What to Wear for Your Boudoir Session: A Guide for Every Body
You’ve booked your boudoir session—cue the butterflies. Now comes the big question:
What do I wear?
First, take a deep breath. You’re in good hands. At Adore Boudoir, we guide you every step of the way—including helping you choose the perfect pieces to wear so you feel confident, sexy, and fully you. Whether you’re feeling sultry, playful, powerful, or soft, this guide will help you pack (or borrow!) the perfect wardrobe for your shoot.
The Client Closet: Your Secret Weapon
Don’t have anything you love at home—or just want to play with something new? You’re welcome to borrow from our ever-growing Client Closet, stocked with a curated selection of pieces designed to flatter every body and photograph beautifully.
What’s in the closet:
Bodysuits (lace, mesh, strappy, solid)
Robes (satin, sheer, luxe statement pieces)
Corsets, bustiers, and jackets
Select lingerie sets (in sizes XS–4X)
Jewelry, accessories, stockings, and more
Hygiene & Cleanliness – What You Should Know
Your safety and comfort are top priority. Every single item in the client closet is carefully cleaned, sanitized, and inspected between each use.
Here’s how we keep it fresh and safe:
Lingerie and bodysuits: washed in hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergent
Delicate items (lace, mesh, robes): steamed and air-dried with garment-safe sanitizing spray
Items that touch sensitive areas: always worn with a fresh liner or require personal undergarments
If you’d prefer to wear your own wardrobe, that’s totally fine. But if you’d love to try something new without the commitment of buying, our client closet is here for you—clean, safe, and curated with love.
What to Bring (or Shop For)
Even if you use the client closet, I recommend bringing 2–3 items of your own that you feel amazing in. Simply treating yourself to some new pieces is a great way to show yourself some love and personalize your session. Boudoir is about feeling like you.
Here’s a breakdown of outfit ideas by aesthetic, complete with shoppable links:
Romantic & Feminine
Soft lace, light tones, ruffles, and timeless silhouettes.
Great picks:
For Love & Lemons – Whimsical, sweet energy. Perfect for bridal boudoir or anyone who wants to feel like a living love letter.
Fleur Du Mal - This brand always feels like a cinematic, vaguely European summer to me. It would be gorgeous for an outdoor session, eating fruit and basking in the sun.
Else Lingerie – Light, modern lace with an editorial edge. Turkish-designed, this line bridges femininity and minimalism beautifully.
Kiki de Montparnasse – Elegant, refined, and quietly luxurious. Think silk, blush, and pieces that whisper rather than shout.
What to bring:
A sheer or satin robe
Blush or ivory lingerie
Tulle details, floral appliqué, or flowing silhouettes
This aesthetic shines in natural light, garden sets, for bridal sessions and anywhere your softness gets to take center stage.
Bold & Edgy
For the unapologetic. Bold & Edgy styling is for clients who want to command the room—visually and energetically. Think sheer black mesh, strappy harnesses, strong silhouettes, and powerfully intentional skin.
Honey Birdette – Ultra-seductive and high-impact. Everything they make feels like it belongs in a cinematic fever dream set in a glossy, dimly lit hotel room. Structured, glossy, and bold—these pieces were made to be photographed.
Thistle and Spire – Where art meets attitude. Their embroidered mesh bodysuits are delicate in texture but defiant in energy. Perfect for creating softness with bite.
Bordelle – Architectural and provocative. This luxury line is made of wide elastic bands, gold hardware, and precision—like lingerie engineered for a villainous heiress.
Agent Provocateur – Seductive and unapologetically theatrical. Their pieces feel like forbidden couture—lace, straps, and silk crafted to disarm. Every piece is made for the spotlight.
What to bring:
A black or deep jewel-toned mesh bodysuit
A body harness, garter belt, or collar
Thigh-highs or fishnets
Structured corsets or bold silhouettes
Boots or heels if that’s your thing
This aesthetic thrives in studio lighting, strong shadows, and moody color palettes—perfect for channeling your most powerful, cinematic self.
