What to Wear for Your Missoula Boudoir Photo Shoot: My Top 10 Tips
As a professional boudoir photographer in Missoula, MT, I want to make sure you feel both comfortable and confident during your session. A huge part of that is knowing what to wear for your boudoir photo shoot. Are you into a sultry look? More of a fun and playful vibe? Or how about simple cozy and casual? You honestly can’t go wrong! The following are my top 10 recommendations to help you choose the perfect wardrobe for your boudoir shoot.
Boudoir photography is all about creating an empowering and uplifting experience for whoever is brave enough to give it a try. There are so many different ways you can go with your boudoir wardrobe and finding the right outfit will make all the difference in how you feel during your session, as well as your final images.
What to Wear for Your Boudoir Photo Shoot
The most important thing to remember when choosing what to wear for your boudoir photo shoot is that you should feel amazing. Boudoir is all about celebrating yourself, so don’t feel pressured to follow any one “look.” There are no rules, and there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to dress. It is entirely up to you and whatever makes you look and feel your absolute best!
1. Wear What Makes You Feel Confident and Beautiful
- Love the ultra-glam, bombshell vibe? Go for lace, corsets, and high heels.
- Prefer something soft and romantic? How about a pastel lingerie set or an elegant slip?
- Want to keep it cozy and casual? Consider an oversized sweater, knee-high socks, or a cute matching pajama set.
Your comfort and confidence are key, so make sure to choose outfits that fit your personality and that you feel comfortable wearing.
2. Invest in Well-Fitting, Quality Lingerie
If you’re purchasing new lingerie for your boudoir shoot, consider shopping from reputable brands (like Victoria’s Secret) rather than discount retailers. High-quality pieces will fit better, provide better support, and photograph beautifully.
Also, be sure to try everything on before your shoot! You never want to try your items on for the very first time at your shoot!
3. Don’t Forget the Shoes!
Heels can add a touch of elegance and elongate your legs, making them look extra toned and shapely. Stilettos are especially flattering, but if you’re not comfortable in heels bare feet can also be very beautiful (just make sure your toe nails are nice and manicured).
Tip: If you don’t own a pair, consider borrowing from a friend or finding an inexpensive but stylish pair just for the shoot!
4. Little Details Matter: Cut Tags, Lint Roll, and Steam Your Outfits
Small details can make a big difference in your final images:
A little bit of planning here will help your outfits (and photos) look clean and polished.
5. Add a Pretty Robe or Sheer Fabric for Extra Movement
A satin or sheer robe is a fun addition to your boudoir wardrobe. Not only does it add variety to your images, but it also gives you something to play with for more dynamic poses.
Similarly, bringing a lightweight, sheer fabric can create dreamy, artistic shots and add an extra layer of allure to your images.
6. Make Sure Your Lingerie Provides the Right Support
If you're planning to wear a bra, corset, or lingerie set, pay attention to fit and support. You want to feel secure and lifted, so choose pieces with proper cup sizing and structure to flatter your body shape.
Corsets and bustiers are especially great for accentuating curves and creating that classic hourglass shape.
7. Skip the Spray Tan & Try To Avoid Tan Lines
A spray tan may seem like a great idea, but it can often appear orange or uneven in photos. Instead, I would always recommend going with your natural skin tone. It is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to remove/adjust the spray tan orange color from your images during editing.
Also, keep an eye on tan lines from swimsuits — these can be difficult to edit out in post-processing. If you’ve been in the sun recently, try to wear strapless tops or apply sunscreen to avoid harsh lines (or worse, a sun burn) before your shoot.
8. Pay Attention to Nails & Grooming
Your hands and feet will be visible in many photos, so don’t forget about your nails!
✔ Neatly trimmed and filed nails if you prefer to go polish-free.
9. Bring Meaningful Props For a Personal Touch
Incorporating props can make your boudoir photos even more personalized and special. Here are just a few ideas:
- His favorite sports jersey or hoodie for a cozy, intimate touch.
- Your wedding shoes or veil if you’re doing a bridal boudoir shoot.
- A statement necklace or jewelry piece that adds elegance.
- A clean white sheet for implied nude shots with a classy, artistic vibe.
- Your partner’s favorite leather jacket
These all make great additions to your boudoir images, making the shoot especially meaningful for you and/or your partner.
10. What NOT to Wear
While choosing the right outfit is important, knowing what not to wear can be just as helpful! Here are a few things to steer clear of for the most flattering boudoir photos:
❌ Ill-fitting bras with gaps in the cups or lack of support
❌ Neon colors that can reflect onto your skin and affect the overall tone of your images
❌ Too many accessories that might take the focus away from you
Keeping it simple, flattering, and well-fitted will always result in the most beautiful and timeless images.
Boudoir Outfit Ideas Based on Style
✔ Oversized sweater or off-the-shoulder top
✔ Cute pajama set
✔ Button-up flannel shirt with undies
✔ Classic white t-shirt & panties
✔ Lounge set (cami + shorts)
✨ Casual & Cozy:
Still not sure what to wear? Here are some outfit ideas based on different vibes you might want to go for:
✔ Lingerie set (matching bra & panties)
✔ Lace teddy
✔ Stiletto heels
✔ Corset or bustier (flattering for all body types!)
✔ Fishnet stockings or garter belt
✔ Satin robe
🔥 Sexy & Bold:
✔ Satin or lace slip dress
✔ Vintage nightgown
✔ Sheer lace robe
✔ Soft pastel lingerie set
✔ Elegant jewelry
💖 Timeless & Romantic:
Not at all! Boudoir is about feeling confident, so you can wear anything that makes you feel beautiful and 100% like you — whether that’s an oversized sweater, a bodysuit, or even just a sheet!
Do I have to wear lingerie for a boudoir shoot?
Definitely! I recommend bringing 2-4 outfits for variety to your photos. Different looks help showcase different sides of your personality and will make your final gallery much more interesting!
Should I bring multiple outfits?
100%!! It’s my job to guide you through posing and help you feel completely at ease during your session. Most often, my clients start out nervous but very quickly relax, end up having a blast, and walk out the door with a renewed sense of confidence!
Can I do boudoir Even if I’m not comfortable in front of a camera?
Yes! Personal items like your partner’s shirt, hoodie, or favorite sports jersey add a meaningful, intimate touch to your photos. You are welcome to bring along any props you like to incorporate into your photos!
Can I include my partner’s shirt, tie, or jacket in the shoot?
frequently asked questions
Final Thoughts
Your boudoir wardrobe should reflect YOU! What’s most important is that it makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. Whether you go for bold and sexy or soft and romantic, your boudoir session is all about celebrating YOU at this very moment in time.
If you have any questions about what to wear, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to provide guidance, inspiration, and personalized wardrobe recommendations.
