Lingerie is a usual go-to for boudoir sessions and rightfully so… it flaunts a woman’s curves in a feminine and sexy way. However, if lingerie isn’t your style—that’s cool!! The beauty in having your own session is that it’s exactly that… yours. And YOU get to choose if you want to go for a relaxed and cozy look. Lingerie may be the most common garment shown in boudoir images, but it is by no means the only option.
If you’re looking for ideas on ways you can turn comfy into sensual, you’re in luck! Here are my top 10 suggestions for non-lingerie outfits. The cool thing is that you likely already have these items in your closet
#1 – A COZY SWEATER
You likely already own an oversized, cozy and soft sweater that you love to wear… it makes you feel sexy even in the colder months, doesn’t it? Imagine pairing that sweater with lace undies (or even nothing at all!) and perhaps some over the knee boots? Simple yet sexy, right?
#2 A CUTE TANK OR CROP TOP
Can you see wearing your favorite tank top or a white crop top paired with cotton underwear? This look is a classic, flattering and sexy outfit option. Even a simple, white v-neck with no bra underneath leaves room for the imagination. One of my brides even wore her soon-to-be husband’s all-time favorite shirt and paired it with some super cute cut-off shorts. Let me just say, her fiancé went wild for those images in his album. 😉
#3 A BUTTON-DOWN
Speaking of classic—a simple, collared button-down blouse is a natural go-to largely due to the fact that they’re surprisingly flattering for all body types. Whether it be flannel or a simple white button-down to pair with a matching bra and panty set, just panties, or even—you guessed it—nothing, you’ll give an implied nude vibe!
#4 BODYSUITS
Bodysuits are simple and oh so sultry. Fortunately, they’re back in style so that makes them easily attainable, too! Websites like Shein or Forever 21 have various (and inexpensive!) pieces to make them even more attainable.
#5 YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM’S JERSEY
Do you and/or your significant other have a favorite sports team? If so, bring it, it’ll be a fun time to add it into the mix! Bring his favorite team’s jersey, a fitted jersey tee/tank to pair with a pair of panties. With the right length, you could also go without bottoms and show off that booty. Either way, a jersey will give a fun pop of color to shake things up a little bit.
#6 JEANS
Jeans?! Have I gone crazy? Okay, just hear me out though—think of this: you pose with your most favored pair of jeans (or jean shorts), slightly unzipped, with a lace bra or nude top half. Make sure they hug that booty though because we’ll for sure be snapping some booty shots with these.
#7 JEAN OR LEATHER JACKET (OR EVEN A BLAZER)
I feel like this one is a natural progression since we just covered wearing jeans. If you’re feeling a little *sassy*, these a jean or leather jacket will help you feel like a badass during your shoot. Have a favorite and flattering blazer? Bring it! Pair any of these with jeans/jean shorts, black lace panties, layer them with a bra/panty set, or even use them over a lingerie piece. These jackets are a personal favorite of mine to include!
#8 A PRETTY ROBE
Robes are always great options as they photograph well! They can be layered, worn on their own, or used as props. Don’t have any? No problem, I have some satiny robes and even some floor-length ones you can use— I love to share! Getting married? If you plan on wearing a robe morning of your wedding day or the night of your honeymoon, bring it! It’s a simple detail that makes for a timeless image. That's what this bride did!
#9 PAJAMA SET
A cute pajama set is something that often gets overlooked for boudoir shoots! If you’re going for that cute, just-woke-up-on-a-Saturday look, a pajama set may just the key to nail it. The top and bottoms can also be used individually, or you can pair the bottoms with a simple bra/ bralette.
#10 A DRESS
A dress, whether long or short, can always be a great and timeless addition to your session. Little black dresses are one of my favorites, but I also love deep colors! Whatever you choose, just make sure it fits you like a glove.
DETAILED TOUCHES
Much like I recommend painting your toes & nails, consider all aspects of what you want the overall look to be. Color choice is huge, and your color choice depends on your skin tone, personality and preference.
Once you choose your sweater/bodysuit/tank, be sure to think about colors of your other details like your panties, knee-high socks or over-the-knee boots that will pair well. While your goal may be to going for lounging around the house look, you’ll want to have your look lean more towards comfy, relaxed and less “hair in a bun and I haven’t washed it in a week/ this is all I could find”-like. Also, be sure to stay away from super busy patterns or clothes that are too big. You want these images to be timeless!
As for jewelry goes, unless we’re doing shots with something like long pearls, let’s stay away from necklaces. The long pearls (I have some—so no need to buy those) can be worn topless for a classy, elegant look and will only be used with specific poses. Outside of the pearls, anything longer than a choker always seem to fall in the wrong place and end up being a distraction. Bracelets, rings and earrings make great additions (as long as the earrings are subtle.) Be sure the jewelry choices you make go with your overall style and feel that you’re going for.
JUST REMEMBER
I believe what you wear every day can have as much sex appeal as lingerie. After all, you are what brings the sexy into the shoot.
At the beginning of each session, you and I will go through all your options and decide which outfits you will wear (and when) during your session. I want your session to be a collaboration, so you get the best photos for your album.
If you would like to book your boudoir session and try the comfy look, contact me at welcome@5thhouseboudoir.com. See you soon!
The 5th House Boudoir’s Dhiana Skrmetti is an intimate portrait photographer located in Gulfport, Mississippi– fifteen minutes west of Biloxi, Mississippi, one hour east of Mobile, Alabama, and an hour and a half away from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dhiana’s true mission in life is to help free women from the chains put on them both externally and internally. She believes that all women should be empowered through boudoir photography and let them see what we all see: a gorgeous powerhouse woman with a stardust soul.
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