What do I wear for my session?
First of all, congrats on taking the leap and booking your boudoir photography session! It's going to be fun, an amazing experience, and super empowering for you. A huge part of the success of your session is bringing proper wardrobe that is not only beautiful, but that flatters your body. Most of my clients are unsure how to dress their bodies in clothes that look best, let alone lingerie! It doesn't have to be as complicated. I am a believer in stripping down. Less is more. Wardrobe is an essential part of your boudoir session...unless you plan on going nude - go you! Actually, I really love doing some artistic nudes and highly recommend you give it a try!
Your experience will include 2-5 sets, depending on which Collection you choose. You can bring your own outfits for these, or choose something from the client wardrobe. Plus, some sets don't require an outfit at all, such as "in the sheets", the faux shower set, or bodyscapes! This guide works as my cheat sheet for you to shop and know what to bring for your session. Hope it helps you! Feel free to reach out with questions any time so I can help you through this part of the process as well.
We want you: vulnerable, exposed, raw, and extremely beautiful. It may sound intimidating, but it's my job to empower you and provide you with a body positive experience. It's about reconnecting you with you: your femininity, your sensuality, your sexuality and your womanhood.
Wearing the wrong pieces can actually ruin images, whether it's because it doesn't fit, is a bad color, has a pattern that doesn't photograph well, or is simply not the best choice for your body type. Why wear jewelry when you normally don't wear any? Why hide behind a costume or a prop?
Pre-session consultations are important because it gives me an opportunity to see the items you are bringing to your session in advance, so that if we need to make altercations or exchanges there is still time. Additionally, this is when you will have the opportunity to try on anything from the Client Wardrobe so you'll know if you need to do some additional shopping or not.
What you bring to your session dramatically affects the images, so let's make sure we get it right the first time! Please use this calendar to schedule your pre-session consultation (if you haven't already), typically 4-6 weeks prior to your session in case you need to make any changes to what you are bringing. (Note: if you are not local to the Wilmington area, I am happy to do a video call with you to review wardrobe options!)
The only things I require you to bring to your session are (1) NUDE AND (1) BLACK plain seamless thongs or G-strings in like-new condition IF you plan on wearing any of the client wardrobe pieces.
Here is a catalog of a SAMPLING of the pieces in my Client Wardrobe - it's constantly changing and expanding, so this document is in no way exhaustive of what I have available!
Some ideas for staple items you might want to bring to your session, but are not required:
- Nude and black heels that are in like-new condition. The higher the heel, the better. Stay away from ankle straps as they can make you look shorter.
- Black high-waisted panties, and a strappy/lacy/sexy black panty and black bralette.
- Your favorite jewelry -- just a few pieces is fine, probably your everyday pieces and a few special or statement pieces to go with your outfits.
- Fun accessories like fur coats, leather jackets, vests, thigh highs, fishnet tights, or anything clothing related that brings out your personality.
If you are doing a * Beach Session *, you will only need 1-2 outfits, and I recommend following these guidelines:
- You can wear a bathing suite, lingerie, or even simply a tank top and panties - all of these options look good on the sand and in the water!
- Make sure that you don't mind whatever you bring getting wet and sandy.
- You WON'T need nice shoes - we're going barefoot, baby!
BEST LINGERIE FOR YOUR BODY TYPE
Broad shoulders define this body type, and what you decide to showcase is a personal preference. Halter necks are your best option here. If you have a flatter bum, go for a teddy to divert attention away from it. A bralette with a matching lace panty or a thong is another sexy option. Matching cami sets are another option if you like a relatively tame look.
If you have an athletic figure with no defined curves, you have a rectangular body. You need something that cinches at the waist, and corsets are the best option for that. They add curves and look sensuous. If you have a long torso, a garter belt or a teddy will look great on you. You can also accentuate your breasts by going for push-up bras and bustier lingerie.
If you have a rounded waist and your torso and upper body are much wider than your hips, you have a round body. High-waisted bottoms that define your waistline are a good option. A teddy also sits well on this type of body. For newbies, a chemise or teddy paired with a satin robe is an interesting choice – it is sexy and gives you coverage.
Measuring for your size
Please note that these diagrams and charts are from thistleandspire.com, and each line should have their own sizing charts that you can find on their website. That being said, it's important to know how to take your own measurements with a tape measure!
Save it to your phone's photo gallery for when you're shopping!
Types of lingerie
As an Atlantic Boudoir client, you get 10% off lingerie from Audacity Intimates!
Bodysuits & Teddies
My absolute favorite, especially in soft but contoured fabric. A teddy is usually made of lace and is lingerie while a body suit is made of cotton and actually considered clothing. Unique and feminine details, sexy cut-outs, and beautiful colors! I love it all. Long sleeve, short sleeve, choker neck, halter top, racerback, see-through, lacy, cotton, whatever! Sexy, fun, flirty. Cover as little or as much as you want to. Get a fun one with color, or simple black or lace. I cannot get enough of these!! Where to buy: Victoria's Secret, Yandy, Torrid, Forever21, Charlotte Russe, Hips N Curves, La Senza, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, BooHoo, Asos
Corsets
They are best for standing poses and I typically like to pair them with a pair of high-waisted black panties. Your corset should be sturdy and tight enough to contour your waist. If you wish for a more defined bust in a corset, you can wear with a black bra underneath. Keep in mind - it is important to purchase your correct size, and you won't be able to do much arching in these! Where to buy: Yandy, AdoreMe, Hips&Curves
Bustiers/Merriwidows/Corset Hybrids
They come in so many great colors, cuts, and styles. They often come with removable straps for thigh-highs. Where to buy: Yandy, Adoreme, Frederick's of Hollywood, Victoria's Secret
Sweaters (black, grey, blush, white)
Fitted or big, off-the-shoulder, sheer, crop, buttons down the front we can undo, you name it. Easy and sexy, especially with a great pair of undies...or not! I don't stock these, but they are easy to find! Where to buy: TJMaxx, Marshall's, Kohl's, Target, etc.
