CHOOSING THE RIGHT LINGERIE FOR YOUR BOUDOIR SESSION
Fortunately, we are in an age where more people are opening up to the idea of boudoir. Which, I understand because I’ve always known that boudoir is more than showing off women’s bodies in lingerie. Since its inception, boudoir photography has been more about helping women embrace themselves and discover their innate goddess.
If you are thinking about having your very own empowering and confidence-boosting boudoir session, but don’t know where to start on what to wear, you’re in the right place! Here are some tips to help you find the lingerie that will be the most flattering for you:
GO FOR PIECES THAT WILL ACCENTUATE YOUR ASS…ETS
Boudoir sessions are all about making you feel the most amazing in your own skin. How do we achieve that, though? The key to making your own boudoir shoot so empowering and outstanding is to find pieces that make you feel like a rockstar.
Have you ever put on that right outfit and your day immediately got better? Your hair fell perfectly into place, your coffee hit just right, and you likely had a full day of kicking ass… all because your outfit was on point! Lingerie is similar in that way. Since lingerie was designed for appreciating the female form, be sure to pick pieces that accentuate your favorite features. Showing off that booty is a good place to start!
HOURGLASS
With shoulders and hips that are of the same width and a slender waistline, anything sits well on this type of body. Can we say #blessed? Your lingerie should be designed to highlight the appeal of your broader shoulders, your slender waistline, and your wide hips. Your best lingerie options for the hourglass body type are bodysuits, garter belts, teddies, corsets and high-waisted lingerie.
TRIANGLE
If your hips are wider than your shoulders, then you have a triangle body. Consider choosing lingerie that makes your body look more balanced and proportionate such as lacy negligee that is taut at the chest, making your chest seem large. Also consider a lifted bra or a bustier to give you added top support.
INVERTED TRIANGLE
The beauty of having broad shoulders and narrow hips is that you get to choose which the of your body you want to show off the most! For instance, a thong or a cheeky bodysuit can highlight your thighs and draw attention to that booty. 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.
ATHLETIC / RECTANGLE
If your body type leans more towards being athletic with less than noticeable curves, I guarantee you that if you choose the right lingerie, your curves can be and will be defined. Lingerie pieces that hold and cinch your waist paired with an experienced photographer will make for amazing photos. Consider getting high-cut bodysuits and/or a lace teddy. If you have a long torso, a garter belt or a teddy will also look great on you and define those curves. You can also accentuate your top half by going for a push-up bra and a bustier.
ROUND
If you have a rounded waist with your torso and upper body being wider than your hips, you have a round body. Consider yourself lucky! Round body types have so many lingerie options from which to choose. Almost any lingerie you settle for will look great on you. A teddy or a negligee will bring your silhouette best since they will attract attention away from your rounded waist.
*If you’re self-conscious about your tummy or don’t want to show your midriff, grab a bustier! A bustier gives an added lift and, much like a corset, is a bra that covers the abdomen and flattering your upper body.
GET COMFY
This one is two-fold:
First, more than focusing on just the aesthetic appeal, the most important thing you must prioritize and pay close attention to is… comfort. When your outfit is form-fitted and feels good on your skin, posing in front of the camera will be a breeze! Getting the perfect size of garments ensures adequate support in all the right places. Although this article is from 2020, it still rings true today so be sure to check out the tried-and-tested method of measuring for lingerie from Katie Thacker, a bra-fitting expert.
Second, there aren’t any rules that say a boudoir photoshoot must be revealing – it’s all about your personal comfort level. If you’re uncomfortable in lingerie, no biggie—start with something casual like a button-down shirt or a cute pajama set. As we go through the shoot, you may choose to transition into something a little more revealing. Read one of our previous blogs, Top ten items to wear for a comfy boudoir photo shoot, to get ideas!
TO COLOR OR NOT TO COLOR?
While black lingerie is always a popular choice, especially when it comes to sexy and lacy sets, don’t be afraid to experiment with other colors. Of course, if you’re a bride-to-be, white is a go-to, but also shades of blush, rose, ivory and champagne are all beautiful as well. Jewel-toned colors like ruby, amethyst, teal and sapphire are gorgeous on any skin color (and they’re personally my favvvvooorrrittee colors). Brighter colors help you “pop” against any background and are great for setting a fun & vibrant mood.
LAST TIPS
- Make sure to try everything on before the day of. Give yourself plenty of time for ordering pieces (if online) and verify the company allows returns on lingerie.
- Give yourself the freedom to experiment. Boudoir photoshoots are the perfect time to treat yourself to a few new (and fun!) items. Be bold and try something you’ve never tried before; it may just turn out to be your new favorite thing!
- Getting the right clothing for your boudoir shoot can be a trial-and-error affair, but finding what is perfect for you is absolutely worth the effort.
- Bring a variety of outfits! I love to go over outfit choices and will happily help you decide what will look best on you paired with each backdrop. I’m here to help!!
The 5th House Boudoir’s Dhiana Skrmetti is an intimate portrait photographer located in Gulfport, Mississippi– fifteen minutes west of Biloxi, one hour east of Mobile, AL, and an hour and a half away from New Orleans, LA. Her true mission in life is to help women feel empowered and let them see what we all see: a gorgeous powerhouse woman with a stardust soul.
