11 Boudoir Outfit Ideas that AREN’T Lingerie
You don’t have to wear lingerie for your Boudoir Photoshoot! Here are 11 things to wear instead.
What do you wear for your upcoming photoshoot? If you’re going for a romantic or classically sexy vibe the choices are easy, cute lingerie, maybe a two-piece set or a bodysuit/teddy, maybe something classic with garters and stockings. (Lingerie guide, coming soon!)
But what if you’re not really a “lingerie” person? What if you want something more minimalist, less obviously sexy, more covered maybe? You are not alone because some of my favorite sessions are when we think outside the lingerie box and wear something you might not normally think of when you think “Boudoir Photoshoot”. Read on for a few of my favorite picks.
How to choose items that look good on camera
Before we jump in. Here are a few general guidelines for any type of photoshoot wardrobe.
Solids are usually better than patterns. Without getting too technical, sometimes a complex pattern or close, small checked pattern can look wavy or like it's moving on camera (I know, it's weird but also kinda interesting. Click here to read more about it) For example, If you're considering a dress shirt for example, go with a solid blue, instead of checkered blue.
Solids will also usually look more classic and timeless than a pattern. This goes for my personal style of shooting in particular, so please ignore it if you don't agree, but I would almost always go for a solid black, white, or other basic color over, say, a pink leopard print, or something similar. The goal is to highlight you and your body, and not distract from it, so choosing a more simple version of an outfit is usually a good choice, unless it's for a fashion shoot, then of course we're looking at the clothes but that's not the case here.
Size matters. You might want to choose something super oversized, for a cute slouchy boyfriend look, If you want to feel safer and more covered in something giant, we'll end up having to roll up sleeves, pin and clip things back, and generally fight with it if it's like, five sizes too big, so choose something only a size or two up for an oversized feel, if that's what you want to go for. If you're a small human with a large partner and want to borrow something of theirs, that's totally fine, we'll make it work and look cute, but don't go out of your way to choose something that has you drowning in fabric if you don't have to!
Size doesn’t matter. It might be tempting to choose something a little too small because you like the size it says on the tag, but it's always better to go with something that actually fits you properly. We cut tags out anyway so it doesn’t matter one tiny bit. It's better to have something that fits you nicely than have underwear bands cutting in or rolling down your hips, or bra straps cutting in and squishing you or slipping off your shoulders.
Softer material in general is usually a good choice. Examples like a wider lace band or microfiber, instead of a g-string/string bikini type style. I love bralettes and teddies/bodysuits for this reason, they move with you much better than underwire and almost never cause issues. The exception to this is if you need some extra support for a large chest or slightly less perky chest, a pushup/underwire for a few shots can be a great help to get that cleavage shot you might want.
Look for texture and details. I love photographing jeans and cotton, thick, chunky knits, soft fluffy sweaters, strong sleek leather. All those items have a feeling with them that can add to the mood of your photos.
Shop 👏your👏 closet👏. You probably have most of these items already!
Now that we’ve covered some basics, let’s get into it!
The Bodysuit
I will often interchangeably say “bodysuit” when referring to the lingerie item, “teddy”, which I know is confusing, it’s my job and I get confused, and to be fair they are very similar. Teddys are usually quite lacy, sheer, and cut in a more revealing way. A Bodysuit is something that can be worn with jeans, as a top, and tend to be more opaque. Bodysuits have been having a real moment! So the great news is that you might already own a few of these, and that piece that's so cute to wear with your jeans also makes a great outfit for a session. Body hugging, soft fabric, long sleeve, short sleeve, turtleneck options, all of those are a great choice. There are also options for high neck, plunge neck, low back, fun strap details, even more lingerie-leaning details like structured cups or eyelash lace.
Bodysuits:
Abercrombie & Fitch have a really great selection of many different styles & colors.
Free People has beautiful unique options.
Negative Underwear have soft, wear everyday bodysuits you’ll never want to take off.
Girlfriend Collective - sustainable, inclusive, sooo soft and comfortable. Everything they do is incredible, but this bodysuit is a surefire winner in brief and thong options with sizes up to 6x and nice staple colors. You’ll wear it again and again.
2. The Swimsuit.
It might seem weird, but hear me out. You might want something that feels lingerie adjacent, something body hugging, maybe with some cleavage or a low back, but just not lacy and sheer like the underwear version might be. Similarly to the Bodysuit, Swimsuits are a bit more substantial, come in a wide range of sizes and styles, and feel more like something you would wear in public, so you could post them on the social media of your choice with slightly less hesitation, if you so choose.
Swimsuits:
I love this one from Target. It has some interesting shape happening, and the cutout shows a bit of skin.
I also love this piece from Flax Maker, it has really beautiful clean lines, and the cap sleeves and high waist give it a retro vibe.
I love Andie Swim for a wide range of styles, colors, and inclusive sizing.
Many boutique sites have more specialty versions that might be the perfect match to your style.
3. The Sporty Look
I love a more sporty pair of underwear, the kind you might actually wear on a daily basis, paired with either nothing on top, or a light tank top or t-shirt, maybe a matching bra or even just a sweater. So many options that feel lived in, natural, and approachable.
You can go classic white, or black, or pick a fun color for something different. They come in a few different cuts, so you might want to try a few to see what you feel best in. A thong cut is great if you want to show a little booty, a low cut bikini is fun if you love your abs. Adding in a tee or tank can give you a fun layer to play with and cover/uncover as you want to.
Browse sporty underwear: Whatever you choose, make sure it moves with you and doesn't cut in too much, those elastic band waists can sometimes cut in a bit so size up if needed.
