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What Do I Wear To A Boudoir Photoshoot? | Wilmington, NC Boudoir Photography
- Vanessa
- Nov 29, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If you've been Googling "what to wear to a boudoir photoshoot" at 11pm while simultaneously adding things to your car and then taking them back out, you can close all those tabs because I'm about to answer every question you have.
One thing I can tell you after all these years of photographing women in Wilmington, NC, is that what you wear to your boudoir session matters a lot less than you think. No, really! Simple is better, so let's make sure you actually enjoy the process instead of stressing about it.
First, the most important thing I'll say in this entire post
You do not need to go buy a bunch of new stuff to have incredible boudoir photos. I have photographed women in their partner's oversized button downs, silk robes they've had for years, and casual bodysuits they'd wear with jeans. Or even just the jeans themselves! The photos are stunning every single time.
It's not the outfit that makes boudoir photos beautiful, it's the woman wearing it. My job is to make sure you feel that way about yourself by the end of our time together, no matter what you wear. With that in mind, here's how to choose what you bring so you feel confident and excited through the whole experience.
Bodysuits & Teddies
Of course, everyone thinks of lingerie first when they think about boudoir, so let's start there. Personally, one piece items are my favorite because they're so elegantly sexy without being complicated. One piece options are also great for camouflaging areas (for me, I like my belly covered).
These can be called bodysuits or teddies and are fitted to the body, come with different sleeve types and can also be made of velvet, leather, lace, and more! Lingerie in general is usually very stretchy so bodysuits can be versatile for all different sized busts and booties as well.
This is one of the most forgiving and flattering styles regardless of your shape, which is exactly why I recommend it so often
Matching Sets
These typically come in two pieces (sometimes more if they have leg garters, belts, etc) and come in so many cuts and styles as well so it all will depend on what you're looking to accentuate. Let's talk about the tummy again since this is an area of concern for many women.
I have clients worry often about their lower belly pooch, or FUPA, and I like to suggest high waisted options or wider garter belts to go with your set. If you want to show off your belly, I'd go with strappy styles and lower cut bottoms.
Smaller busts would look great in halter styles or triangle shaped cups, and larger busts look amazing with underwire styles.
What else actually photographs well
Robes & cover ups are such a great example of something simple, yet gorgeous. They photograph beautifully, give you something soft to transition into before a more revealing look, and work well for women who want options that feel a little more comfortable
Rich colors like deep jewel tones (deep burgundy, forest green, and emerald blue) look amazing on all skintones and help make your images pop against our neutral setup.
Fit matters more than size. Something that fits your body as it is right now will always photograph better than something that's pinching, squeezing or hanging off you loosely. Lingerie sizes can be all over the place and paying more attention to how it feels on you rather than what the tag says will pay off.
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz
This is exactly why my team and I built our signature Popoca Boudoir Outfit quiz. Answer a few quick questions and find out what your style is. You'll receive outfit direction based on your actual personality instead of a one size fits all approach
Personalized styling help
The best way to get guidance for your sepcific body type and goals is to take advantage of the personalized wardrobe assistance that is offered with every full Popoca Boudoir experience. You're always welcome to send screenshots of pieces you're considering, and I'll send back a custom Pinterest board of styles and colors suited specifically to you. Plenty of clients do exactly this when they have not idea where to begin.
A few specific questions I get asked constantly
Can I bring something I already own instead of buying new things? Absolutely! Youre favorite everyday pieces are what make your images more personal and authentic to you...and that's our jam
What about shoes? Shoes are optional and can add a bit more flare to your look. If you want more elongated legs, the higher the heel the better. I know not everyone just has those laying around, but we have a large collection of black stilleto red bottoms in our closet for borrowing. Or if you have sneakers you really love, you can bring those for a sporty look What if I don't own any lingerie at all? Lingerie is not necessary. An oversized button down, slip dress, or even a tank or tee shirt all work beautifully. If you want to try lingerie, but don't even know where to look, your booking Welcome & Prep Guide will have plenty of resources inside to point you in the right direction. Or just let us know and we can get you started.
The bottom line
Bring two to three looks that make you feel comfortable and confident. Prioritize fit over size and take the quiz if you want a starting point. I've been doing this for a very long time and I will not let you take a bad photo.
If you're in the Wilmington, NC area and you're ready to stop researching and actually book, I'd love to walk you through everything. A free consultation is the easiest first step
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