You pulled the trigger and booked a boudoir session, now comes the real challenge. Deciding how to choose what boudoir lingerie you’re going to wear during your photoshoot. In the end, there’s no hard and fast answer on what the best boudoir photoshoot lingerie is. I mean, everyone is different, but I do have some tips to help you know if a piece of lingerie will photograph well. Ultimately, the best lingerie to choose is the one you feel beautiful in! It’s far less about brands and current trends and more about dressing for your body and personal preferences. If you feel good, you’re going to look good! Conversely, you’ll be able to tell when you look uncomfortable in images, and I never want that for you. So, let’s jump in and learn about how you can choose the right textures, colors, and styles of lingerie that are perfect for your up-and-coming boudoir photoshoot.
Textures in Lingerie Create Depth In Photos
Boudoir photoshoots much less about the bra and underwear set you’re wearing and much more about creating texture with the materials and lingerie. We don’t want to create a scene where you get lost amongst all the other “stuff” in the frame. You can do that by being selective about your styling choices. A simple set can be stunning when we layer several different textures that create visual depth. So what does that mean? Bring in the textures! If we have a fluffy blanket, some lace, your skin texture, and some jewelry with metallic accents, we can create a beautiful harmony with just a few simple things. You’ll stay the focus of the image and everything else is just a supporting player, make you the centerpiece.
Great piece of lingerie to add texture to a boudoir photoshoot has either layers or laces. Layered sets (bra, underwear, garter belt, stockings) have enough components to create depth. Alternatively, you can look for contrasting textures (lace, different fabrics, embroidery, golden beads, silver buckles, etc). Personally, I think everyone should own at least one lace bodysuit that makes them feel like a boss! Plus, if styled correctly, this piece could even be reworn on a date night with jeans and heels! Some of my favorite bodysuits are by Thistle & Spire. They’re incredible works of art in themselves and feature embroidery on top of nude-colored mesh.
So, when looking for a piece of lingerie, consider something with a bit of texture. If you’re interested in a more sensual boudoir session, look for pieces that have lace or other beautiful accents that add texture. If lace isn’t your thing, consider layering different pieces and looking for lingerie with straps, buckets, or other accents that are more your style.
Straps Add Adjustability and Comfort to Boudoir Lingerie
Sometimes “busier” pieces with lots of straps can make for some beautiful boudoir images. In my experience as a boudoir photographer, thicker straps are better.
Thicker straps are Best because they are:
– more likely to stay in place,
– Are less likely to dig in,
– And are easier to adjust.
Thin straps are very difficult to adjust and often lead to some straps being too tight and some too loose.
A lot of lingerie claims to be “one size fits all” and that outdated mindset is why you feel like it doesn’t fit well (because it actually doesn’t). Thick, adjustable straps are great for tailoring the size to your body shape. You should feel your absolute best and that likely won’t happen if you feel trussed up like a turkey on Thanksgiving! So, if you like adjustability and comfort, be sure you choose a piece of lingerie for your boudoir photoshoot that has thick straps.
Colors That Pop Off In Your Boudoir Images
We tend to have our “comfort” colors; colors that we wear time and time again because we feel better in them than others. But, if variety is the spice of life, your lingerie should be no different! When you come to the studio for your boudoir shoot, consider bringing at least 3 different colored lingerie sets.
The best colors for boudoir linger, for a good variety of looks are:
– White
– Black
– And something bright!
White is great because it makes your skin have more color, even in the middle of January. It also matches well with sheer curtains and white furniture in a living room set, or is perfect if you’re getting married soon.
Black is the go-to for a sultry and classic boudoir look. Not to mention, pretty much everyone looks good and feels great in black! It doesn’t matter if you prefer a sweet lace black bra and underwear set or more of a fishnet and corset type lingerie, black won’t let you down. One of my boudoir favorite sets to shoot is black lingerie against a black background. It looks so high end and lets us use light to create endlessly gorgeous images.
The “bright color” lingerie is what throws people off the most, but it’s ok! It doesn’t have to be highlighter yellow, but should be something that helps you pop off a more neutral set. After all, you’re the star of this show so you need to show up!
For those of you still on the fence about it, here are some ideas:
Here are some color ideas for your Boudoir Photoshoot Lingerie:
– Red is another classic lingerie color that grabs attention.
– Magenta is also vivid but a little more feminine and better suites those with red undertones.
– Bright blue is absolutely glowy and a great choice for those who love cooler tones.
– Emerald green is perfect for the Fall lovers (plus, i have a matching loveseat!).
Whatever you choose, make it an extension of your personality!
Have You Considered Less Is More?
Hear me out. I don’t know about you, but I don’t wear a ton of lingerie in my daily life. Maybe you do, and that’s amazing, but if you’re not used to it, it can feel intimidating and uncomfortable. Honestly, I feel like a lot of it is “too sexy” for me and that I would just look awkward. So I choose to wear what I feel best in.
Maybe you’re more comfortable in:
Maybe you’re more comfortable in something other than lingerie. Why not try:
– A tanktop and boyshorts
– An oversized sweater
– Or perhaps, nothing at all!
Wait, did you say “nothing at all”? Yup, it can be exhilarating to step outside the box, and a LOT of people that do a boudoir session with me find out their favorite images are the ones they went a step beyond their comfort level. With all boudoir clients that come to my studio, we’ll have discussed your nudity comfort levels prior to the shoot and I’ll check in periodically. You should feel totally safe and at ease, and even full nudes in my studio are shot tastefully and kept totally private, just for you.
Maybe full nude isn’t something you’re comfortable with, but you like the idea. We can do a lot with implied nudes as well. If you’re not familiar with that term, it’s where you’re not actually nude, but it’s implied. One example may be that you have on pasties and a nude thong, and we pose you in a way that looks fully bare. If you’re comfortable with being nude in the studio, but don’t want images like that, you can create implied nudes by using your hands or strategic poses to cover certain areas. We actually had a client use her implied nudes as a book jacket cover headshot!
Start Shopping For Your Boudoir Photoshoot Lingerie
Now that you’ve learned about what to look for, it’s time to go shopping! Remember to look for textures or consider layering different pieces. Thick straps are better than thin, and bring a white, black, and bright colored lingerie set for a variety of gorgeous shots.
If you’re having difficulty picking out pieces, reach out! I have a wardrobe of stunning robes, silks, corsets, angel wings, and other accessories to help you put together a lingerie set that will make you like the queen you are in your boudoir photoshoot.