I bet one of your first questions when booking a boudoir photo shoot is, “What should I wear?” The options can be overwhelming! Believe it or not, lingerie is not the only option on the table. Of course, it is a fun excuse for a new lingerie outfit for some. But for others, it might feel sexiest to keep it simpler, with a bit more clothing on. The goal is to wear outfits that make you feel confident and sexy.

Whether this means picking up some new lingerie, sticking to a cute set of loungewear, or a little dress, that’s totally up to you! Here are just a few ideas on what to wear for your boudoir photo shoot to get you started.

Your favorite dress

I know it sounds counterintuitive to be fully dressed for boudoir photos, but I assure you it’s not. The point of these photos is to bring you confidence and love the way you look. Plus, it’s not often you get your hair and makeup done for professional photos, right? Start the session off easy with your favorite dress that makes you feel sexy, and get some glamour portraits.

Your favorite jeans

Similarly, bring along your favorite pair of jeans for a casual and sexy look! You know, the ones that make your butt look amazing. You can pair them with a sexy T-shirt or bra, or nothing at all.

Oversized shirt

Oh so many options for this one! This can be a men’s button up shirt, or maybe a sports jersey. It could be a band shirt, or even a big sweater or sweatshirt. No matter what style most appeals to you, the oversized shirt or sweater look is super cute with nothing but panties peeking out underneath.

Bra and panties set

A matching set of bra and underwear is just classic.

Loungewear

Think cozy and casual. You could pair a cute sports bra with leggings, or maybe a tiny shirt with joggers. Something you wouldn’t mind being caught wearing while lounging at home.

Negligees and lingerie sets

Of course, I do have to mention lingerie sets for any boudoir photo shoot! Have you ever pined after a sexy little outfit but not known when you’d wear it? Well, here you go! This is your perfect excuse to buy that set you’ve been lusting after.

Garter belt and stockings

The garter and stockings look itself deserves its own special mention. This look is classic. Consider fishnets!

Silk robe

Whether you put the sexy little robe over a lingerie set, nightgown, or nothing at all, it’s a simple way to add to any outfit or be cute on its own. A silk robe is a great way to feel sexy without necessarily showing a lot of skin.

A sexy jacket

This can be thought of as an accessory or an outfit on its own. Think of a leather jacket or a jean jacket. What would make you feel like hot stuff?

Partially clothed

Keep in mind that you don’t always have to think in complete outfits. Think jeans with no top, a sweater with just panties, a jacket with nothing underneath. Implied partial nudity is always sexy.

Nothing

Of course, there is always the option to go full nude. There are ways to do this for any confidence level, too. You can cover yourself with sheets, or use strategic angles to hide certain parts. Or, go full send and show it all off! Just communicate with your photographer (that’s me!) about what you’re envisioning and/or what your comfort level is.

And don’t forget to accessorize

Your accessories can sometimes serve as a focal point for photos, especially if they are the only things that you happen to be wearing, so be sure to put some thought into these just as much as the rest of your outfits. 

A few ways to accessorize for boudoir photos:

• Shoes–think sexy heels, boots, or booties
• Jewelry–either dainty jewelry or statement pieces
• Hair accessories, depending on how you envision your hair
• Scarves or wraps to complete each outfit (and give you something to play with)
• Items or accessories that are meaningful to you

As a general rule, choose timeless accessories over trendy pieces.

How to Prepare Your Skin, Face, and Hair for Your Boudoir Photo Shoot

Of course, it’s not all about what to wear for your boudoir session. In the days leading up to your boudoir photo shoot, there are a few things you can do to make sure your skin and hair look amazing. Try to get lots of rest and keep hydrated the week of, so that you look and feel naturally energized. The day of or before, be sure to exfoliate, shave or wax, and moisturize. Since your hands and feet will be featured in some shots, you might want to get a fresh manicure and pedicure as well. 

If you plan to get your hair colored or trimmed, or to get tanned, give yourself at least a week before your session, just in case anything goes wrong or needs to be touched up.

If you’re having hair and makeup done professionally for your boudoir photo session, then all you need to do is show up with clean, dry hair and a clean, moisturized face. Your hair and makeup artist will make sure to give you the glam! 

If you’re planning to do your own hair and makeup, remember to give yourself plenty of time and stick with styles and looks that you are confident with.

Hey, beautiful! I’m Delia, a wedding and boudoir photographer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My hope for women (and men, too!) is that we can learn to love our bodies regardless of what the media or society might have to say. My favorite part of my job is being able to show people themselves in a whole new light, and watch them light up with recognition that they truly are damn beautiful.

You can view more of my work and learn more about my boudoir photography experience here.

Want to book me as your Albuquerque boudoir photographer? Fill out the contact form below!