Let us take the stress out of planning your boudoir outfits! We’ve made a list of our Top 5 wardrobe items for boudoir portrait sessions to help kickstart your planning process.

Our clients all receive an exclusive 32-page PDF Wardrobe Guide to help them plan their looks, so if you’re thinking about doing a session with us in our Connecticut boudoir studio or on a travel portrait session in Denver or Nashville, let’s chat! Click here to learn more about a boudoir session with Stephanie.

What wardrobe item would you add to this list? Sound off in the comments!

1. The Dress

There are few things as empowering as wearing a dress that makes you feel fabulous. Whether it’s a full length ballgown, a sequin minidress, or a sleek vintage wrap dress, this option is timeless and versatile. Pair the dress with your favorite heels, or even choose to go barefoot. Shoes for a boudoir session are completely optional!

2. The Corset

The classic undergarment dating back to the 1600s (and maybe even before!): the corset. Corsets come in many varieties including underbust or overbust, long-line or waspie, plunge or sweetheart, and many other options depending on the era you want to emulate or the desired effect. We have a list of preferred places to shop to find a great corset.

3. The Dressing Gown aka the Robe

What is sexier than a gorgeous, luxurious robe?! Robes come in shorter, cropped styles as well as long, voluminous versions. Most robes clasp in the front, allowing for a flirty conceal-and-reveal of your legs, bust, and hips. You can also choose to keep the robe clasped. Choose a dressing gown with ostrich trim to add even more luxury to your boudoir outfit.

3. Bra & Panty

The traditional look that most boudoir clients choose is the bra and panty — and for good reason. This set can be layered under every piece I’ve mentioned so far, making them the perfect foundational piece to any boudoir outfit. Bras come in many styles from balconet to cage to push up, while panties can be a thong or a hipster or a high waist brief. The combination possibilities are endless!

4. Stockings and Garters

Few things are as provocative as the glimpse of skin between a sheer stocking and a garter strap. Not all garters are made equal! If you have the option, always go for a metal clasp on the garter mechanism. And if possible, a six strap garter with non-stay-up stockings are preferred. Stay-up stockings don’t need a garter belt, and often the elastic on the inside of the welt of the stocking leave indentations in the skin of the thigh. If you’re unsure what size stockings to choose, we are happy help you with the process!

5. The Bodysuit

No longer stuck in the 1980s, Bodysuits have made a comeback! When you want some moderate coverage but still want to show a little skin, the bodysuit might be for you. They come in all sort of materials such as lace, mesh, satin, and even latex. The back of a bodysuit can be low-cut with a thong booty or high cut with full coverage - so many options! Pair a bodysuit with a gorgeous robe and you’ve got a full lingerie boudoir outfit that doesn’t have to show much skin.

Other Tips & Tricks

• It’s key that you’re shopping for the right size. Every body is unique, and after getting fitted and measured a lot of people learn that they’ve been wearing ill-fitting bras their entire lives! You can use the online Bra Size Calculator to determine the right size for you. 

• The most important thing to keep in mind is that you’re shopping for YOU. Your photos will look their best when you feel confident in what you’re wearing, and this means staying true to yourself when you’re making your selections.

• If you’re not exactly sure what your vibe is, SavageXFenty has a great online quiz to help you out!

• I also suggest giving your local lingerie stores some love. If you're in Connecticut, Soleil Toile in Westport and New Canaan has some gorgeous options. Lace Affaire in Wilton even offers bra fittings! In Nashville, I recommend Nashville Darlin. 

• If you’re feeling unsure about your options or choices, always know that you can reach out to me for assurance while planning your session ☺️
  
  There are so many other options that we couldn’t cover here, but for now this is a great start. If you’d like to add any ideas or links to your favorite lingerie, feel free to do so in the comments!
  
  I definitely plan to create a “What to Wear for Maternity Portraits” article soon, but in the meantime you can check out this Maternity Photo Shoot in London to get some inspiration.
  
  Still wondering what to wear for your boudoir photo shoot? All of my clients receive our exclusive 32-page Wardrobe Guide that details every option and includes links to popular and boutique brands. Click here to learn more about the La Photographie Experience.
  
  xoxo
  Stephanie