January 26, 2021
So, you’ve decided to book a boudoir session with me. You pay your retainer, pick your date, and you are over the moon excited for your photo shoot. But, then it dawns on you: you don’t know what to wear to your boudoir session. The good news is I have already done this work for you AND I am available as your own personal wardrobe help. I am always willing to help my clients pull together their dream outfits. Whether you shoot me photos, you FaceTime me to show me what you have in your closet, or ask me to just tell you what to wear, I am hear as your photographer to make sure your photos are exactly what you want. This all being said, I am not a professional stylist nor am I able to direct you with sizing. If you aren’t sure what your bra size is or which piece of lingerie suits your shape the best, I definitely recommend stopping in your local lingerie shop. The women in lingerie stores are professionally trained to properly fit you and guide you to the best pieces for your needs. Not able to get to a shop? Click HERE to read an in-depth article outlining different lingerie pieces for each body type. Without further ado, let’s get started figuring out what you are going to wear!
Here are a few items I highly recommend for my clients to consider wearing to their boudoir session with me:
- Bodysuit or Teddy
- Thong
- Lingerie Dress
- Robe
- Accessories
I not only recommend these items, but I also recommend certain colors and materials for studio boudoir sessions:
- Satin, chiffon, and lace materials
- Black, ivory, nudes, reds, and bright colors
The Power of the Body Suit
A bodysuit is a must have for any boudoir photo shoot. Not only are bodysuits super flattering, they allow my clients to be as modest and/or as sexy as they like. Pairing some thigh-high stockings or fishnets with a bodysuit immediately makes it more sexy. For my clients wishing to be more modest, there are plenty of mesh styled bodysuits and teddys with long sleeves. Not only are they necessary, bodysuits are also extremely easy to find. You can purchase them through Amazon, at any lingerie boutique, the mall – you name it and it’s there.
Don’t Forget to Bring a Thong
I cannot stress this enough: bring at least one thong. Whether its a thong bodysuit or a two piece, just make sure you bring one. Most of clients want an amazing poppin’ booty picture and a thong is necessary for this shot. Unless you are intending to be nude during your session, you need a thong to get “the booty pic” during your session.
Modest Can be Sexy
No matter if you are wanting a more modest look or not, satin slip dresses and robes are a beautiful way to add some softness into your session. I love the way satin photographs. Satin is timeless and adds a bit more personality to shots. Slip dresses are back in style (I’m obsessed) and I think everyone ought to try wearing one during their session. Try finding one with a thigh slip and some lace cutouts to add some sexiness. Both of these options don’t only add softness, but they also allow for some movement. Lingerie usually hugs the body so the opportunity for movement isn’t there, however, a flowy robe or lingerie dress gives this back to your session. If you decide you want to bring a robe to your session, I highly recommend a lace or sheer material to bring mystery, but not cover you up completely. Did you know I have several gorgeous vintage robes for all my clients to use during their sessions? Click HERE to see one of my favorite robes in my client closet.
Don’t be Afraid to Accessorize
I won’t lie, I rarely ever wear accessories in my everyday life and even if you are the same way – accessories can bring your shoot to the next level. Accessories encompass so many possibilities. Below is a list of possible ideas for accessories:
- Jewelry, specifically necklaces. I recommend chokers as they don’t get in the way of lingerie necklines.
- Gloves. Gloves are so underrated, but a pair of long lace gloves with a sexy black outfit brings your outfit to a level 10.
- Heels are a great way to elongate the legs as well as tell a story during your session.
- Flowers are one of my favorite props for sessions. They are so versatile and can bring a session to life.
- Body jewelry and harnesses are so sexy and I love how they can transform a basic outfit to a completed look.
- Vintage and fur jackets. I love the look of an old vintage blazer with some lingerie.
- Something sentimental. This can be your partners favorite shirt, a kink item, or wedding lingerie.
Check out my Pinterest boards I have made with plenty of outfits and inspiration. All my Pinterest boards contain a variety of budget options, styles, sizes, colors, and ideas so everyone can find what they need! Click HERE to view my studio boudoir outfit inspiration.
Where to Shop for Lingerie
Now that you have a better idea of what to wear, where do you find these pieces? Luckily for you I have done all the research for you so you don’t have to. Below is a list of my favorite stores and places to buy gorgeous lingerie pieces:
- Affordable Brands
- Forever 21
- Adore Me
- SHEIN
- Fashion Nova
- Yandy
- Etsy & Thrift Stores (Poshmark and Depop are some of my favorite online thrift stores)
- Classic Brands
- Curvy Babes
- Luxury
- Off Beat Brands
[…] This sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many women show up to their session not knowing how their lingerie currently fits them. Many of us, myself included, have a lot of lingerie from when we got married or have received them as gifts from our partner over the years. That was years ago and many of those items don’t fit the same way anymore. I recommend not only shopping for new items (treat yourself, ya know?), but trying on the options you have at home. Sometimes those “simple” sets works very well and will surprise you. If you aren’t sure how you feel about certain outfits, bring your best friend along on a shopping venture with you and let them shower you in compliments. Don’t feel like you have such a shopping partner? Feel free to get my number and text me your favorite options. I will be your biggest, honest cheerleader. Not sure where to shop? See some of my recommendations here! […]
Hi, Heather! My name is Martha Bennett, and I’m a photographer in North Dallas. I came across your website recently and really admire your work! You have a beautiful style, and I love the intimate way you portray your vision and philosophy on your website.
I was hoping you might be able to share some information about your photography and way of shooing, i.e. gear and lenses, filters, lighting and editing workflow. I would also be interested in learning about your website design (and who may have assisted in creating it), as I may update my website in the future.
I specialize in themed photography and am just finishing of year of zodiac shoots for a calendar. While I am not a boudoir photographer, per se, I may be including that genre in my repertoire in the coming year.
Again, your work is beautiful, and I hope you don’t mind my asking these questions about the way the magic happens behind the scenes.
I hope to hear back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Martha Bennett
945-214-2075
You can see some samples of my work at marthabennett.net, IG; bennettmartha, and FB: Martha Jean Bennett.
Hi there Martha,
Thank you for all your kind words! As far as my website creation goes, I designed my website myself so thank you for your sweet compliment! I will be adding more educational content to both my blogs and social media in the coming year so make sure you are following along to see those posts 🙂 Hope I answered some of your questions!