13+ Boudoir Outfit Ideas to Rock Your Photo Shoot

One of the first things clients say to me when they book their boudoir session is, “I have no idea what to wear, do you have any boudoir outfit ideas!?!” Since most of us don’t do photo shoots regularly – at least not in our underwear – it can be intimidating to figure out your boudoir outfits. 

But I’ve got you covered! With over 5 years of experience as a boudoir photographer, I’ve shot hundreds of clients in all sorts of outfits and have figured out the mystery of what to wear to a boudoir shoot. 

Below I’m sharing my best boudoir outfit ideas with lots of photo examples so you can see how these outfits look on camera. Plus, I’ll give you tips for how to choose the best outfits, where to shop, and how to incorporate your personality and body type into your outfit choices!

What to wear: 13+ boudoir outfit ideas

1. Bodysuit

Whether in lace, mesh or satin, bodysuits are one of the best boudoir outfits because they’re so versatile. Depending on the fabric, cut and colour, you can create a look that’s more sexy or more conservative. 

They also work for all body types and allow you to minimize or highlight certain parts of your body. I know a lot of women prefer to cover their stomachs, which you can do with a bodysuit. 

(But I also encourage you to push yourself a little bit outside of your comfort zone and show off the parts of yourself you think are “flawed” – because they’re not!)

2. Bra & panty set 

Another classic boudoir outfit is a bra and panty set. Like a bodysuit, your set can give off different vibes. Go for the casual “girl next door” look in a Calvin Klein set. Or choose a lacy bra and panties for something more sultry. Add a garter, heels and stockings to make things ultra sexy! 

I always tell my clients to bring at least one bra and panty set. By adding accessories and playing with the straps, we can create the most dynamic images! 

3. Harness

This one is for my edgy boudoir clients who want to spice things up! A harness involves a lot of hard materials, like leather and metal buckles, and has a super sexy vibe to it. 

You can add a harness to another outfit, such as a bra and panty set, or wear it with nothing underneath. I prefer the look of a harness on its own, so there aren’t any extra lines, but it’s totally up to you and what you’re comfortable with. We can always try both looks!

4. Band tee & panties

If you’re into music, or just prefer a more casual vibe for your boudoir session, this is a great outfit option. It gives off the impression that you just happen to be chilling at home in your favourite t-shirt, looking effortlessly sexy.

You can turn up the sensual side of this look by wearing more revealing panties or turn it down with something more full coverage. 

Not into bands? You can still achieve the band tee look with any casual, comfortable t-shirt.

5. Denim

A simple pair of jeans or jean shorts can be a super cool boudoir look. Think of a Guess jeans ad from the 80’s/90’s – casual yet incredibly sexy. Pair your jeans with a crop top, tight-fitting tank top or no top at all. 

If you decide to go partially nude with denim on the bottom and nothing on top, you can still decide how covered you’d like to be. We can create poses where you’re holding yourself or you can go for it and show it all off!

6. Silky slip dress

A silky slip dress works really well in my boudoir studio and matches the vintage vibe perfectly. It mimics the satin sheets I have on the bed and the light hits the fabric so nicely. 

Slip dresses flow smoothly over the body and give you something fun to play with, such as pulling on the straps or lifting up the hem. I think shorter slip dresses work best for boudoir shoots but a long one (with a sultry mid-thigh slit!) could also look great. 

7. Cozy sweater & socks

This is a great boudoir outfit if you want to cover up a bit more and give off that cozy, casual, at-home vibe. Opt for a cardigan or a sweater that’s a little bit looser; I love the look of a sweater falling off the shoulder so you can show off a bit of skin. Then add some crew socks or your ultimate cozy socks.

I’ve even had clients bring their books to a session so we could create a little set. Who says reading can’t be sexy?

8. Dress shirt

A dress shirt is a great way to bring a more casual vibe to your boudoir session. Choose an oversized shirt so we can play with draping it over your shoulders, rolling up the sleeves, tugging at the hem, etc. 

With a button up dress shirt, you have a lot of options. You can borrow your partner’s shirt, wear it over a bra and panty set, wear it over nothing at all, or add some sexy stockings. We can create some fantastic imagery with this look!

9. Sexy dress

A sexy dress can be a great option for a boudoir session, especially if you wear one that shows off your curves and allows us to play with body shapes. This is also a great look for clients who want to stay a bit more covered up.

Keep in mind, not all dresses work for boudoir. Think more sexy and form fitting and less floral maxi dress. Not sure if your dress will work? Bring it along and we’ll discuss your options!

10. Robe

A robe is a fantastic way to instantly transform your boudoir look. You can add a touch of elegance, heighten the sex appeal, highlight a part of your body, and just have fun with the movement, flow and fabric of a robe.

In my Client Closet (which is open to all of my clients), I have three robes you can wear during your session: a black feather robe for a layer of mystery, a red feather robe for something sultry, and a champagne tulle robe for a dash of romance.

PS: The champagne robe works particularly well for maternity boudoir shoots!

