Boudoir Outfits: What to Wear for Boudoir Photoshoot

“What to wear for my boudoir photoshoot?” is a common question our clients ask. After years of sending bits and pieces of info and links to other resources, we spent several months collecting our thoughts and putting them all together for your one-stop convenience. Read about the ways of presenting your beauty, which apparel works best for different bodies, clothing styles to consider, accessories and props to get, draw the inspiration from 168 sample boudoir outfits, and know where to shop best for your boudoir items.

All photoshoot images used in the article are by Zorz Studios © 2006-2022

1. Levels of Exposure

Let’s start with a high-level overview. Boudoir photography includes a vast range of styles we’ll go over later. Each has a different level of body exposure, loosely defined as modest, classic, and daring.

Modest

Many ladies want to try out a boudoir shoot, but there is a thing in their mind which holds them back. It is the thought that they do not want to pose half-dressed or naked in front of the camera.

Boudoir is not about revealing everything; rather, it is about what suits your comfort zone. It is perfectly alright for women not to go for revealing lingerie, or lingerie at all! It is what makes the client look and feel her sexy best—all while wearing what she’s comfortable—is what defines her unique persona. You might wear a formal dress opening a shoulder, bare back, or showing a bit of leg. Or a shirt of your partner, blazer, nightgown, or anything which makes you uniquely “you”.

So, the starter level is wearing the modest category of apparels. It can stop there, or serve as a warm-up for the next step. I ask the shy clients to choose what makes them feel like a sexy dressed goddess. Nothing else really matters.

Classic

This is the most common approach to deciding on boudoir outfits, acceptable to most women. They do not need the bodies of fitness magazine cover models to feel good about their bodies. Above all, they are women. Enough said. Whether you prefer to draw attention away from parts of your body, or it is about striking just the right balance between being clothed and undressed, the classic collection of clothing will reveal your body, but not too much, leaving lots to your intended viewers’ imagination.

Lingerie rules this genre, and we have tons of ideas for you below. To name a few: high-waist shorts along with a cute lacy bra could be your choice for the day. A corset with a bottom or regular lingerie could be impressive because it’s about wearing what you might not wear so often in real life.

Daring

Some clients are tired of the similar feel, similar props, similar expressions, similar poses seen among thousands of boudoir photographers. They want their body more exposed, because they need to stand out and experience the forbidden. They want to step away from the cliché vision and go bold, go nude conceptually.

Such daring look is about wearing scarce clothing or no clothing at all. Taste and fine art are the keys. Shadows, hands, posing, and angles conceal the body and hence there is no explicit nudity, rather an implied one. We once organized a boudoir marathon for such confident ladies. Reservations came in within hours, the day got booked up prompting us to open up a second day. 10 ladies graced the studio floor that weekend, most of them mothers, a few fellow photographers, and a couple of them brought their partners to take part.

Another approach is having a bubble or milk bath with the body peaking out just in the right places, or blankets and sheer fabrics used to roll up against or wrapped around the body. The clients make the choice when we discuss their vision and how they want to be portrayed.

These three categories may also be used in finding the right boudoir outfits for your taste. We collected over 50 themes for you, and each comes in three categories—modest, classic, and daring—offering 150+ variations! Read on.

2. Body Types and Boudoir Outfits

Some women look at the photos from boudoir photoshoot and think that they could never look like that. Just because you are not a model, does not mean that you could not look beautiful wearing a sexy outfit and being photographed. Anyone can look beautiful regardless of their body type. Everybody has her own beauty, and boudoir is about celebrating that. A skilled boudoir photographer can turn everyday women into models, but a few things can help him/her, too.

One key about a great boudoir shoot is wearing an outfit that suits the body type of individual. The body is quite revealing, so choosing the best boudoir outfits to wear means the way to look absolutely stunning. There are a few steps to answer the question of what to wear for boudoir photoshoot, and the first is identifying the body type. There are different body shapes which include:

Pear-Shaped (Triangle)

When a person’s bottom which includes the waist and the thigh region is wider than the upper portion, the body is a pear-shaped. Such bodies have a flat stomach, a nicely defined waist, but rounded hips.

