What to wear to your boudoir photoshoot
(And how to choose flattering pieces that help you look and feel stop-the-bus incredible.)
Wardrobe! Let’s start here, because this is one of the biggest questions we get from guests before their boudoir photoshoot:
“What the heck should I wear to my boudoir photoshoot?”
If your mind already raced ahead to ‘Do I need new lingerie? Do I even own anything ‘right’ for a boudoir photoshoot? What if I’m completely off the ball? Do I have to wear skimpy knickers?’ you can take a deep breath. We’re here to help, and we promise, you’re going to look wow.
First things first: you don’t need a whole new wardrobe or to know what you’re doing in front of the camera to look incredible. Your main job on the day really is to be brave enough to show up.
We’ve created this guide to reduce your worries and help you feel calm, confident, and excited for your shoot, whether you choose to wear lingerie, jeans, a sexy slip or something completely unique and unexpected.
Reminder: Boudoir photography is never about becoming someone else. It’s about owning and celebrating the magic of who you are already – which means there’s no rule book for what to wear. It’s really about choosing pieces that help you feel like your favourite version of you.
The golden rule:
Bring your vibe
We’ll say it louder for the ones in the back: the best thing you can wear to your boudoir photoshoot is confidence.
Not the most expensive matching set.
Not the trendiest cut.
Not what you’ve seen everyone else wear.
If something fits well, feels good on your body, and helps you own your style and bring that energy, you’ll photograph beautifully.
The art of boudoir photography doesn’t require you to be ‘perfect’. If you have wardrobe pieces that you know will help you feel confident, sexy and totally in your element, bring them! You’ll shine on camera.
How many outfits should you bring?
We generally recommend bringing 2-3 main looks, plus one wildcard option.
Variety gives creative freedom and allows your session to flow naturally. We’ll guide you through everything and curate the final looks together on the day.
There’s no pressure to wear everything you bring. There’s no ‘right’ number of outfit changes. This is all about creating options, not expectations.
If you’re choosing to wear lingerie, here’s what photographs beautifully
Bodysuits
These are an absolute favourite.
- They hug the body beautifully
- Create smooth, elegant lines
- Offers support while still feeling sensual
- If opting for this look, we recommend high cut legs being more flattering for elongating your body lines
Two-piece lingerie sets
Think lace, mesh, silk, satin or cotton.
- Soft cups, bralettes or lounge ‘Calvin Klein’ style bra & brief sets all look great
- High-waisted briefs are incredibly flattering
- Simplified sets with matching colours look great – think matching bra and briefs or g-string, suspenders and stockings
- We recommend matching underwear, but it’s not essential
Corsets & bustiers
Perfect if you’re drawn to something bold or editorial.
- Create shape and drama
- Feels powerful and artistic
- Think matching the colours with your briefs and accessories
Layers: Robes, shirts and textures
Layers add movement and texture over your lingerie, and can help highlight your favourite features while bringing an editorial feel to your shoot.
- Sheer, lace or satin robes or slips photograph beautifully
- Soft knits creates cosiness and texture
- High waisted stockings
- Button-down oversized dress shirts or blazers add contrast and depth
- Denim jeans or jackets layered with lingerie
Heels & Accessories
These little details make a big difference.
- Heels naturally elongate the body and legs
- Statement jewellery, stockings, garters, harnesses, chokers, all add texture and personality.
What to avoid (if possible)
If you’re choosing between pieces, we suggest skipping:
• Anything too tight that digs in
• ‘T shaped’ g-strings can be unflattering
• Bodysuits with low cut legs (higher cut helps elongate your legs)
• Neon colours or loud prints are less safe
(but if that’s what feels so you, bring them in!)
• Sports bras
Thinking about buying new lingerie? (totally optional)
Australian brands
• Honey Birdette – bold, statement pieces ($$$)
• Pleasure State – elegant and supportive ($$–$$$)
• Simone Pérèle – luxury fit and craftsmanship ($$$)
• Bras N Things – accessible and size-inclusive ($–$$)
Online favourites
• Lonely Label – editorial and fashion-forward ($$$)
• Ann Summers – flirty, lacy and romantic ($$-$)
• Hara The Label – soft, ethical, minimalist ($$)
• Kat The Label – romantic and feminine ($$)
• Hopeless Lingerie – edgy, body-positive ($$)
• Sainted Sisters – modern and sultry ($$)
• ChouChou Intimates – playful and delicate ($$)
• Homebodii – silky slips and lacy robes ($$)
• Shein – Proceed with caution ($)
If lingerie isn’t your thing
Then don’t wear it. Simple as that.
Boudoir photography can also look like:
- An oversized silk or white boyfriend shirt
- An oversized blazer
- A leather or denim jacket
- A cosy knit
- A strategically positioned linen bedsheet (we’ll provide these)
- An evening dress or slinky slip
- Jeans and an open shirt
- Sexy evening wear can be a vibe – think slinky dresses, fur coats, lace tops, knee high boots, stilettos, fishnet stockings…anything that makes you feel beautiful.
Sensuality isn’t about lingerie. It’s about how you feel in your body, and what sexy looks like to you.
One last thing
If you’re ever unsure, bring more options. Our all-female photography team have an incredible creative eye, and will help guide you, style you, and support you every step of the way. If you’d like more guidance in the lead up, you’re welcome to book a planning call with one of our senior stylists to bounce creative ideas and gather wardrobe advice, if you’d like it.
Remember this shoot is about celebrating you, and you don’t need to get this ‘perfect.’ If you can take a deep breath and walk through our doors, we will make sure you look and feel absolutely incredible at your shoot. You’re in a safe and supportive space and there isn’t really a ‘wrong’ way to approach it.
We’ve got you, and you’ve got this!
Ready to get started? Book your empowering experience here.
We can’t wait to see you in studio.
The Verve Intimate Team x
Get inspired on the blog
![1079104267-NANINNI-XXX-CD420 (2)[73].jpg 1](https://www.verveintimate.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1079104267-NANINNI-XXX-CD420-273.jpg-1-640x327.webp "1079104267-NANINNI-XXX-CD420 (2)[73].jpg 1")