Retro & Pin-Up
For the vintage soul with a wink and a curve. Retro-inspired boudoir styling is all about strong silhouettes, playful confidence, and nostalgic details.
Best brands:
Dita Von Teese Lingerie
Created by the queen of modern burlesque herself, this line is vintage elegance redefined. Every piece feels like stepping into a noir film—lace, satin, and unapologetic curves.What Katie Did – True to its roots, this UK-based brand recreates 1940s and ’50s lingerie with incredible authenticity. Bullet bras, waspies, and shapewear that actually flatters—perfect for a dramatic silhouette.
Torrid – For full-figured clients looking for retro-inspired structure with comfort. Their lingerie line includes high-waisted briefs, corsets, and garter sets in inclusive sizes that actually fit and flatter.
Dolls Kill “Sugar Thrillz” – Playful, cheeky, and pin-up inspired with a 90’s twist. Think candy-colored corsets, ruffles, and vintage glam through a pastel filter.
Bring: high-waisted briefs, bullet bras, vintage robes, red lipstick.
Plus Size & Curve-Embracing
For bodies that deserve more than just “extended sizing.” This category is for the client who wants to feel supported, sculpted, and stunning in lingerie that was actually made with her in mind. These brands go beyond lip service—they prioritize fit, beauty, and empowerment.
Savage X Fenty – Created by Rihanna, this line redefined the lingerie industry with bold, fashion-forward pieces for every body. From barely-there mesh to supportive corsets, everything is designed to celebrate your shape—not shrink it. Sizes up to 4X and 46DDD.
Uye Surana – Ethically made, incredibly size inclusive, and visually stunning. Their lingerie feels like sexy Alice in wonderland.
Avidlove – A budget-friendly brand that doesn't compromise on style or size inclusivity. Avidlove offers a variety of plus-size lingerie options, including babydolls and chemises, in sizes up to 5X. Their pieces are known for soft fabrics and flattering designs that celebrate curves.
Thistle and Spire – (Up to 3X) I’m truly obsessed with this brand and my only complaint is that they don’t offer more sizes yet. That said, if you’re in the 1x-3x range, these pieces are to die for.
What to bring:
A bodysuit that feels supportive but not stiff
High-waisted underwear or a set with a supportive band
Something unexpected—maybe a harness, corset, or pop of color
Pro tip: If you’re used to hiding your body in oversized clothes, this is your permission slip to stop.
Androgynous & Minimalist
You want clean lines, comfort, and authenticity. Think masculine-inspired or gender-neutral looks.
Great options:
TomboyX – boxers, bras, and bodysuits
Skims – neutral tones and sculpting shapes
Dapper Boi – great basics for masc or femme
Calvin Klein – timeless minimalism
Bring: button-down shirts, boxer briefs, oversized tees, or tailored pieces.
Budget-Friendly
You want to look amazing without the price tag.
Try:
Yandy – tons of variety under $50
Shein – mix-and-match fun pieces
Aerie – comfy basics and soft bras
Savage X Fenty – frequent sales, great sizing
Bring: what fits you well and feels fresh—even simple pieces look amazing when styled intentionally.
Nudes & Neutrals (Or Go Bare!)
We can absolutely create tasteful nude or implied nude images. Neutrals also photograph beautifully when you want to highlight connection, emotion, and skin.
What to bring:
Seamless nude panties
Skin-toned bralette
A sheet or silky wrap
Shop:
Skims – soft and sculpted basics
ThirdLove – comfy and supportive
Nubian Skin – nudes for deeper skin tones
Quick Packing Checklist
Bring 4–5 outfit options
Try everything on beforehand
Cut out tags + stickers (they show!)
Shoes, jewelry, or fun accessories
Use the client closet if you’d like!
Need some help?
Feel free to reach out! I LOVE helping clients style their sessions, and together we can narrow down your options and select the perfect pieces for your shoot. Just use the buttons below.