WHAT TO WEAR: Push-up bras are excellent choices to showcase that fabulous waist line. A long intricate dress with skirt shaped tightly along with the bust and the waist region would go really well. These choices draw attention towards the flat stomach and away from the bottom. A high-waisted panty is an ideal choice, too.

Apple-Shaped (Round)

This type of body is usually broader in the shoulder region, the stomach area is full and the breast and the shoulders are broader compared to the rest of the body.

WHAT TO WEAR: Corsets look good on an apple shaped body. Babydoll dresses and nighties with a detailed top or bust area compared to the flowing bottom area look stunning for such types. The key point is to draw the attention away from the waist region. For that, V-shaped necks or strapless tops can be used. They draw attention towards the bust area or the upper body portion and the shots look amazing.

Inverted Triangle

This body type looks like the body of an athlete with well-developed shoulders and narrow waist. It is opposite to pear-shaped bodies.

WHAT TO WEAR: Chemises go well as they show off the flat, well-formed waist region. Blazers or furs could be added to the boudoir outfits to disguise the wider shoulder region.

Hourglass

That’s a type which has perfect curves at all the right places of the body. Their waist is well-defined and is slim. Within this type, there are two different kinds. Neat hourglass may refer to slim body with curvaceous bust and hips. The bodies with full thighs and heavy bust are full hourglass.

WHAT TO WEAR: Fitted chemises look great on such bodies. Any lingerie in fitting along the body serves the purpose of flattering such body types. You could often see such looks on vintage magazines, retro looks of Hollywood billboards, and burlesque posters of divas with curves.

Rectangular

When there are barely any curves and the body is like a scale, where there is no or minor difference between the waistline and the rest of the body, they consider such a body type rectangular. The hips and the shoulders are in alignment.

WHAT TO WEAR: The best boudoir outfits would be something which creates an illusion of curves, known as shapewear. Waist cinchers create curves while paying special attention to the bust and bottom area. Padded bras make the bust a center of attention by drawing attention away from the rest of the body. When chemises are worn along with a padded bra, they look extremely stunning over such bodies.

Plus Size

When a person’s waist is not defined clearly along with the shoulders being in alignment with the bottom, the body is a plus size. A fuller version of an apple shape, if you will.

WHAT TO WEAR: There are lots of options to appear more slender. Robes and kimonos are popular as they can look fashionable and sexy yet offer a comfort of concealing to the shyer ones. Babydolls are a great alternative, especially with that V-neck cut which makes the torso appear narrower and the upper body longer. Corsets and bustiers will create an illusion of an hourglass body with nice curves. One-piece lingerie and bodysuits are better choice than two-piece as they elongate your body, as opposed to adding horizontal breaks/lines which widen a body. Well-designed bodysuits will double as shapewear for a greater control of any unflattering areas.

3. Clothing Styles

Now that we defined your comfort level of body exposure and best boudoir outfits to go with your body type, let’s go over the various boudoir photography styles. They can already offer you the ideas of what to wear for boudoir photoshoot, but what follows are dozens of pre-designed sets to shop for!

Dress-up

Not comfortable exposing your body? It’s completely alright. Why not try a tight fitted dress which shows your curves? Such dress is a smart choice to wear: not only will you get a striking portrait usable for a professional profile in your bio or social media but this will also let you ease into the photoshoot.

A nice cocktail dress that fits on your body paired with sexy heels is a stunning start. 15-30 minutes gracing into the shoot, a lady might feel more comfortable about showing her shoulders or hips. I always show the previews on the camera screen and boy, does it not boost her confidence and thrill factor! She becomes comfortable and sees what makes her look even more attractive and powerful.

Casual

If someone is not a big fan of lingerie, they can keep it simple. Looking sexy in casual is easy! It’s “how”, not “what” you wear. No need to shop for boudoir outfits if the budget is tight. Everyday items like sweaters, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sheer tops, and pajamas will look cute and flirty when styled and posed tastefully. For example, you can pair your favorite jeans with a bra peeking through a shirt and even partially unbutton the jeans, offering a glimpse of your underwear (or lack of it…)

Sweaters right in your closet, especially a slightly oversized or stretching ones, can become an adorable prop. It can also conceal any part of your body you’re unsecure about. Bear your legs, pull the bottom down to cover the panties, open a shoulder and—voilà!—a girl-next-door contest material! Both thinner and large-weave sweaters can work, just pick one that has a large neck opening. A bonus tip: find a matching pair of socks. If you feel like showing off your fine pedicure, go with freetoes (toeless socks) for a more piquant feel.

