The Ultimate List – Updated Fall 2025

What to Wear to Your Boudoir Session

Not sure what you should wear for your boudoir session? We are here to help! This is a detailed blog post with lots of information – you may want to bookmark it so you can reference it often when prepping for your shoot!

Over the years we have photographed many different outfits and styles. We have put together this comprehensive blog post based on years of experience with photographing different styles of lingerie. 

General Outfit Info

  • We recommend that you bring at least 3-5 outfit choices with you. More than that is definitely ok! We will shoot at least three looks, however, it is always nice to have extra options. Sometimes we can shoot an extra outfit or two if there is enough time or if we only need to get a few photos in it. If you are unsure how something will photograph, we encourage you to bring it and we can help you choose the best outfits that will look great on camera.
  • Bring a variety or types of outfits (not all bra and panty sets).
  • Please carefully pack your lingerie and do your best to avoid wrinkles. If you are bringing a dress shirt please make sure it is clean & generally wrinkle free.
  • Only bring jewelry/accessories if they are sentimental or something you really love. You will be laying down in many of our poses so neclaces and dangling earrings tend to lay funny. Stud or small earrings work best. If you have sentimental jewelry you want to incorporate we will be sure to work it in to at least one pose.
  • Scarves, hats, or other accessories can be a fun addition in your photos if they represent you and your style.
  • Bring a variety of colors. Colors like navy or deep blue, emerald, dark teal, dark or dusty pink, ruby red and maroon photograph well. A classic black or white outfit is always a good option. You know what colors you look best in, so stick with those!

Outfit checklist

A good starting point is to bring 3-5 items from this list:

  • One or two matching bra/panty sets (at least one with underwire)
  • A pair of cheeky and/or lace thong black lace underwear (other colors are good too!)
  • One or two bodysuits in whatever styles you like best
  • A button up shirt (dress shirt or flannel)
  • T-shirt with coordinating underwear (yours or a partners)
  • Off the shoulder shirt with coordinating underwear
  • Optional: Any specialty type outfit or prop that incorporates sports teams, professions, sentimental items, or hobbies (i.e. something to make the shoot more personal)

Things to Avoid

Please note, these are just ideas and if you have outfits that you absolutely love please bring them even if they are on the “avoid” list! We always make exceptions but if something really doesn’t work well in our style of photography we will be honest with you.

  • Anything neon in color such as really hot pink or bright red. These colors don’t print well.
  • Corsets. They take a long time to change into and have limited posing options.
  • Garter belt & stockings. While these can work in photos, stockings tend to make legs appear shorter in photos.
  • Long dresses. These tend to not work well with our posing system.
  • Silk or satin fabrics. When possible, choose lace, mesh or other textured fabric.
  • Hipster or boyshort underwear.
  • Strappy shoes or shoes with low heels.

Scroll to see Examples of what other people have brought to their session

Matching bra & Panty Sets

Of course traditional bra & panty sets are always popular and look great in photos! Be sure you bring a coordinating pair of underwear for each bra that you’d like to be photographed in. If possible, bring at least one bra with underwire but avoid push up styles. Balconette style bras always look great!

Underwear

I always take a few butt shots and the absolute best style of underwear for these photos are the cheeky, lacy and/or sheer type. Thongs can work too, especially if they have a wider lace band at the top. If possible, I recommend bringing at least one pair of black cheeky underwear but bringing more in other colors is great, too! You can find these styles at most places that sell lingerie but some of our favorites can be found at places like Amazon, Target or Torrid. In general, stick to lace styles vs. cotton or silk. The texture of lace looks great in photos!

 

Bodysuits

Bodysuits look great in photos and you can find some great ones on Amazon or at H&M and Forever 21! Bodysuits look great on everybody, but if you are self conscious about your stomach these can be a great choice.

Shirts & Sweaters

You can bring more than just lingerie to your boudoir session! Some great options include t-shirts worn with lace panties, off the shoulder sweaters or cardigans, button up shirts, or flannels. Try to avoid anything that is too oversized or bulky.

Incorporating Props, Professions, Hobbies, or Sentimental Items

Props can add a personal touch to the photos. Things that represent your hobbies, profession, or special momentos from trips or experiences can be fun to incorporate into your photos!

Black & White Lace Robes

We have a full set of black lace and white lace robes for use in the studio. We love robes that have lace or sheer arms as they add some texture and detail to the photos. The images below show the robes we have available for use during sessions. If you have a robe you’d like to incorporate in a different color or style, feel free to bring it along!

Sports Themes

Do you or your significant other like a sports team? If so, bring a jersey or t-shirt. Large bulky jerseys can be unflattering, so try to find something that fits you well. Props like footballs, baseball bats, golf clubs can all be fun to incorporate, too!

Blazers or Fitted Jackets

That blazer that makes you feel bad-ass and powerful can be fun in a few photos!

Bridal Theme

If you’re doing a bridal or anniversary shoot, feel free to bring your bridal lingerie, jewelry, veil, robe, and/or shoes. This is a great way to document the things that may not be photographed on your wedding day!

Shoes

The higher/skinnier the heel, the better. The right heel can actually lengthen your legs. You will not have to walk much in the heels you bring, but you may have to stand in them for some poses.

We do have a selection of shoes in our studio for clients to use. We have heels in black and beige in most sizes. If heels aren’t something you wear normally please don’t feel like you have to buy any just for the photo session, you are welcome to use ours! We currently have shoes in sizes 5-13. With enough notice we will do our best to secure any sizes we don’t currently have prior to your session.

See more outfit inspiration on our blog! 

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Blush is located in Minneapolis / St. Paul and works with clients throughout greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond.
We've proudly been working with amazing women since 2008.

Contact us at 612-801-8823 for your own boudoir photography experience.

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