The Styling Guide

Picking out the right lingerie can be daunting! Take a deeeeep breathe, I am here to help!

Let’s Talk Wardrobe:

Most people don’t realize how crucial proper wardrobe is for a boudoir session. Wardrobe and posing are what make up the main elements of an amazing boudoir session. That and choosing the right photographer. So, if you’re reading this, let me assure you, you can check that one off your list! :P

Wardrobe is also the area where you will be able to show your own personal style, accentuate certain parts of your body that you love, or conceal areas where you are a little more conscious. Wardrobe can be your best friend or on the flip side, your worst enemy! Whether you are a lingerie aficionado or you have NO CLUE what you are doing…
I want to help you navigate that beautiful and amazing world of lingerie so you can look and feel your best during your boudoir session with me!

So lets jump head first into this…

Bodysuits

So lets start with a fan FAVORITE!! The glorious bodysuit. Bodysuits are (in our opinion) the queen of Boudoir Session Lingerie for the simple fact that they always look amazing on any body type or shape. There are many different styles- “High Cut” styles make anyones legs magically appear longer. A slimmer back cut over the booty gives the illusion of a little added perk to the tush. (and who doesn’t want that!) Or even deep plunging neck lines that accentuate both large and small chests. Bodysuits come in array of different materials such as lace or sheer, leather, velvet and anything else you can imagine. Bodysuits are VERY popular right now and easy to find just about anywhere.

Here are a few of our favorite places to shop bodysuits:
BlueBella
FashionNova
Victoria’s Secret
Boohoo
OoLaLa Cherie Paris

Bras+Undies

A lot of clients are naturally drawn to the typical bra and undies sets because they already have them at home and are comfortable and familiar with them! These sets can be wonderful options and there are many different styles to choose from.

Lets start with the bra! The most important thing to remember when shopping for a bra is BRA SIZE. BRA SIZE. BRA SIZE!!! If you need help with this- Victoria’s Secret will give you your measurements for the proper size.

Push-up Bras are the most common as most women feel as though they need a little boost to their “girls”. If you’re smaller chested we suggest that you steer clear of the push up bras. During posing, it can create a gap between the breast and the bra that isn’t flattering.. Trust me, I have seen this issue more times than I can count. If you have a larger chest size, just make sure you are purchasing the proper size. Spill out has the same unflattering effect so check those cup sizes ladies!

Underwire bras are typically wonderful for all shapes and breast size! Underwire options can do wonders for women who may need a little lift and offer support for larger cup sizes!

Other bra options are bralettes or even a sexy Calvin Kline sports bra! These softer bra options are wonderful even if they don’t always add a lot of support, they allow you to move and bend much easier and posing takes care of the rest! These are usually more cost efficient and can give you a sweet and elegant look if you aren’t a whips and chains kind of gal.

Finally, lets talk UNDIES! I’m sure you know by now they come in a variety of cuts and styles. High cut, to thongs, to even booty shorts! Victoria’s Secret is usually a good place to start to view different styles. Don’t be afraid to try a new style than you typically wear. Different cuts accentuate different booty shapes!!

Our favorite places to shop Bra+Undies:
Target
Thistle+Spire
Victoria’s Secret
Honey Birdette
Cosabella
SHEIN
BooHoo

Teddies

The bodysuit’s sexy sister. Teddies are flattering to most body types and they typically have cups built in for added support where the bodysuit does not. To really spice things up you can easily add some stockings to the garter straps that most teddies come with.

The sheerness adds so much to these delicate pieces. The added peek through the fabric that adds a little spice for some added sexy to your wardrobe!

Nudes

I cannot put into words the experience our clients have when they leave the studio feeling FREE and like they just conquered the world, but that’s usually the effect that nude images have. To make clients feel comfortable and confident in their own skin stripped down to the minimum speaks volumes and I love having the opportunity to give that to them. Nudes are typically done at the end of a session and do count as an outfit as there are lots of different poses we try. Whether you want to just take a few images topless or go free as a bird, I always encourage my clients to give it a shot to step outside their comfort zone. Some clients end up saving it for round two though, and that’s ok too. :)

If you don’t want to be completely nude or to show nipple and full bum there are different poses that can be done to accomplish an “implied” nude look. One of my favorites is the Wet T Shirt look which involves spraying down a white tank or T and usually ripping it off. Its ultra sexy while still somewhat modest and so empowering. I mean, how many of us HAVEN’T at least thought about doing a wet t shirt contest at some point in our lives. HA!

Accessories

The finishing touches. Accessories help to take your wardrobe look from 0-100! By adding accessories to your outfit you are able to give your own personal touch to a look. They can add a touch of class, a pop of color, or even take a simple bodysuit to the next level.

Statement pieces are one of the main ways to add some personality and style. The most common would be a statement necklace or you can even add a body chain! These pieces can make a simple outfit look like your own unique and signature look.

Other accessories are shoes, stockings, body jewelry, rings, bracelets, robes and even your nails! We have some fun accessories in the studio but these are always more personal when they are your own!

Helpful Tips

There are so many things to keep in mind while choosing what to wear for your boudoir session. Along this journey of photographing hundreds of women, I’ve learned quite a few things that can save you some time and hassle.

Ill start with one of the main things I see often- and that is client’s choosing to bring BabyDoll or slip nightgown type pieces to their session. They look really pretty hanging on the rack and even in the bedroom, they cover a bit more skin and conceal the stomach area which sounds like a no-brainer right? Nope! In truth, baby dolls and slips offer ZERO help adding shape and they hide a lot of your gorgeous features. They hide curves and make most women appear boxy when doing boudoir poses which can actually make you appear larger than you really are. I know it can feel scary or uncomfortable to step away from comfort items like these but trust me, you’ll thank me later for helping to push you out of your comfort zone and flaunt what you’ve got!

My next piece of advice is to TRUST ME. Trying on lingerie in a dressing room or at home while you’re standing in front of a mirror with bad lighting can leave you feeling unsure about your choice. I have been there. Remember that I am going to be posing you from your head to your toes and making sure all your curves and angles are in the best light. The most important thing is to find a GOOD FIT and to make sure you love the style of the pieces you’ve picked!!

Lastly, Not every body shape works for every style. Lingerie is meant to accentuate but most of us aren’t built with that perfect hourglass figure. And that’s OK!! For ladies who have a smaller chest and wider hips or larger chest with narrow hips- Shopping for two piece sets can help. You can get your exact size without part of the lingerie sagging or overcompensating. For those of us with a little more in the middle or back- High waisted or high cut undies or bodysuits and stockings/garters are always a solid choice.

If you’ve made it this far and are still unsure about what to wear or bring, feel free to email me! I am happy to help you choose items or send you in the right direction. We also have a full client closet at our studio with sizes XXS-5X which we are always adding to! So if you bought an outfit and aren’t SOLD, bring it as a backup and let me handle the rest.

I can’t wait to capture you!

See you SOON!
XO
Shelby