Men’s Attire

Is it a shoot for your man? Is it a gift for him? If it is, then why not wear his shirt or anything from his closet? Accessories from men’s attire for a boudoir shoot might include a simple shirt, or a tie, a dress, tuxedo, or bowtie. Your boudoir images will have so much more meaning for him!

However, who needs a man to wear a suit, right? 😉 A woman in a well-tailored suit looks so seductive, bold, and maverick! Pair with accessories like a hat, a nice inner body suit, and heels to give an extra oomph factor. Or go for a classical vintage look with those.

Lingerie

Lingerie and intricate bra/panties sets are the default choice for boudoir shoots. It might not be a thing for daily use, but why not try a beautiful set for a shoot? You might have some sets in the closet for that special date or anniversary, and you don’t wear them since then. A babydoll, nightie, camisole, teddy, vintage slip — lingerie ranges from simple and modest to exposed and seductive ones. Make it your style of choice.

Besides an elaborate lingerie outfit or two, having a simple nude color set is a must if you want to try an implied nudity. You do not have to go naked, yet pose so that it will be barely visible. Just try to select a color tone matching your skin.

Showgirl Inspired

Into a playful theatrical mood? Inspired by the Chicago musical or the carnival in Rio de Janeiro? Dream big and be a showgirl! Your life does not have to be all real. Acting is a perfect retreat from the reality! These boudoir outfits range includes burlesque, belly dance, and carnival ideas. The art where the costumes are a signature of performance inspired this approach.

Burlesque was a popular performance in the 1830s, where women interpreted Shakespeare and other related customs. The women who performed were quite modest and not blunt. However, as the time passed, burlesque became not just a performance of art but also an exhibition of beauty which slowly involved the use of corsets to show off the curves and more skin than usual.

A carnival suit will make anyone drop their jaw. This is a sure way to turn heads and start conversations. And who didn’t improvise with a belly dance, even if for a partner with no one looking? 😉 One of the sexiest dances which even men perform professionally! Go for it!

Bridal

Many women want to treat their partners to sexy photos as a gift. This is popular nowadays with brides-to-be who book such seductive shoots and gift the resulting images as an art book to their partners on the wedding day. With the concept of “first night” largely diminished in the Western society, such a gift still bears an element of surprise and a special fine art treat.

However, these shoots could also serve as a gift for other occasions, like an anniversary or birthday. The bridal theme includes boudoir outfits which are inspired by bridal dresses, veils over sexy lingerie, garters to hold up an erotic pair of stockings, a wedding robe, matching shoes, jewelry, etc.

Career Inspired

A sexy shoot can be done with boudoir outfits inspired by careers or uniforms. These include sports outfits such as a tank top with bottoms used while playing tennis or uniforms belonging to different professions like a firefighter, businesswoman, doctor, police officer, yoga instructor, teacher, or handy woman. It might as well be your real occupation, or something to fantasize about. In boudoir, these can be used merely for client’s fun!

Statement / Impact

Willing to step outside the box? Have a unique lifestyle or looking for an opportunity to make a sexy statement with a bang? Tired of the traditional boudoir outfits all your girlfriends already used?

Outfits made of leather give a stunningly shiny look to people. As they say, everything is better in black, but why not give it a leathery or latex look to make it even more fabulous? Spandex outfits are favored by the athletes but could be used in boudoir, too. Why not wear a spandex shaped like a corset and sit like a goddess? People could wear boudoir outfits inspired by bondage. The BDSM outfits are kinky and give a dominant look. These include corsets, harnesses, belts, fetish masks, and much more. Be sure to check out the shopping links at the bottom.

A less provocative statement boudoir outfit can include a pinup look dated back to 1940s. Women were photographed to encourage youngsters, especially the soldiers, to fight in the war by saying “She is worth the fight”. Other impact-inspired costumes include the Victorian dresses giving the vintage look, or Gothic apparels inspired by mysterious and dark features. Clothing worn by Gothic culture is a head-turner and includes dark attire matched by dramatic makeup and dark lipstick shades.

