You’ve booked your boudoir photography session, now let’s get ready!
As you probably know already, the studio does not carry a full client wardrobe. The main reason is, we all come in so many different shapes and sizes! This is the best way to ensure your outfit fits you perfectly and you feel comfortable and sexy in it, no gaping cups or pinching bottoms. Not to mention it can make the reveal of your pictures extra fun if they’re intended for a special someone and accompanied by you wearing the same outfit, oh lala!
Before we jump into the specifics, here are some general tips to consider as you head into planning outfits:
– Shop your closet! It’s very likely you already have something good tucked all the way in the back.
– Try everything on before your session – the best outfits are the outfits that… fit! Making sure nothing is pinching or slipping off or too tight will make a big difference in your comfort level and ability to move during your session.
– There is no silver bullet when it comes to picking a piece specific to a body type – a well fitting piece that makes you feel good will work best, and we can accentuate or minimize spots with posing more effectively, so try to not get too wrapped up in it.
– …with that said, one of the more common areas folks feel uncomfortable with is the mid section. A body suit or a teddy can provide a bit of coverage, even when it’s sheer or lacy. High wasted bottoms, or a thicker garter belt can do a similar job and cinch you in. Think about adding shape, like a tight body suit would once we get that pose nailed down, rather than obscuring your shape with lots of loose fabric.
-If you’re tall or have a long torso, bodysuits might end up not working great for you just because a lot of them will be built for the average person and ride up. Look for the ones in the Tall section!
– If you’re getting stockings, try to buy them from a place that either lists different sizes rather than “one fits all”, or a place that has a plus size version. Most stockings are very tight around the top part so they can stay up, which can make them hard to hold up for a lot of people regardless of weight – if you carry a bit more of your weight in that area, or if you’re on the athletic side, getting the plus size version even if you’re not plus size, can work much better without pinching.
– And lastly… if you end up with a pile of 17 different pieces and get overwhelmed and not sure what to do…grab it all! We’ll go thought it together before the shoot and pair it down to the very best before we start, and I can weigh in on whether one would work better than another. It’s better to have extras than too little.
Now, I am a firm believer that a picture is worth a thousand words, so the best start is my idea Pinterest board, to give you some visual tips on good options for wardrobe for your shoot.
Boudoir Photography Idea Board
You will quickly see that while some fancy lacy numbers look amazing, your options stretch far beyond that and you probably already own quite a few of them! Some popular ones are:
– Bodysuits! Always look so classy and hot at the same time. Excellent if you want something with a bit more coverage while you get comfortable with your shoot or prefer not to draw attention to the midsection of the body. They’re also a better option than loose fitting baby dolls since they give you shape while minimizing the tummy area.
– Your significant other’s favorite button down shirt – works great with a dressy one as well as a comfy flannel. Tie optional!
– Sports jersey. Bonus points for sports gear too!
– Leather jacket. Hot and edgy!
– Just a white sheet. I got you covered on that one (pun very much intended). I have a white sheet ready in the studio that we can wrap you up for that sexy but not too exposed shot.
Now you probably still want to do the fancy lacy numbers too, though. Here are some shopping options that go a little past the obligatory Victoria’s Secret visit:
Yandy | SheIn | Amazon | FashionNova – huge selection and very reasonable prices. Quality and sizing can be hit or miss, so you’d want to check reviews and look at pictures closely, but the selection is hard to beat, and we only need the pieces to look good for a short amount of time, right?
Love, Vera – a black woman owned business pick! I particularly love their three piece sets, and the fact that every single line comes in regular and plus size, at a mid-range price.
Thistle and Spire – the most unique lace you’ve ever seen. I’m obsessed with their Medusa pieces!
Bluebella – I got this one as an insider tip from a burlesque dancer. They do strappy, hot pieces like no one else. Bonus points for small band sizes and a wide range of cup and band customization options.
Playful Promises – very playful, fabulously impractical pieces on the higher edge of mid-range pricing. Plus sizes available as well.
Honey Birdette – the splurge entry on the list, you’re going to feel like a million bucks in one of their sets. Lots of fun colors and truly immaculate quality.
What Katie Did – specializing in retro style lingerie for that va va voom flavor.
FigLeaves – large collection of indie brands, including maternity, nursing and mastectomy styles for those of us who don’t quite fit in the average brand.
Adrina Dietra – are you local to Ithaca? Stop by this store for some one of a kind lingerie handmade by a woman of color, right here in our local community.
Do you need to grab something on a really short notice because your shoot is coming up way too fast? Locally in Ithaca, you might find a surprising number or two at Target or TJ Maxx as well. And there’s always Amazon prime too!
Let’s not forget the extras – string of pearls, your significant other’s game controllers or music instrument, sports jersey, your wedding veil, favorite book. No loaded weapons or drug paraphernalia, please.
And don’t forget to pack some heels. Or cowboy boots!
Once you’re set with outfits, check out the getting ready guide for more tips on preparing for your boudoir photography session.
*absolutely NO affiliate links in this post. These are just suggestions I wanted to provide in case they’re helpful to you.