When you think about a boudoir photoshoot, most likely you’re picturing outfits made out of straps, lace, fishnets, or something else along those lines! As much as I love a beautiful lacy bodysuit, I know that lingerie isn’t for everyone. Here are some ideas on what to wear for your boudoir session if lingerie isn’t your style!

But first, a short anecdote-

I recently had a client say something so profound during her boudoir session with us. Out of the three outfits she chose to be photographed in, two of them were very casual- I’m talking bike shorts, bralettes, and other comfy clothes. I asked her why she chose these specific outfits, and her response hit me right in the feels.

“I want to feel sexy in what I exist in naturally.”

She wanted to feel beautiful in her everyday clothes. She wanted to remember and have PROOF that she doesn’t always have to give 1000% to her appearance in order to be sexy. She wanted her natural, daily beauty to shine and be the main focus.

It’s honestly difficult for me to put into words just how that comment made me feel, but I guess the best way for me to describe it was this:

I felt empowered.

I was reminded that we don’t have to be all glammed up to be glamorous. I don’t need to wear uncomfortable padded bras, strappy underwear, or lace to be beautiful and sensual.

I am all of those things already just by existing. Lingerie may help, but it’s not everything.

I am everything. And so are you! So now, let’s talk about lingerie alternatives!

Button Downs, Cardigans, and Oversized Sweaters

These are so great if you’re looking for that cozy, relaxed look! Not only can they be easily moved around for that classic shirt-pulled-down-hilighting-clevage shot, but they also make a great prop for what we call “implied nudity”! Implied nudity basically just looks like you’re naked, without actually bearing it all.

Tank Tops, Crop Tops, and Swim Suits

These options are generally more fitted, and the choices are endless! Crop tops are *chef’s kiss* incredible for those sexy underboob images. Tank tops and bralettes can also show a little more skin without being completely revealing, if thats what you’re looking for.

Swim suits are SO versatile! Different styles of tops and bottoms allow for mixing and matching, there are more colors and patterns to choose from, and they also can give more support than lingerie! I’ve had some of my bigger-chested clients mention that lingerie can be so flimsy and they feel like they would be more comfortable if their tops had more support. Swim suits are GREAT for this!

Nothing At All!

If you’re not wanting to wear anything during your boudoir session, WE ARE SO READY! I absolutely love photographing clients in all of their natural beauty. Your body is a magnificent and amazing thing, and capturing your curves without any clothing is such a great way to show it. Of course, if you’re not wanting to go full frontal, I completely understand that too! That’s where we will circle back to the “implied nudity” that I talked about before. We can use sheets and blankets as props for it to look like you’re naked, without you actually having to fully strip down.

Of course, taking nude or implied nude photos is by NO MEANS necessary if it is not something you are comfortable with! Boudoir is not about what you wear (or don’t wear), it’s all about you. I will never pressure you to get fully naked if you would rather not, however it is always an option!

Now tell me-

Which lingerie alternative are you most drawn to?! If you HAD to choose one non-lingerie outfit for your session, what would you pick?! The cozy, casual, oversized shirt or sweater are probably the most popular alternative we’ve seen lately, but I do think swimsuits are my personal favorite. That also could be because most of our swimsuit boudoir sessions are outdoors at either a beach or pool- which we LOVE DOING!

Tell me your favorite alternative look in the comments, I’d love to know your thoughts and what you would choose for your session!