Reflection on a Passion / Hobby

Self-reflection is an important aspect of boudoir. You reflect what you really are. So, if someone is an art lover, they would love to get photographed artistically. Modern dancers, ballerinas, musicians, painters, and sculptors are in effect the extension of their art. An exposed body covered with paint is also a way of showing your true self out there. Portraying one as an art piece is something only a few would think about, so don’t miss that chance!

Giving their boudoir session an aesthetic touch gives it a high-end feel, from giving the vintage art look to displaying the subjects like in a museum. People with artistic soul would immerse in such sessions. It is essential for a photographer to understand such needs and make their shoot soul-replenishing for everyone involved—client, photographer, and the viewer.

4. Accessories to Consider

What to wear for boudoir photoshoot should not be just about clothing. Getting all dressed up in fancy boudoir outfits is sometimes not enough. There are certain add-ons which can intensify the beauty and mystery of the subject.

Masquerade Masks

We can add accessories like a masquerade mask, it is a fancy stuff which gives a fine look. They wore these masks as a symbol of elite class representing their delicacy. The idea behind their usage was to hide an identity. Different colors were used to represent ideas like their opinion with freedom of speech. We now use these in boudoir sessions to add a delicate or enigmatic touch to the subject.

Footwear

A high-heeled woman looks gorgeous regardless of what she’s wearing on the top. You can choose from a wide variety of shoes, pumps, high-heeled boots or sandals, and stilettos. It depends on how they are being paired up; a woman who stands naked with masked body parts against a wall would give a fabulous look if she’s wearing high-heeled sandals. The choice of footwear depends on the boudoir outfits and the type of boudoir being developed.

Feathers

Depending on the presentation, feathers give a cheeky, sexy, or gentle look when worn by a woman. They accentuate the softness, tenderness, perhaps even vulnerability. She can choose to wear boas, shrug, fan, or tickler made up of feathers. All these can cover certain body parts. Yet, when used in light colors and positioned strategically, they can also draw the attention and highlight the favorite parts.

Stockings

During bridal shoots, stockings are added along with garters. Apart from that, fishnet stockings are highly preferred to pair up with various costumes and can even be used alone depending upon the posture and the taste of client. This seductive add-on is a treasure for such shoots.

Whips

The kinky mood needs some whips. A boudoir shoot inspired by BDSM needs fetish add-ons like whips and floggers to represent the dominance of the subject.

Corsets

Having a rectangular-shaped body and wanting to have some curves? Corset is the best piece of accessory you can add to your list. These make your waistline seem flawless by giving curves in all the right places. Regardless of the body shape, however, corsets look stunning on most ladies.

Full Bodysuits

Bodysuits are among our favorite boudoir outfits. They are flattering to any figure, shape you up, flatten stomachs, and give that timeless classy touch. Endless styles are available in many fabrics, patterns, and colors. Lace, spandex, caged, floral, latex, studded, stripped, sheer—all go really well to make you look hot. Because they can be easily complemented with almost any accessory or apparel, they are as versatile as boudoir photography goes!

Pearls and Necklaces

In order to create the dreamy pictures, jewels are a must, like the pearls and necklaces. You will have pictures to adore throughout your life. When pearls or necklaces are used in combination with a perfect costume, posture and lightning, it makes the subject look like a flawless beauty.

Hats and Gloves

Another classy accessory that speak vintage or high fashion are hats and gloves. Even when such themes aren’t the goal, hats and gloves are such delicate pairings that they can be added to most boudoir outfits. Your boudoir shoot will be nothing like an everyday experience!

Other Accessories

Apart from all these luxurious accessories, night gowns and see-through tops can also be used. Why not pair the nightgown with a see-through lingerie inside? Crochet lace cover-ups are also preferred when the client is comfortable in exposing their body and wants the boudoir outfits to be see-through. When not wearing anything, a faux fur can be used as a blanket to cover the body in a primal, sensual way.

5. Boudoir Props

Since we talk about accessories, let me add a few words on props that can be invaluable addition to most boudoir outfits. The reason I encourage clients to shoot in their homes, besides convenience and comfort, is the abundance of items readily available or arrangeable as props. Some include: