Wardrobe is one of the most stressful parts of preparing for a boudoir session. Most women spend way too much time worrying about having the “right” things and not enough time thinking about what actually makes a difference on camera.

So let’s clear it up. Here’s what to leave at home and what to bring instead.

What Not to Wear to Your Boudoir Session

Anything With Tight Elastic Bands the Day of

This is the number one practical mistake and it’s an easy one to avoid. Tight waistbands, tight bra straps, tight underwear, all of it leaves marks on your skin that take time to fade. If you show up to your session with elastic marks across your stomach or back, we’re waiting for them to disappear before we can shoot certain looks.

The fix is simple: wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your session. A flowy dress, a loose pair of sweats, anything that doesn’t grip your body. Save the fitted stuff for after. Also, no socks!

Anything Brand New You’ve Never Worn

I know the urge. You booked your session and immediately went shopping. That’s not a bad thing, but don’t show up in something you’ve never put on your body before.

New lingerie that hasn’t been broken in can gap, ride up, dig in, or just feel wrong in ways you won’t discover until you’re already in front of the camera. Wear new pieces around the house for a few hours first. Make sure the fit is actually right. Comfort in your clothes translates directly to confidence on camera. If you buy new shoes, break them in a little before hand also. Stiff heels hurt!

Overly Costumey or Trendy Pieces That Don’t Feel Like You

Boudoir wardrobe works best when it feels like a elevated version of you, not a costume. If you wouldn’t normally wear something and it doesn’t make you feel anything when you put it on, leave it. The camera picks up on authenticity and it also picks up on discomfort.

Trends come and go. The images from your session are going to last forever. Stick with pieces that feel timeless and true to who you are.

What to Bring Instead

Two to Four Looks With Range

You don’t need to bring your entire closet. Two to four looks is plenty and gives us enough variety to create a full session without overwhelming you with options.

Think about range: one look that’s more covered, one that’s more revealing, and one or two in between. That might be a bodysuit, a matching lingerie set, an oversized button-down, and a robe. It might look completely different for you. The goal is options, not quantity. Be sure to bring the one outfit that you are on the fence about. Clients typically always want to end with that one. It is better to have it and not need it then to leave it at home and wish you had it. Some photographers also offer a client closet, ask them before booking to see if they provide extra options.

Something That Makes You Feel Powerful

Every client has that one piece. The thing they put on and immediately stand differently. Bring that. It doesn’t matter what it looks like objectively, what matters is how it makes you feel. That feeling shows up in every image.

Comfortable Shoes or Heels (Your Choice)

Heels are not required. If you love them and they make you feel like that girl, bring them. If they make you feel like you’re going to fall over and you spend the whole time thinking about your feet, leave them. Bare feet, heels, cute slippers, it’s all fair game. One tip: you can bring heels and only wear them while posing.

An Open Mind

Seriously. Come in willing to try things you might not have planned. Some of the best images from any session come from a spontaneous moment, a pose we stumbled into, a piece of clothing worn differently than intended, a candid laugh. The more open you are, the better the session.

A Note on Body Image and Wardrobe

Here’s something I tell every client: the goal of boudoir wardrobe is not to hide your body. It’s to dress it in a way that makes you feel good while I find the light and angles that make you look incredible.

Every body photographs differently and I know how to work with yours. You don’t need to figure out what’s “most flattering” before you arrive. That’s my job. Your job is to bring pieces that make you feel something and trust the process from there.

If you’re not sure what to bring, reach out before your session. I’m always happy to talk through wardrobe with clients ahead of time so you’re not guessing.

Ready to Book?
I’m Belinda, a luxury boudoir photographer serving Lansing, Michigan and surrounding areas including Grand Rapids and Detroit. My sessions include professional hair and makeup and a fully guided wardrobe and posing experience so you never have to figure any of this out alone.

Reserve your spot and let’s get started.