, sultry addition to any bra and panty set or bodysuit.
Note: Choose just the stockings with a bodysuit unless the garter belt looks like it belongs.
Garter belts should fit on your HIPS and NOT on your WAIST.
A garter on your hips will make your torso look longer and be more slimming than having a line in the middle of your body.
Stockings
Both stay up stockings or regular stockings will work with a garter belt.
Stay ups typically aren't made for garters since they are thicker at the top, but they will still work. The trick to making them look great on ALL legs is not pulling them up too high, to avoid that dreaded thigh bulge.
Matching black stockings with black outfits or white stocking with white outfits will look the best. My favourite are black sheer with the lace at the top and the line down the back, so classy!
Fish nets look great for a more seductive look with any outfit that doesn't have lace but they do NOT look great with garter.
The Worst Outfits For Boudoir Photos
These aren't universal styling rules, these are definitely boudoir photoshoot and camera specifics. No matter your body type, leave these options at home because they won't be flattering and there are better options that will be!
✘ Babydolls
✘ Neon Colours
✘ Full back, hipsters and g-strings panties
✘ Heels with ankle straps
Avoid The Babydoll
These look great and can make you feel confident in person, I understand that. The camera shows these very differently than they look in the mirror or in person. In photos they will make you look wider than you are because they are not form fitting.
Bodysuits are 100x more flattering for boudoir photos.
See the difference in the photos above?
Avoid Neon Colours
They show weird reflections in photos and aren't flattering for any skin tone.
Panties To Avoid
If you want to give your booty a shape, covering it up will not do that! Full back, hipsters or g-string panties are not your friends for boudoir portraits. Choose cheekies, thongs or tangas that will give your booty a more heart, peachy shape.
Avoid Heels With Straps
This rule can very depending on the photo, camera angle and shoe. In general the BEST heels or stilettos for boudoir are a high and thing heel (the higher the better), closed or peep toe, with no straps.
Shoes
If heels aren’t your thing and the other shoe options seem "blah" to you, bare feet with pointed toes will look beautiful and classic.
Stilettos:
To make your legs look long and toned, choose tall (the taller the better) with thin heels and no straps. The colours that look the best are black, nude, red or your favourite fun colour or sparkles.
Wedding Shoes:
For bridal boudoir or if you still have a love your wedding shoes, bring them. Adding those personal items with meaning will add the perfect emotional details to your boudoir photoshoot.
Other Shoe Options:
Cowboy boots, ballet slippers or runners (make sure they're clean) will look great and add personality.
Jewellery
When it comes jewellery, I believe that less is more.
You don’t want anything that will be too distracting or steal the attention away from YOU!
I suggest bringing jewellery that you wear everyday or pieces with emotional meaning that are near and dear to your heart.
Remember they will be in your images forever, or until you do another shoot.
Remember to clean your jewellery so it sparkles.
Here are some options to give you some ideas:
Rings:
Engagement, Wedding, engineering or any other special rings
Bracelets & Necklaces:
Dainty, subtle items OR statement pieces (that you love) - especially with the “White Sheet” look
Earrings:
Studs or tiny hoops or teardrops will add the perfect amount of sparkle detail without being distracting. Dangle earrings or large hoops can look weird in certain poses, so you will be taking them on and off constantly.
TIP: Pearls are a classic and timeless look. Bring long necklaces to play with. They look great as handcuffs or draped down your back.
Accessories
You DON’T NEED to bring accessories because you'll have more than enough with just you and your outfits. That being said, if you have a favourite hobby or something you want to represent in your photos, feel free to bring it with you.
The options are endless and range from everyday items to kinky 50 shades like options.
In our Calgary studio, some of the accessories we've shot in the past are dogs, surf boards, golf clubs, chemistry sets, hiking maps, wild flowers and many more.
Non Lingerie Boudoir Outfits
If lingerie is NOT your thing or if you want to create some different looks, here are some lingerie alternatives that can still give you the cute or sultry vibe you want.
Off the shoulder sweater:
Off the shoulder, over sized, or duster paired with boudoir approved panties and bra or topless.
Jeans:
Jeans or jean shorts paired with a bra, crop top, tank top, or no top with bare feet or cowboy boots.
Dress:
Cocktail, your fav, bodycon or any type.
White button up shirt:
Yours, or your partner's since both fitted or oversized will look great. You can pair this with just panties, bra & panty set, bodysuit or stockings.
Sporty Looks:
Gym/yoga wear, sports bras, boy shorts, bra and panty set with brand band or your favourite team jersey
Significant Other's Items:
Represent your significant other’s favourite jersey, shirt, hoodie, dress shirt, tie or hat to make custom images JUST for them. They'll LOVE that you thought of them AND every time they see that item... they will think about YOU and your sexy photos.
Here are some ideas:
Jerseys
Fav hats
Cowboy hats
T-shirt
Sweater
Dress shirt
Ties
Work attire (hard hats, fire helmets, PPE, coveralls, etc.)
White sheets:
You don’t even need an outfit for this. It’s you in your birthday suit and we have all the white sheets. They're VERY flattering for every body.
Boudoir Outfit FAQs
Do I have to wear lingerie for boudoir photos?
No. Boudoir can include sweaters, shirts, dresses, jeans, sheets, sportswear, white sheets or implied images. Your outfits should match your comfort level and personal style.
What Is the Most Flattering Lingerie for Boudoir?
Bodysuits or matching bra and panty sets are classic and timeless options that come in many different styles for all body types. The most flattering lingerie is the one that fits you properly, provides the desired support and complements the look being created.
What Should I Wear If I Am Self-Conscious About My Stomach?
Many clients want a little more coverage through their midsection. A fitted bodysuit, higher-rise bottom, button up shirt or softly layered robe can provide that coverage without hiding your curves. Avoid babydoll lingerie that can make you appear wider in photos.
Should I Buy New Lingerie?
Not necessarily. Existing pieces can work if they fit properly and are in excellent condition. A new outfit can be worthwhile if you want something specifically for your experience or if you want an excuse to go shopping.
What Lingerie Colours Look Best in Boudoir Photos?
Colours that you already love. There is no required colour palette, other than avoiding neon colours. The most popular colours we shoot are black, white, red, light pink, forest green, royal blue and magenta.
Will You Help Me Choose My Boudoir Outfits?
Yes. During your consultation, we discuss your style, comfort level and the looks you want to create. Booked clients also receive our complete lingerie guide, shopping recommendations and personalized outfit styling support before their boudoir photoshoot in Calgary.
The best boudoir outfits fit properly, represent your personality and make you feel like the best version of yourself.
Bring options to your boudoir photoshoot and we'll help you pick and style the best outfits and looks that will photograph beautifully in our private Calgary boudoir studio.
Every booked client receives our detailed lingerie guide, shopping guides and support and personalized outfit recommendations.
Schedule your complimentary consultation to start planning your boudoir experience.
