Stress-Free Boudoir Wardrobe | Brooklyn Photo Studio | What to Wear to Your Boudoir Shoot
One of the most common questions i get from clients is, “what should I wear to my boudoir shoot?” It makes perfect sense - you most likely have never been photographed professionally before, must less in a state of semi-undress and you want to look your best. Ladies, I got you. Once you have booked your Brooklyn Boudoir Experience, I will send you a very informative guide that goes over what works well for different body types and what looks best on camera - this covers different styles of lingerie, what colors look best, and what textures to avoid, and I am always available to consult with you on wardrobe ideas. Many women feel they need to go out and shop for new sexy lingerie. If this is something you WANT to do, something that will make your photoshoot feel extra special (or simply give you an excuse to hit up Agent Provocateur), get it girl! But if it’s something you are stressing about - PLEASE DON’T! I am sure that there are pieces in your closet right now that you may not even be considering that work beautifully for any boudoir shoot. Check out these ideas for stress-free boudoir wardrobe options:
1 - BODYSUITS
It’s no secret that bodysuits are one of my favorite wardrobe pieces to shoot. They look good on EVERYONE, regardless of body type and there are so many different options out there at many different price points. Yes, there are lingerie-style bodysuits (Journelle has some of my favorites) but there are also bodysuit tops out there that are totally covered up (very on trend right now, check out Cuyana). You can even wear a one piece bathing suit! Andies makes some really beautiful ones in classic styles.
2 - TEE SHIRT or TANK TOP
I find a classic white tank so sexy. It can be worn with or without a bra underneath for 2 totally different looks and can be wet down to kick the sex appeal up a notch. I love this look bra-less or with a black bra underneath if you want the extra coverage. Black tanks and cropped tee shirts give a similar effect. You can show as much or as little tummy as you want to with these looks - great for variety. And if you have a tee with a message you love — bring it! This ^^ “Badass Feminist” shirt ^^ is one of my favorites (currently out of stock but I am stalking the website to see when more are coming in).
3 - KIMONO, SCARF or ROBE
This is another look that lets you choose how much or how little you want to show. A robe gives a cool, “I just woke up like this” vibe and you can be 100% covered up in it. Or, slip it down over your shoulder to show just a little bit of skin. I find shoulders, clavicles, collarbones and backs really beautiful. Scarves can serve the same purpose or we can play around with them to get some more energy & movement in your images — it can make a fun “peek-a-boo” moment.
4 - JACKETS
Fur, leather or even a blazer - I LOVE shooting women in jackets. It’s unexpected and modern — a real fashion moment. If you have a statement jacket you love, BRING IT!
5 - ACTIVE WEAR
So many women feel their sexiest and most powerful when they are working out. If this is the case for you, why not capture that feeling in your workout gear? With the rise of “athleisure,” active wear has become really sexy with fun cut outs, straps, and illusion panels, plus they tighten up the look of the body for a smooth line.
6 - COZY SWEATER
January felt about 75 days long to me this year, and all I wanted to do was cuddle up in a big cozy cardigan. Worn with a simple bra and panty or nothing at all underneath, it gives the vibe of an intimate evening at home. Extra bonus that you can show as much or as little as you want with this look, and use it to highlight some of your favorite, perhaps under-appreciated parts, similar to the robe look listed above (hello, collarbones).
7 - JEANS
OK, I KNOW you have a favorite pair of jeans in your closet that make you feel like you can take on the world. Skinny jeans with a bra and heels gives a powerful, New York Woman feel, and a looser boyfriend style is easy to slip on and off for a suggestive, “leave something to the imagination” vibe. High waisted jeans when worn alone give a very modern, “fashionista that isn’t trying too hard” feeling.
8 - BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
Many women like to bring one of their partner’s shirts in to the shoot — it’s a classic for a reason! Another great look is a sheer-isn button down of yours. When photographed backlit it shows just enough of your outline in silhouette and looks really artistic & graceful.
9 - TIGHTS
One of my earliest clients brought in a pair of opaque tights and I realized how genius it was! It’s totally unexpected, pretty much covered up, and also so fashion-y & sexy! Statement tights also work great to show off the legs.
10 - BLACK BRA & PANTY
Simplicity is often times the best! Whatever the texture - lace, cotton, sheer - a black bra and panty photograph and are sexy in an every day, not trying too hard kind of way.
11 - NOTHING AT ALL!
Of course, no wardrobe at all is required for your boudoir shoot! “Nude” doesn’t have to be over-exposed or sexual. In fact, often times the nude looks we photograph are the most covered up of all! You can be ENTIRELY covered in a white sheet and look incredibly sexy. It’s all about what’s left to the imagination! Or, we can shoot fine art nudes that could be hung up on your wall without anyone knowing that it’s you. Or, hell, tell EVERYONE it’s you! There is no shame loving yourself and being proud of your body.
The truth is, “sexy” is much more about how you feel that what you are wearing. Whatever you decide to wear, trust me when I say, when you feel good you will look good. So feel free to think outside the box with your boudoir wardrobe and most of all, don’t stress it!