Negative Underwear - So many good options that will look great for your session, and remain a favorite in your closet.
Calvin Klein - I can’t make this post without mentioning the iconic brand, I don’t even need to mention it because you can clearly see so many of my lovely clients modeling it, but you really cant go wrong with anything Calvin.
VS Pink - So many fun cuts, colors, from sporty to sexy, worth a look for sure.
Blush Lingerie - Sexy basics lots of colors/cuts.
Tees & Tanks: When you’re choosing tops go for the sheerest thinnest fabric possible, everything looks more opaque on camera. The more burnout and washed the better! These are kind of hard to find, so the best option might be that old favorite hiding in your closet.
Madewell Whisper Cotton Tee lots of colors, lots of sizes, they look slightly sheer and super soft.
Free People Be My Baby Tee - Super thin and soft, slightly more form fitting which is great for a photoshoot so it doesn’t overwhelm your shape too much.
Parade Scoop Tank - Semi sheer and beautiful for layering or on it’s own for a shoot. Lots of colors & size inclusive
4. Jeans/Pants
The beautiful thing about photographing a pair of jeans is their texture. Make sure you choose a pair that isn’t too tight or going to squeeze your waist too much. You should be able to move in them a bit, and the more distressed/textured the better. fashion vibe to your shoot.
My favorite way to style them is topless with your arms covering, it's so simple and classic, you can't go wrong. You might not want them to be your only outfit choice, but as an additional option to another look it's a great compliment.
5. The Dress
This can be a really pretty option if you want something slightly more covered, but still form flattering. Tips to choose a dress to shoot in, pick something that you can move in. Doesn't have to be loose, but a giving fabric that will let you move and pose is great. If you choose a flowy route, make sure you can pull the fabric tight to you to show your shape if needed, so it doesn't overwhelm you. For a more formal look, a little black (or other more evening color) dress is a great option. For a softer more romantic look a soft floral print dress or something knit/lace is a great option. A basic jersey/cotton dress can be a great option because you can find them in all kinds of styles. You could go long with a dramatic train, off the shoulder, long sleeve, tank top, so many iterations that can fit your style.
6. The Lacy Robe/Beach Coverup
That brings me to an adjacent category, the Lacy Robe/Beach Coverup. These are especially fun because unlike dresses, they are meant to be more sheer, maybe with a lower neckline or higher slit, and can be very fun to move and play with. You can go with a sheer lace version, either nude under or wear a swimsuit or bra & underwear under. You could go for a printed summery vibe that has some movement and flow to it, or you could look for something long and linen that is sheer and lets some light peek through.
7/8/9/10 Jackets, Jerseys, Sweaters, Shirts
So many options you probably already have in your closet. A cozy cardigan, cropped button up, maybe a jean jacket, flannel shirt, leather jacket, or even a puffy coat (hey, we ARE in Colorado, they're a staple!) or pea coat, all of those could be styled in really beautiful ways. I love an extra layer as an added element to another outfit, maybe something lacy or a bodysuit or something with an added sweater or jacket on top and you have a whole new vibe.
11. The White Shirt
I think this item deserves its own section because a white shirt is maybe my favorite thing to shoot in. It’s so versatile, it doesn’t distract from you, and you can go with a super sheer, linen version for some softness and to see your body through it, or a crisp, starched version for some extra structure and shape. What you wear under it is entirely up to you. You could go fully nude, or add a cute pair of underwear, or even a swimsuit or bodysuit. Whatever you choose, something that isn't TOO oversized is usually best, but also not too fitted. You want something you can move it but not so big that it totally overwhelms you. You can find nice flowy sheer versions in the swim coverup section sometimes, or the men's section for nice looser-fitting options.
Accessories
The finishing touches to personalize your session and bring a little extra style. All these are totally optional, we usually shoot barefoot, but if you’re doing a bridal session, or have some more basic outfits, a hat, shoes, or delicate jewelry can be fun to bring in for options.
Bonus 12: Your own beautiful skin.
Something about letting your natural shape, unhindered by fabric, shine through is so classically beautiful to me. If you want something more abstract, shot on a dark backdrop, that's a great way to do it. If you want to In-the-Sheets with only the sheet to cover and strategically un-cover as you like, you can have something that is soft and playful but also a little revealing. If you are someone that really doesn't want to bother with wardrobe, choose the in-the-sheets and/or shadowbox session and have the perfect backdrop for your beautiful self, sans clothes, can't go wrong.
Wrap up
There are so many beautiful options that don’t fall into the “lingerie” category, and some things you may not think of at first so I’m so excited to be sharing these ideas with you, I hope these picks have given you some ideas for planning your own photoshoot! These ideas are based on my own shooting style, preferences, and experience and are always best tailored to your own style and your photographers style. My advice is to always talk it over with your photographer, about what style you are going for, what you like and don't like. If you have any inspiration or ideas in your mind, and they should suggest what they think would look the best for your particular session.
If you're one of my clients then you probably already know about these because we've gone over them in our pre-consult chat and I've probably sent you to this very post. If so, "hi!" I hope it was helpful, and I can't wait to see you for your session! As always, feel free to send me photos of any items you're considering, I'm happy to weigh in and tell you if I think it would photograph well or not.
XO,
Petra
PSSST! Are you reading this and now you can’t wait to book your session and wear a few of these beautiful items? Click the button to get in touch and schedule your session with me!
Petra is a Boudoir & Branding Photographer based in Boulder, CO. She has 8 years of experience photographing women and loves creating artistic, modern photographs that boost your confidence and help you love yourself a little more.