11. Fishnets

It doesn’t get more classically sexy than a pair of fishnet stockings. You can wear them on their own or add them to a bra and panty set. I prefer the look of fishnets on their own, as fewer lines on your body means better flow, but it’s absolutely up to you and whatever you feel most comfortable wearing.

Slip into a pair of heels to take your fishnets to the next level!

12. Just the sheets

Yes, silky sheets absolutely count as an outfit! Wearing just the sheets is a great way for you to play with a nude boudoir look while still being as covered or uncovered as you want. Even if you’re fully covered, the nudity implied still gives your image a sensual feel.

We’ll have so much fun draping the sheets on you and creating the ultimate Greek Goddess or Renaissance Maiden look. Plus, silk sheets work perfectly with my studio lighting, making everything feel soft, romantic and beautiful.

13. Birthday suit (nude boudoir)

Your birthday suit is the best boudoir outfit – you already have it on you, so you don’t have to remember to bring it! 

I always ask my clients ahead of their session if they want to take nude boudoir photos. You can let me know if you definitely want to, definitely don’t or want to wait to see how you feel on the day. It’s all about your comfort level. 

The awesome thing is that most people who are on the fence decide to go for it! After we’ve spent over an hour shooting together and you’re feeling comfortable and confident, you’ll be amazed at where your session can go. 

Bonus outfit idea: Accessories

You can add accessories to any of the boudoir outfit ideas above to bring a little something extra to your session and show off your personality. 

Accessories can be anything from thigh high socks or ballet shoes to body jewelry. I’ve had clients wear incredible gold chains and pearl necklaces that create such dynamic and vivid photos.

My top 5 tips for choosing your boudoir outfit

Bring a variety of looks

Unless all you want to wear is bodysuits, I encourage you to bring a variety of outfit choices so we can create different looks throughout your shoot. It’s fun to mix it up and use your outfit changes to show off different parts of your personality and different parts of your body.

Pack 6 outfits

I recommend that my clients bring about six different outfits, though we usually only have time to shoot four during our 90 minute session together. But it’s nice to have back up choices.

Try not to bring too many more than six, as it can get very overwhelming sorting through a trunk full of clothes!

Prepare to be surprised

On the day of your session, we’ll go through your outfits together and decide what you want to wear. Don’t be shocked if the outfit you brought as a backup ends up being the one you love the most!

Push yourself (a little bit)

If you’re curious about harnesses or lingerie, go ahead and bring them to your shoot! The whole point of boudoir is to see yourself in a new light and push yourself to try something different. Who knows, this could spark something in you!

Your comfort matters most

My number one tip for choosing your boudoir outfit is to choose something you feel comfortable in. While you can push yourself a little bit, you should still feel great in what you’re wearing. As long as you feel good, that’s all that matters!

What to wear based on your body type

While I understand that we all want to dress in a way that flatters our bodies, I truly believe that as long as you feel comfortable, there is no specific outfit you can’t wear. 
Rather than focus on hiding your body or only dressing based on your body type, let’s talk about accentuating the parts of your body you love the most! 

• Love your butt? A thong and thigh-high garter can help you show it off. 
• Love your chest? Choose a push up bra with some lace detail on the cups.
• Love your legs? Add heels to instantly lengthen and tone them. 

Before our session together, I’ll ask you about any body parts you may want to deemphasize. The goal isn’t to hide these “problem areas” but to help you see them in a different light. Of course, your comfort is always number one and we don’t have to shoot any part of your body you don’t want to. 

Even if we do take photos that show off a part of your body that you usually hide, that doesn’t mean you have to put them up on your walls. It can be enough to just take the photo. I’ve had so many clients tell me that they appreciate having these photos, even if they’re not ready to display them.

What to wear based on your personality

Boudoir photography allows you to lean into your personality! If you love all things frilly and pink, choose the frilliest and pinkest outfits you can find. If you’re more punk, bring along your studs and Doc Martens. One of my clients was a huge Toronto Raptors fan, so she wore her custom Raptors jacket during our session. 

You can absolutely incorporate parts of your personality and everyday wardrobe into your boudoir session. For example, add your go-to leather jacket to a pair of sexy fishnets. 
You don’t need to change your personal look for your boudoir session. At the same time, you can use boudoir as the perfect opportunity to explore different parts of your personality.

Where to find boudoir outfits in Vancouver

There are so many amazing places to buy boudoir outfits in Vancouver or online, no matter your style or budget. You can also shop your own closet, borrow outfits from a friend or browse the secondhand marketplace (I love thrifting!).

And don’t forget that you’ll have access to the robes in my Client Closet, which can complete any outfit! 

Check out my top lingerie stores to shop for your boudoir outfits in Vancouver, BC!

Now that you know what to wear, let’s book your boudoir session

A lot of people think boudoir isn’t for them because they don’t want to pose nude or don’t have a closet full of lingerie. But there are so many boudoir outfit ideas for you depending on your style, comfort level and what feels best on your body.

When you work with an experienced boudoir photographer, we can help you choose the best outfits and find the right poses, lighting and angles so you look and feel incredible. While boudoir may push you outside of your comfort zone, it’s all about ensuring you feel great every step of the way. 

I’d love to help you have this transformative experience. Get in touch to book your boudoir session with me today!