What to Wear to a Boudoir Shoot
One of the keys to success is bring a proper wardrobe with you that not only is beautiful, but flatters your body as well. Here is a cheat sheet that will help you shop and know what to bring with you for your boudoir session at Randalyn’s Photography. I hope you find it helpful.
Quick List of Lingerie Styles for your Boudoir Session
BRA & PANTY SETS
There are so many different options out there for sexy bra/panty sets. When shopping for these, proper fit is extremely important. Be careful of push up bras as they often make you look unnatural. The less padding in the bra the better. Picking a bra that has an underwire for support with no padding are the best for your boudoir shoot. Make sure the area near your armpit looks nice and smooth and you are not coming out of the cups. That makes it more flattering in camera.
CORSET
Corsets are meant to cinch your waist and give you killer curves. Usually have ties in the back that help create your shape. They are hard to put on, but don’t worry – I can help you!
BUSTIER
Bustier is similar to a corset in coverage, but it has cups built in that give nice breast support. They don’t normally cinch the waist like corsets do, but there are some hybrid styles out there that combine a little waist cinching and breast lifting.
TEDDY
The teddy is a garment that covers the torso and crotch in one garment. It is a similar style of garment to a one-piece swimsuit or bodysuit but is typically more sheer and definitely sexier.
BODYSUIT
A close-fitting, one-piece stretch garment for women. They are considered clothing, but they are great boudoir too!
BABYDOLL
Babydoll’s are a short, sleeveless, loose-fitting nightgown. It sometimes has formed cups called a bralette for cleavage with an attached, loose-fitting skirt falling, in length, usually between the upper thigh and the belly button.
GARTER BELTS, GARTERS & THIGH HIGHS
The Garter Belt is a belt worn around the waist or hips with attached garters or fasteners to hold up stockings. Sometimes Garters are built into lingerie so a belt isn’t needed. Stockings held up by the garter are called Thigh Highs (because they pull up to the thigh). There are two different types of thigh highs: Some have a rubber material on the inside to help them stay up and some don’t have the rubber.
This is REALLY important to know. If the stockings have the rubber inside they are NOT meant for garters. They are meant to be worn without them. Rubber allows them to stay up on their own. If you try to pair these stocking with garters, they are very hard to attach because of the thickness of them. Stockings without the rubber are much more desirable for garters.
There is an art to attaching the stockings. Again, don’t worry, I can easily help you and teach you how it’s done.
SHAPEWEAR
Shape wear is a type of tight-fitting underwear intended to control and shape the figure. There are many beautiful options out there these days. (Not the ones that are meant to be hidden, but styles that flatter and are also pleasing to the eye).
SLIP
Think of them as dresses that are meant to be worn under a dress, often with cups built in for support. Some slips can fit into the shape wear category but many do not.
CLOTHING
Clothing is a fantastic option for boudoir! It might sound counterintuitive but think about a hot leather jacket; ripped jeans and a sexy bra; an off the shoulder sweaters; or a sheer T-shirt. There are so many options for clothing that can be just as sexy, if not sexier than lingerie.
Now you know a little more about lingerie and you’re still thinking what the hell is going to make me look the best. Well no fear I’m here to help you with this! So it all starts with what you want your final outcome to be what is your favorite part about your body. Do you love your abs, legs, butt, boobs, … well let’s jump into it.
Now you know the different styles what is best for You!
Abs’oluetly the right lingerie…
Want to show off those hard earned abs and a little more skin. Bra and panty sets, two piece lingerie sets, and bikinis are a great option. Things to think about are the style of panty you choose (the amount of coverage) and what type of bra suits you best. I know it’s tempting to pull out a bra you might wear every day – but try to look for something a little sexier, special. Something that is meant to be seen!
Hey Ma’am … Need a lift?
So you have had a baby, or lost some weight, etc… and you may feel you need some lift in the breast department. I know most women are tempted to go straight for push up bras… but resist the urge. Before you try on push-ups, look for demi cup bras, or underwire bras that offer strong support without adding too much size. This is typically more flattering proportion wise. Good support is more important than padding any day. This is not to say that there aren’t some good push up bras out there, just be really aware of how any bra fits and flatters.
Legs, Legs, Legs – Lots of Options…
We all want long gorgeous legs. Here are a couple of tips for that! Look for high cut undies, teddies, bodysuits. The higher the leg opening the longer your legs will look. Also bring a pair of skin colored shoes with you. That will make your legs look even longer than they are.
The different kinds of lingerie and outfits you can wear to a boudoir photoshoot. What style will work best for You!
Need a lift but don’t want to show too much skin?
Bustiers are for you! They offer amazing support while giving you a little more coverage, all while flattering your shape.
Want to Arm wrestle?
Arms are sometimes a concern for women. Well, let’s ease that concern. Look for long sleeved body suits or throw a crisp white button down over some killer lingerie. Presto – no worry needed.
How to do coverage, correctly…
Even though boudoir is about shedding layers, I do understand many women don’t want to show too much skin or they are concerned about parts of their body that they might not want to show off. Here are some tips to cover, boudoir style. If you are worried about showing your stomach think of shapewear (the gorgeous kind! Not the kind that hurts!), Slips, bustiers and corsets. A beautiful lace robe over a bra and underwear is a great choice. So is a plain white tank top and lacey undies.
If you have some stretch marks or scars look for some more opaque materials, but stick with a style that will still show off your shape – like a bodysuit or a slip. The worst thing you can do is hide behind a lot of fabric – like a babydoll for example. It will only make you look heavier. We want to see your gorgeous shape no matter what you wear or how covered you are.
More Tips ...
JEWELRY
Feel free to bring any jewelry you might want to wear. I can help you choose what looks nice with your outfit and what will flatter depending on the poses that we are going to work with.
PROPS
If you want to bring a prop or two to show off your interests and personality, that’s great. Just be careful that it doesn’t get too costume like. Less is always more.
COLORS
Most colors work really well in camera. Some that do not include fluorescent colors and sometimes red and turquoise. If you like red, look for a deeper red – something not too bright. Black is always classic and looks great on everyone.
Recommended Brands to check out!
Here are some brands I love that deliver great quality and fit:
Always bring more outfits with you than you plan to wear, this way we have options! Most clients come in nervous but by the end it turns into a fun girls day and you’re not worried what you are wearing. Randalyn also recommend bringing at least one outfit totally out of your comfort zone. Don’t worry after you book your session with Randalyn’s Photography you will even get more lingerie and wardrobe tips. There is even a bonus of Randalyn personally helping you online shop for your lingerie for your boudoir session.
Randalyn Weiss
Randalyn’s Photography is located in Greenville, Illinois less than an hour East of St. Louis, Missouri. Specializing in portraits and underwater. I love helping women release their inner siren. A siren is always confident enough to show off her beauty as well as her sexy side.
We plan a fun glamorous girls day with professional hair and makeup, a private photo shoot with 1-on-1 coaching with posing and facial expressions, and same day viewing and ordering.
Randalyn’s Ravishing Sirens is our VIP Group! Get to know Randalyn and some of our clients. Enjoy tips and tricks on all things beauty, fun, boudoir, chasing dreams and facing fears.
