It's the day of your session. Hell yes!! Remember though, before the shoot- we're all about comfort comfort comfort...Dress in the loosest possible clothing, love. Bras, tight pants, socks, etc. will all leave those pesky little indentations in your skin- and those take a while to leave, so it’s best to skip them.
What to Wear:
-Loose dress or loose pants with a loose top and no bra
-soft, comfy shoes that won’t leave marks on your feet or ankles (think UGGs, slippers, or flip flops)
But, that's not why you're reading the guide... I know. You wanna know what to wear for the actual shoot, and that's what we are going to dive into now!
No freaking out... No really- stop right now.
Take a deep breath (or ten) and remind yourself that this is going to be amazing!!
Let's enjoy this amazing confidence boosting day, love!!
It is undeniably scary to do something new, to put yourself out there and to be vulnerable. The thing is, the absolute BEST things in life happen outside of our comfort zones.
Right?!
Just please be sure to not go and buy a bunch of lingerie if it's not your thing. Save the money! You can bring a matching bra and panty set, undies with a ribbed tank, a button up shirt, or wear your birthday suit! You can borrow lingerie from the client closet as well.
If you have lots of ideas and outfits but you're having troubles narrowing them down, bring as many as you wish and I will help you choose 3-4 looks to rock at your session.
Victoria's Secret
Fascinations
Castle
Amazon
First things first... BE YOU!! We want this shoot to be a celebration of who you are, not what you think you should be. I know you may possibly have motives of gifting this to your significant other, but trust me, they will love seeing you shine as yourself!!
So what do you think? Are you all about the glam, or more casual girl next door? Frilly and feminine or edgier? All of the above?
Yandy
Adore Me
Torrid
Forever 21
Thistle + Spire
Honey Birdette
Savage Fenty
Shein
Some style of undies are better for boudoir than others...
1.) The thong- If you love than bum and you wanna show it off, a thong is a great start! Just remember, g-strings aren't as flattering as other types of thongs, so try the kind with a little more fabric than the g-string.
2.) High waisted- These are a personal love for sure! Flattering for all body styles, the high waisted is specifically amazing for those of us who may not love those tummies as much as others and gives the photos an all out classic vibe!
3.) Cheekies- Another great panty to flaunt those who adore your bum! Cannot go wrong with a good pair of cheekies... The frame our tush curves so wonderfully.
When shopping for bras, fit is the absolute most important part. If you're not sure on the size of your ladies- head to your local bra shop (Nordstroms is super helpful) and have a specialist properly size you. As much as I love Victoria's Secret, don't get sized there. Beautiful pieces for sure! Just not right on sizing.
What you should look for:
Something classic: A great black bra goes with so many different things for your shoot! Aim for a classic neutral color.
Something fun: Texture (lace, strappy bits, embroidery, velvet, etc.) really adds a special element to photographs.
Don’t forget the bra’s awesome little sisters- bralettes. These babies are comfy and move with your body during posing in ways formed bras don’t.
Feeling a tad shy? You can always add a Sweater, button-up shirt, robe (NOT your cozy housecoat, something cute), kimono, faux fur coat for a little modesty and extra glam or texture.
What to look for: complementary colors to your lingerie or bra and panty set you're wearing, texture, timeless patterns, lace and sheer material is great, too.
What to avoid: too tight pieces, heavily worn or washed items (no pilly sweaters please).
Bodysuits are an absolute fav of mine!! They're flattering on every body type and they come in so many great options regardless if you're modest, edgy, romantic etc...
While some gals are hesitant to try a bodysuit (fitted is scary) but trust me. You'll love the confidence one will give you.
They skim your body, rather than adding bulk like some other options can (ahem, baby dolls). Look for details like trim or piping that creates the illusion of an hourglass figure.
Different textures can really add interest in your boudoir photos!
What to look for: Velvet, lots of straps, lace, mesh, fishnets, faux fur, satin, silk, sequins, embroidery, metallic fabrics...
What to avoid: Scratchy fabrics (don’t pick anything that is going to hurt or scrape you!), overwhelming design (YOU need to be the focus here), too tight stockings. Please also refrain from glitter and feathers. These items litter like nuts and never leave the studio once you leave.
There is no rule in boudoir that says you have to bare it all- or even partially. This is your session and your photos. No one elses.
If you're not up to baring too much, no worries!! You can show as much or as little as you wish.
What to look for: Long sleeve bodysuits, fitted shirts, jeans, sweaters, rompers, cute pj sets, cut off shorts or even leggings!
What to avoid: Using your wardrobe to hide behind, too tight or too loose of pieces- make sure they properly fit you.
Thinking you want to add special little details for your photoshoot? No problem. Here are some ideas!
Body jewelry, heels, hats, scarves or kiss ass pasties (we especially love the X ones!), glasses, fishnets...
What to avoid: anything too over the top or gaudy. Aim for simple rather than in your face and nothing too “proppy.”
When we talk colors, pick ones that look great with your skin tone. Tip? Look at the veins in the palm of your hand and inner wrist- if they look blue or purple, your skin is cool. If your veins appear green, you have a warm skin tone. If you can’t tell, you’ve probably got neutral-toned skin like me!
Warm skin tends to really pop with warmer tones clothes, and cool skin shines brightly with cooler shades. This is just a suggestion though. If you really love a color that doesn’t ‘go’ with your skin- rock it! Do you!!
What to Avoid: Stay away from intense, bright or neon-colored clothing. These can create insane color casts. We don't want unnatural looking skin do we?
When in doubt, neutral colors (white, cream, and black) always look amazing!
Tip: consider the setting you’ll be having your photos done in and pick clothing that will compliment the tones, too!
So, you know that I want you to have the BEST possible photos right? Wardrobe has a lot to do with that.
When you look at the photo above, I want you to see the difference between something fitted vs something flowy... In everyday life, both items are beautiful, but in a photograph, can you see how the babydoll doesn't do anything for this babe's amazing curves? Once she's in the bodysuit, we can see her cute little waist and super hott bod...
Pick pieces that skim your body, and show off those gorgeous curves... Not bulk and hide your body. Make sense?
*photo courtesy of Jen Needham
-Bring as many outfits as you'd like! I can help you choose 3-4 looks for your session.
-Ask for a link to my client wardrobe if you would rather borrow items.
-Your Birthday suit is ALWAYS a fantastic option when you're up to it. You can still hide all the "goodies" if you don't wanna bare all the details. ;)