Fitted Tank Tops
A seriously underrated item for a boudie sesh. We can spray it with water, tear it, wear it sheer, or just pull on it. Super sexy! Where to buy: Forever21, Old Navy, Joe Fresh, Walmart, Urban Planet
T-shirts
Effortless and sexy. Tight-fitting is definitely best, plain or with a band or sports logo is great! Empowering slogans are fun, too. Make sure it's not bulky because we want to show off your bod. Bring one we can cut up and/or tie! Where to buy: anywhere
Sheer or Semi-Sheer Robe (black or white, mid or floor length)
This is a great piece to add if you are dying to go nude but don't want to bare it all. Just avoid busy patterns and neon colors. Where to buy: Torrid, Target, Walmart, Maurice's, Lularoe, Zoe & Co., Windsor
Panties (black, white, nude)
High-waisted is one of my favorite looks, but panties come in all sorts of cuts and styles. I also love cheeky bottoms and thick-banded thongs. Pick what makes you feel comfortable and sexy. For the less "girly girl" type, athletic styles or plain cotton like Calvin Klein's are also great choices!
Garter Skirts (high-waisted and black is most versatile)
I love all things high-waisted. If you want to wear thigh-highs, garter belts are preferred to chemise styles as they are more flattering while posing.
Control Slips
These can be found in the shape wear of any department store underwear section (Target, Walmart, Macy's, Sears, JCPenny, Victoria's Secret), but can be INCREDIBLY sexy. I highly recommend buying black. Super high-waisted control top shape wear with bare boobies or a beautiful black lace bra and some black heels is a stellar look. Where to buy: TJMaxx, Marshall's
Thigh highs, stockings, textured panty hose, or fishnets
I love me some tights! They are so fun and SASSY. I love the look of fishnets with no undies and no bra, but that's just me! If you are going to wear them, please make sure they fit properly and are not ripped or pulled anywhere. If you aren't wearing a garter or something with garter straps, make sure you get the thigh highs with the rubber interior so they stay up!
Bra and Panties Set
Simple and sexy! Choose your favorite cup style (or go cupless - ooh la la!) and rock it. Demi, strapless, pushup, bralette, you decide. Wear with panties, or not. We can play with the straps, play with the girls, or just lounge around and look HOT. Just make sure it fits right, because I cannot fix lingerie that doesn't fit and doesn't make you feel like a foxy lady.
Sheer Dresses
These are mega sexy and extremely flattering on every body type. Where to buy: Yandy, Hips and Curves, AdoreMe, Forever21, Amazon
Unique, Fitted Clothing
One thing I always advocate is that you DO NOT need to strip down to be sexy. The right outfits have the same effect! I cannot stress enough that your comfort is of the utmost importance to me. What do you feel sexy in? Let's start there. Where to buy: Charlotte Russe, Torrid, Express, Maurice's, Boohoo.com, Forever21, Windsor, Lane Bryant
Mix it up! I love mixing lingerie with everyday clothing such as hats, sweaters, leather jackets, blazers, cardigans, sheer shirts, robes, etc. to give your outfit a much more natural, less staged look. Body chains can be super fun and add a creative layer. If you are nervous about being bare, or insecure about certain parts of your body like your arms or your belly, there are creative ways like layering to cover up some things while "showing off" others. Fitted items of your partners like a collared dress shirt or sports jersey work sometimes too! *Wardrobe hack: bringing your own collared shirt or sports jersey instead of your partner's will make for better pictures because you aren't getting lost in the fabric, but will still give the same sex appeal!*
What NOT to Wear
- Old, wrinkled, stained, tattered items
- Loose-fitting items such as baby dolls or flowy chemises/nighties -- too much fabric adds bulk to your midsection. BLAH!
- Neon, multi-colored, or heavily patterned items
- Props - Nope. I shoot for empowerment, and to have you feeling better than you ever have. Images with props or costumes often look cheesy and don't get selected during the ordering process; therefore, it wastes time during your session. Keep it simple and about YOU rather than your props, and you will be much happier with your images.
- Tanning and Spray Tans - Please do not spray tan. Your spray tan will not photograph well and it will stain my furniture, bedding, and clothing. I do not advocate for tanning beds -- they can cause for redness and blotchiness of the skin. I prefer you come as you are. I promise you, your skin is going to photograph so beautifully.
- Summertime or vacation tan lines - Editing out tan lines is next to impossible. If you do not want tan lines in your pictures, stay out of the sun for a week or two before your session or schedule your session in the off-season. If you are going on vacation, schedule your boudoir session for before you leave. I can send your images out to a magician to edit your tan lines out, but this will be subject to an additional fee. ;-)
Check out my website for some specific pieces that I love via the link below!
Great places to shop online
- Audacity Intimates!
- Amazon
- yandy.com
- fashionnova.com
- thistleandspire.com
- us.shein.com
- boohoo.com
- forever21.com
- hm.com/us/
- fredericks.com
- us.asos.com
- anthropologie.com
- venus.com
- nastydress.com
- blushlingerie.com
- agentprovovateaur.com/us_en/lingerie
- lagentbyap.com/lingerie
My faves for full figures!
See you soon! xoxo, Alisha