Do I Have to Wear Lingerie for a Boudoir Session? (Spoiler: No!)
A questions I get asked occasionally before a boudoir session is, “Do I have to wear lingerie?”
And my answer, every single time, is absolutely not.
Boudoir photography isn’t about what you wear. It’s about how you feel. It’s about confidence, expression, and celebrating yourself exactly as you are. Whether that means lace and heels or a cozy sweater and bare feet, your session should reflect you: your personality, your comfort level, and your unique kind of beauty.
As a Wausau, Wisconsin boudoir photographer, I’ve photographed women in everything from silk robes to bodysuits to oversized button-downs; and each session was equally stunning and powerful.
Boudoir Is About So Much More Than Lingerie
It’s easy to associate boudoir with lace and garters, but at its core, boudoir is about reclaiming your confidence and celebrating your femininity.
For some women, that confidence shines brightest in a strappy lingerie set. For some it’s about stepping outside of their comfort zone and trying something new, a reminder they can do hard and “scary” things. For others they want to see the beauty in the everyday, so it’s in a favorite T-shirt, a soft robe, or a pair of jeans that hugs in all the right places.
Boudoir is a reminder that you don’t have to look, or dress, a certain way to be worthy of feeling beautiful. You already are.
Your session is your chance to step outside your comfort zone in a way that feels aligned with you. It’s about empowerment, self-discovery, and showing yourself that you are strong, sensual, and worth celebrating.
Alternative Outfit Ideas for Boudoir Photos
If lingerie doesn’t feel like your vibe, here are some other beautiful options that photograph incredibly well:
Cozy Knits & Sweaters: There’s something irresistibly soft and intimate about an oversized sweater falling off the shoulder.
Robes & Kimonos: Light and flowy, these create gorgeous movement and can be paired with or without lingerie underneath.
Bodysuits: A great middle ground; comfortable, flattering, and available in styles that range from minimal to sultry.
Button-Downs: A crisp white or soft flannel shirt can feel relaxed yet effortlessly sexy.
Jeans & Bare Skin: A classic combination that balances confidence and simplicity.
Tank Tops or Camisoles: Simple and beautiful, especially paired with natural hair and makeup for a softer look.
The truth is, confidence photographs better than anything you can wear.
Explore the Client Closet
One of the best parts of booking your boudoir session with me is having access to my curated client closet! My closet is filled with both lingerie and non-lingerie options that flatter every body type. I stock sizes from xs to 4x and am always adding to it!
From romantic lace to cozy textures and minimalist pieces, the client closet gives you the chance to try something new without the stress of shopping. I’ll help you narrow down what outfits work best for your body, your comfort level, and the overall vibe you want for your photos.
Before your session, we’ll talk through outfit ideas and create a plan that helps you feel confident and relaxed the day of your shoot.
Want to bring your own outfits? That’s okay to! I send a style guide that has tips for choosing your outfits, links to my favorite shops, and I’m still going to help walk you through ideas and coordinating your choices to our sets.
It’s Not Just About Sexy, it’s About Self
Yes, boudoir is sexy, but not because of what you wear. It’s sexy because it’s you: confident, brave, and unapologetic.
A boudoir session is an act of self-love. It’s about seeing yourself through a new lens, remembering your power, and realizing that you are worthy of investing in yourself.
Whether you come in wearing lace, denim, or your favorite sweater, what matters most is how you feel. This experience is about connecting to your feminine energy, your confidence, and your authentic self.
And when you see your photos, you’ll realize…it was never really about the outfit. It was about you all along.
Ready to Book Your Boudoir Session?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign that you’re ready, this is it!
You don’t have to lose weight. You don’t have to fit a certain mold. You don’t even have to wear lingerie. You just have to show up as you. I’ll take care of the rest; from wardrobe guidance to posing, lighting, and helping you feel completely comfortable in front of the camera.
We’ll create something beautiful together, something that celebrates the powerful, radiant woman you already are.
Let’s make it happen! Your session will be customized to your style, your comfort, and your story; so you can walk away with images that feel deeply you.