This post must be prefaced by saying: WE LOVE GOOD LINGERIE. We have a special all-black-everything place in our hearts for a fine piece of “underthings”.
Yet, some of our favorite boudoir images are rarely the fruit of any sort of preparation at all. Not to mention there’s a whole group of women out there who can’t even wrap their heads around the idea of themselves in a full garter set and heels… it just isn’t them. Add to that the number of women who end up snagging a last-minute time slot….. and they.have.zero.time.to.prepare
After enough emails and comments about not knowing where to begin with boudoir wardrobe, we decided to take on the challenge of coming up with 15 simple boudoir photoshoot outfits out of our closet…. not counting lingerie drawers (because obviously not everyone is in the unique position of being a boudoir photographer who gets tempted by lingerie constantly while also having zero shopping willpower), without buying anything new. In addition, we’ll share some client photos that have been the result of similar no-fuss preparation.
1. THE BLACK BLAZER
Like just about everything else on this list, a black blazer is something that most women already have in their closet. We prefer more of a relaxed fit for boudoir photos… but can work with really any fit with proper clipping/pinning. For this set of portraits, we opted for a black “boyfriend fit” blazer. You can put your blazer on over a bra + panty set, a pair of cute bottoms, or nothing at all.
2. THE WHITE TANK TOP
More inappropriately called a “beater” (UGHHH a cringe-worthy name. So let’s just call it a white tank top.), wearing one of these with nothing under it, paired with a pair of white or black underwear is a completely classic, completely CHEAP look for some really steamy boudoir photos. This one was one of those fancy $3 ribbed tops 😉
3. THE OVERSIZED SWEATER
Everyone has an oversized or open front sweater, yes? Grab it. Preferably in a neutral color. We can pair it with a cami, a bra + panty, or nothing at all.
4. THE T-SHIRT
If you own nothing else on this list, #1- We don’t believe you, but… #2- We KNOW you’ve got yourself a t-shirt. It can be oversized, baby-sized, crop, off-shoulder… you name it, we can rock it.
5. NOTHING AT ALL
We’ve successfully captured some of our favorite boudoir images of all time using literally no wardrobe. Whether it’s artistic nudes, implied nudes, or fine art… you don’t need any more than your birthday suit for this one.
6. THE SHEETS
Again with the “no wardrobe necessary”, nothing says classic boudoir like a simple “in the sheets” session.
7. THE KIMONO
We’ve had so many clients rock it out. Kimonos look amazing over basic undergarments or simply as an accessory to a nude figure.
8. THE BODYSUIT
There are few things we love more than a bodysuit. They are available everywhere (and all over the internet), they can be found relatively inexpensive, they are sexy, and they look amazing on all body types! We encourage our clients to bring one bodysuit to their session and we’re so glad when they listen! Plus we have a few basic options in our boudoir closet available for our clients to use 😉
9. THE SLEEP SHIRT
We AHHH-DOOORRRRRRE the morning-after look and feel of a sleep shirt in boudoir photos. There’s something so raw and VOGUE about it, isn’t there? It can be draped so easily, buttoned/unbuttoned to any degree, and layered over whatever you’d like or nothing at all.
10. THE SWIMSUIT
Everyone’s got a swimsuit… and we’re willing to bet everyone has a solid colored swim suit. You can use just the bottoms of a bikini, just a bikini top paired with underwear, or if you’re a one-piece queen like us, rock your one piece as a bodysuit. We haven’t had the chance to shoot in it yet, but a one piece black thong swimsuit paired with a loose cozy sweater draped off the shoulder is the perfect look for a cozy Sunday morning boudoir set.
11. THE SCARF
Scarves are so versatile, inexpensive, and beautiful. Oftentimes they are a plethora of sheer luxurious looking fabric and are PERFECT for a boudoir shoot.
12. THE ROBE
There’s been times when clients have forgotten their wardrobe (photo shoot day nerves! ha!), and we’ve just had them start off in a robe because they were too nervous to go straight for nude. We can make just about any robe work as demonstrated here!
13. THE GRANNY PANTIES
Just hike ’em up and you’re in business! White cotton panties are hard to beat when it comes to comfort AND photo worthiness (and Sunday lounging).
14. THE HOLY JEANS
Ok…you DEFINITELY have jeans, right?! We were on a mission to make this one work even though we’re no-pants girls by trade. Unbutton, pull down, and voila.
Even mom jeans work!!
15. THE JACKET
Wearing a coat or jacket of some sort is a popular option for boudoir…. leather jackets and fur coats in particular! Here are some favorite examples from a recent session:
There you have it, ladies…. a tremendously long-winded blog post to demonstrate that you don’t NEED a shopping trip or even lingerie for a boudoir experience with us. Stress less about what you’ll wear and enjoy the experience knowing that we’re pros at working with what you’ve got!!!!
If you do decide that you want to use your boudoir experience as an excuse for a fun shopping trip, we’ve got you covered there, too! All clients receive a boudoir prep guide chock full of lingerie recommendations and prep advice. Bottom line, whatever “kind of woman” you are, our goal is to make sure THAT woman shines through, not who you think you should be for these photos.
If you don’t need anymore convincing and are ready to book your MLC Boudoir Experience Contact Us today so we can begin your journey! We can’t wait to create stunning images with you! 🙂
xoxo,
Melissa & Raven
