Congratulation on booking your boudoir photography session! It's going to be an amazing experience. One of the keys to success is bringing 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 to your session. I hope you find it helpful. Please feel free to ask me questions at any time to help you through the process as well!
Lingerie Styles
BRA & PANTY SETS
There are so many different options out there for sexy bra and panty sets. When shopping for these, proper fit is extremely important. Be careful of push up bras as they often make you look unnatural. Make sure that the area near your armpit looks smooth and you are not bulging out of the cups. Bralettes are also a fun alternative to bras.
CORSET
Corsets are meant to cinch your waist and give you killer curves. They usually have ties in the back that help create your shape. Keep in mind, it is difficult to pose in a corset and you may be limited in movement.
BUSTIER
A 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.
BODYSUIT
A close-fitting one-piece stretch garment for women, similar to a dance leotard or one piece swimsuit. They are considered clothing, but they are great for boudoir too!
TEDDY
Similar to a bodysuit but usually more sheer and sexy. It covers the torso and lady-bits, hiding the tummy while accentuating your curves.
SHAPEWEAR
Shapewear is a type of tight-fitting underwear or bodysuit intended to control and shape the figure. There are many beautiful options out there these days that are meant to be shown rather than hidden. Many of you have heard of 'Spanx', which is a brand of shapewear.
BABYDOLL
A babydoll is 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. Babydolls can be cute, but they are actually my least favorite lingerie garment as they hide your curves and often make you look wider than you are.
SLIP
Think of slips as dresses that are meant to be worn under a dress, often with cups built in for support. Slips can be used as a more conservative and sophisticated form of lingerie.
GARTER BELTS, GARTERS, AND THIGH-HIGHS
A 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. The stockings they hold up are called 'thigh-highs' (because they pull-up to the thigh).
There are two different types of thigh-highs. Some have rubber material on the inside to help them stay up. This is important to know because if the stockings have the rubber inside they are not meant for garters, they are meant to be worn without them. If you try to pair these stockings with garters they will be very difficult to attach. Stockings without the rubber are meant to be worn with garters. There is a science to attaching the stockings. Don't be afraid to ask for help at your session if they're giving you trouble.
CLOTHING AND OTHER FUN IDEAS
Clothing is a fantastic option for boudoir! It might sound counterintuitive, but think about a leather jacket, robes and kimonos, ripped jeans and a sexy bra, a wet white t-shirt, or an off the shoulder sweater with just undies or fishnets on bottom. There are so many options for clothing that can be just as sexy, if not sexier, than you're typical lingerie.
Sweaters, shirts and over pieces give a great laid-back vibe to lingerie and add coverage, as long as they're not too tight. Sheer sweaters, leather jackets, ripped denim shirts, kimonos, and faux fur coats are some of my favorites.
SHOES
Please bring at least one pair of black and one skin-colored heels with you (the higher the better). black heels are classic, while nude heels make you look like you've got legs for daaaaays. You may end up barefoot anyway, but it's better to be prepared.
ACCESSORIES
Don't forget accessories. Jewelry adds a touch of dazzle and glamour to your photos, whether it be diamonds, pearls, or a body chain. Think about your outfit choices and whether they would be better complimented with silver or gold tones.
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 and you don't want to look like an advertisement. That being said, i've incorporated things from tarot cards to guitars as a fun way to help showcase hobbies and interests.
A QUICK NOTE ABOUT COLORS
A QUICK NOTE ABOUT PATTERNS
Choosing What to Wear
SHOW OFF YOUR ABS
If you want to show off those hard-earned abs a bralette or bra and panty set are a great option. It's tempting to pull out a bra you might wear everyday, but I recommend looking for something special. An intimate boudoir session is about loving yourself and it's ok to find something outside your every day comfort zone.
SHOW OFF YOUR ASSETS
If a great tushy shot is on your list, I recommend the following bottoms based on what you're looking to show off
The Thong: If you've been workin' that booty and want to show it all off, the thong is a great way to go. I recommend thongs over g-strings.
Cheekies: cheekies are my all time faves. They show JUST enough and are incredibly flattering.
High Waist: High waisted undies flatter all body types. They're especially great for those who feel insecure about their tummies for one reason or another. Plus, they give off a great retro vibe.
HOW TO GAIN COVERAGE WHILE STILL LOOKING SEXY
If you have stretch marks or scars that you want to conceal, try looking for a more opaque material, but stick with a style that will show off your shape. If you're worried about your tummy, you could try a bodysuit, a teddy, or a bustier. If you still feel self-conscious, you could look for some fashionable shapewear. If you are less than thrilled with your arms, there are plenty of ways to deemphasize them so that you can focus on other assets of yours. Long sleeve bodysuits are great for hiding arms, or you could throw some killer lingerie on under an oversized sweater or a distressed jean button-down.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Always bring more outfits with you than you think you will need. This way we can mix and match and get creative. I also recommend bringing your favorite sweater and one outfit totally out of your comfort zone. You don't have to wear it, but you just might!
Sexy is what you make it and how you wear it, not what you're wearing.
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(907) 957-0179 - sierra@wildirisphoto.com
Credits:
Sierra Wilson Photography