What to Wear to a Boudoir Photoshoot: Outfit Ideas & Tips

One of the biggest questions I get from women booking their boudoir photoshoot is, “What on earth am I going to wear?”

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on new lingerie or have your outfits perfectly planned before you arrive.

Some of my favourite photographs have been created with the simplest pieces. So if you're wondering where to start, here are a few things I recommend.

Start With What You Already Own

Before you head out shopping, have a look through your wardrobe. A favourite bodysuit, matching lingerie set, oversized shirt, blazer or even a simple pair of stockings can all photograph beautifully.

And don't feel like everything needs to be revealing. Sometimes a little more coverage can create equally beautiful photographs.

The most important thing is choosing pieces that fits you well and you feel comfortable in.

What Outfits Photograph Best?

There are a few pieces I absolutely love working with during boudoir sessions.

Bodysuits: One of my favourites! They're flattering, versatile and come in so many different styles, from delicate lace to more structured designs.

Matching lingerie sets: Always a beautiful option. Black is always a winner, but white, red and richer colours can look incredible too.

Oversized shirts and jackets: A button-up shirt, blazer or leather jacket can give us a completely different look without needing another full lingerie set.

Stockings and heels: These are great little extras to bring along. Even if you don't normally wear heels, they can work beautifully in photographs.

And if you're planning a bridal boudoir shoot, don't forget your veil, white lingerie, garter, ring, wedding shoes or any special bridal accessories you'd love to include.

What Colours Should I Bring?

For lighter skin tones, I generally recommend deeper colours like black, red, emerald green and navy. They create beautiful contrast against the skin and photograph really well. Lighter pinks, peach and orange tones can sometimes blend a little too closely with fair skin, so they're not usually my first recommendation.

For tanned and deeper skin tones, there's plenty of room to play with both lighter and richer colours, depending on the look you're going for.

But these are just recommendations, not rules! If there's something you absolutely love, bring it along.

And if you're unsure which colours or outfits will photograph best, you're always welcome to get in touch before your session. I'm more than happy to help with suggestions!

How Many Outfits Should I Bring?

During your Luxe Boudoir photoshoot, we'll usually work through around 3 different outfits.

But please don't feel like you need to narrow everything down before arriving. If you've got six outfits you're considering, bring all six. If you've got ten, bring ten!

We also have a studio wardrobe with a range of pieces you're welcome to use during your shoot. If you'd like to choose something from our collection, that's absolutely fine! I do recommend bringing at least one outfit of your own that you know fits well and feel comfortable wearing.

We'll go through everything together when you arrive at my Burleigh Heads studio and choose the pieces that will photograph best. And if there's something you're unsure about, that's exactly what I'm here to help with so don’t feel like you need to have it all figured out before you arrive.

What If I'm Self-Conscious About My Body?

This is something so many women worry about, and it's completely understandable. You might feel more comfortable in a bodysuit than a two-piece, or prefer something with a little more coverage. That's absolutely fine!

Remember, the outfit is only one part of creating a beautiful photograph.

Posing, lighting and angles all make an enormous difference, and that's where I come in.

I'll guide you through everything, from how to position your body to the tiniest adjustments that make a huge difference in photographs. You don't need to know your best angles or how to pose. That's my job, and I'll make sure you're looking and feeling incredible throughout your shoot!

Still Not Sure What to Wear?

Please don't stress about having everything perfectly organised. Once you're booked in, you'll receive my Session Prep Guide with plenty of information to help you prepare. And when you arrive, we'll go through your outfits together before we start your session.

If you're still wondering what the rest of your experience looks like, you can read my What to Expect From a Boudoir Photography Experience on the Gold Coast blog.

And if you'd love to experience a boudoir photoshoot for yourself, you can book your Luxe Boudoir experience here, or get in touch if you have any questions.