What to Wear for a Boudoir Session: The Honest Guide

One of the most common questions before a boudoir session is what to wear and actually bring. Not because it’s complicated, but because most people have never done this before and aren’t sure what works.

Here’s the practical answer, without the ‘wear what makes you feel confident’ non-advice.

How many outfits to bring

Three to five looks is the sweet spot. Less than three and the session starts to feel thin. More than five and you spend more time getting changed than actually shooting.

We also have a client wardrobe at the studio in a range of styles and sizes. If you’re unsure what to bring, or something doesn’t work on the day, there are always options. Ask either Jake or Sabrina before your session and they can tell you what’s available.

What photographs well

Lingerie sets in solid colours.

Black, nude, deep red, forest green, blush. Solid colours photograph more cleanly than busy prints under studio lighting. Small repeating patterns create visual noise that draws attention away from you.

Bodysuits.

One of the most consistently flattering options across all body types. If you own one you love, bring it.

Something soft and oversized.

An open button-down shirt, a chunky knit, a robe. These create a completely different mood and often produce some of the most natural-feeling shots of the session.

Thigh-high stockings.

Work on almost every body type and add visual interest without requiring much else.

Something meaningful.

A piece of jewellery you always wear, a partner’s shirt, something connected to why you booked. These images are usually the ones people treasure most.

What doesn’t photograph as well

• Very busy prints or small repeating patterns

• Anything that fits poorly, this is about fit, not size. Ill-fitting clothing distracts from you.

• Brand logos unless it’s intentional

• Anything brand new that you haven’t properly tried on, if you’re ordering online, do it well in advance so you have time to exchange

What to wear to arrive to your boudoir session

Something comfortable and easy to get in and out of. You’re going straight into the makeup chair when you arrive, so you’ll be changing anyway. The main thing to avoid is anything with a tight waistband or sock lines that could leave marks on skin that might be visible in photos. Give yourself an hour for those to fade before the shoot starts if you can.

Shoes

Optional. If you want to include heels, bring them. If you genuinely hate wearing heels or don’t own any, don’t feel like you need to go out and buy them. Bare feet photograph well. Comfortable in what you’re wearing reads on camera.

Accessories and jewellery

Jewellery you actually wear tends to photograph better than jewellery you grabbed because it seemed appropriate for a boudoir session. Simple earrings you always wear, a necklace that means something, a ring. These read naturally. Leave the pieces that don’t feel like you.

Skin prep before your session

• Moisturise consistently in the week before, it makes a visible difference on camera, especially on the shoulders, legs, and stomach

• Exfoliate a couple of days before, not the night before

• If you wax, give it 3 to 4 days for any redness to settle

• Don’t try new skincare products in the week before, reactions at the wrong time are frustrating

Hair and makeup are done at the studio when you arrive. Come with clean, dry hair and nothing else is required. [Full preparation guide: /how-to-prepare-for-boudoir-session/]

The bottom line

The most important thing is not your outfit. It’s your willingness to follow direction and not overthink the process. Sabrina adjusts every shot based on what she sees through the lens, the clothing is a starting point, not the deciding factor.

If you want to talk through what to bring before your session, just ask Jake when you book your planning call. It’s one of the most common conversations he has.

[How to prepare for your session: /how-to-prepare-for-boudoir-session/]

[How Sabrina guides every pose: /how-to-pose-for-boudoir-photos/]

[Geelong studio details: /boudoir-photography-geelong]

Apricot Aura is a private boudoir photography studio in central Geelong, Victoria. Session fee $599.