The Boudoir Styling Guide
Shopping for lingerie and accessories for your Boudoir shoot can really add to the excitement! But where to start?
Even if your photographer has a client closet, I still recommend getting a little something for yourself.
There is something to be said for having a
sexy little outfit that you can
wear again for yourself or a lover!
Plus feeling prepared going into your session can really make the difference, not only in the look of your images, but in how the session makes you feel and reconnects you to your body.
-IN THIS GUIDE-
-Great places to shop
-My favorite lingerie style
-How to best take advantage of client closets
-Which order to wear outfits in
-Other little things to add variety and personality to your session
-For the gentlemen
Where to Shop
There are countless places to get lingerie, so shop the way that YOU like to shop.
Do you have great luck finding things online, from the convenience of your own home?
Or do you prefer to try things on and see them in person?
My Personal Favorites
(I’ve purchased A LOT of lingerie)
Amazing quality & inclusive sizing + woman owned! - Thistle & Spire
Great return policy - Victoria Secret
Best curvy sizing - Torrid
Best quality corsets - Corset Story
Vivid colors & interesting pieces - Fenty X Savage
In Store
Victoria Secret
Nordstrom
Lovers
Castle Megastore
Torrid
Online
Venus - great quality in classic styles
Yandy - tons of variety and low prices
Thistle & Spire - woman owned luxury brand *My favorite!
Fenty X Savage - size inclusive with wild styles
Honey Birdette - Ultra luxury
** Keep in mind that many of the thriftier options for lingerie don’t allow for returns on intimate wear.
I’ve removed Shein, Fashion Nova, and Amazon from this list because of the lack of quality, sizing options, and return policies**
Check the return policy or be sure you are willing to part with the $
The Magical Mystical Body Suit
The super hero of lingerie is the bodysuit or teddy! It looks amazing on all body types, it’s easy to put on (and take off 😏) &
it comes in a MILLION different varieties and colors.
I use a bodysuit in most of my sessions.
Client Closets
Many Boudoir photographers offer a closet of lingerie for you to use during your session.
All of the pieces in my client closet are washed after being worn or tried on with a sanitizing additive, so you don’t have to worry!
I also provide little sanitary-barrier stickers upon request.
This is your chance to get wild and try things you normally might not buy.
-If you usually wear black or dark colors, try something pastel or white.
-Have you ever tried a garter belt or body chain?
-Rock a crown like the Queen you are.
-Corsets are tricky to put on by yourself, come try one when you have an extra pair of hands to help.
The more different colors, textures, and styles you try, the more variety you will have in your images.
Most of my clients find a new favorite style or color during their session, so have fun with it and explore!
Which Order Should I Wear My Outfits In?
So you are all glammed up, and have a line up of lingerie and are ready to rock.
So which one do you start with?
A great rule to go by is to start in something that you feel comfy and confident in and move on from there.
- Great examples of first outfits are -
-Your lovers button up shirt or sports jersey.
-A big comfy off the shoulder sweater with a bra panty set.
-A sexy little black dress.
-A tank and a pair of jeans or jean shorts to strip off with a cute bra and panty set underneath.
I like to save the sexiest, raciest, or the piece that I’m most excited about for later in the session,
when I’m feeling warmed up and confident.
Adding Variety
There are tons of things other than lingerie you can play with to add variety to your shoot.
The sky is the limit! Here are some ideas to get you started.
-Big off the shoulder sweaters, button up shirts, or a sports jersey.
-A pair of heels/thigh high boots - 4in heel minimum looks best in camera. (Don't worry, you wont need to walk much!)
-Wear your favorite dangling earrings or necklace (maybe even ONLY the jewelry?).
-Get wet in a crop top or white tee.
-Wear thigh-high boots, socks, or leg warmers.
-Play naughty with some cuffs or bondage sets.
-Feather boas, flowy dresses, and long tulle skirts are fun and feminine and can add movement.
-Who needs expensive lingerie? I think you will look amazing in just a bedsheet or nothing at all!
Pick things that you love, things that make you feel sexy!
If you are planning looks - choose 4 different looks and we can play into them with
facial expressions and body language.
Maybe you act a little shy and innocent in your comfy sweater and lacy panties?
Let your feminine side come out and play and dance like a ballerina in a flowy baby doll!
Does that corset make you feel a little dominant and bossy?
This session is all about you! So the more you relax and let yourself go,
the more your personality will shine through in your images, and the more fun you will have!
