What To Wear To Your Boudoir Other Than Lingerie
One of the most common questions we get when booking is, “. . . but what if I’m not super into sultry, sexy lingerie? What else can I wear that will fit into a photoshoot?” We got you covered. Here are the Top 10 alternatives to lingerie that make for incredible portraits!
White sheets - one of our faves!
A style that is classic, timeless, and often passed over. We like to look back on icons that inspired us into boudoir in the very beginning, such as Marilyn Monroe, who did many famous white sheet sessions in her time! White sheet sessions are most popular with maternities, but can be utilized for almost any shoot idea, from natural light to studio shots like these!
2. A formal dress
Everyone has their own style, as well as intimate beauty. Showing skin does not equal beauty. Your next boudoir session is the perfect time to bust out that formal dress that you wore once then had no other place to wear it!
3. A luxury robe
A floor-length robe? In a Victorian mansion? Yes, please! Do we have to say anything else to convince you? Robes like this aren’t just a piece of clothing, but an experience. And yes, you can dramatically waltz up and down the staircase looking for your mysteriously-missing husband after your session.
4. Creative spreads of props
This option is incredibly diverse! With options from flower petals and ice cubes, to candle wax and whipped cream, we’ve seen it all. Using props is such a fun way to personalize your session to your (or your partner’s) specific taste and personality!
5. Shibari (Rope)
Speaking of fun, shibari is one of the most unique alternatives to lingerie that can be incorporated into a boudoir. Shibari is the Japanese art of rope bondage that requires an immense amount of talent and skill to craft. If given the time, this beautiful and alluring mastery is sure to elevate your boudoir to the next level.
6. Corsets
Of course, corsets have the ability to timelessly pair with lingerie, but it is not required! Corsets by themselves can be stunning alternatives to lingerie and can be morphed into all different styles, such as a pastel natural light shot or a sultry after-dark image.
7. Novelty theme or Cosplay outfits
Much like the use of props, incorporating themed or cosplay outfits into your boudoir is an invigorating way to live out your editorial dreams! The possibilities are quite literally endless and the perfect for collectors, re-enactors, or cosplayers to show off and document their creations.
8. Nothing!
That’s right, NOTHING! Most boudoir photographers are masters at capturing nude beauty in a tasteful way that shows off the best sides of you. Don’t let fear keep you from taking it off if it’s something you feel like trying out - and don’t be shy, your boudoir photographer has literally seen it all before!
9. A swimsuit
Swimsuits can be a versatile outfit in boudoirs outside of shoots at the beach. If you’re planning to work at all with water or anything wet, a swimsuit that compliments your body may be a better choice.
10. A suit or button-up
Suits and button-up shirts can be worn by all gender identities and pull off many different styles. Many women choose to shoot with a button-up that belongs to their significant other to give in a gift album that personal “for you” touch. For men, however, we’ve found that most like to play out their James Bond or Christian Grey fantasies and they always come out looking fantastic!
Either way, you’re gonna look exceptional
Seriously, the beauty that will be captured during your boudoir session isn’t all about what you wear. Don’t let your anxiety over how you might look stop you from documenting the person that you are NOW! 100% of the time, the same people that say, “I’ll do one when I lose the weight,” or, “I’ll do one when I finally fix my x, y, and z,” end up repeat clients because their body confidence skyrockets once their images are back. Honey, do the shoot. When you’re ready, we’re here for you.
