What to Wear to Your Boudoir Session (An Indianapolis Boudoir Photographer's Guide)

Woman in a black strappy lingerie set at an Indianapolis boudoir session

What to wear to a boudoir session

"What do I even wear?!" That's the #1 question I get. And I love it, because the answer is easier than you think.

Hi, I'm Lexi! I'm a boudoir photographer in Plainfield, about 30 minutes west of downtown Indianapolis. I've helped so many women pick outfits that make them feel amazing. Here's everything I tell my own clients.

Rule #1: Buy what makes you feel good

Forget the tag. Sizing is all over the place between brands. If you're between sizes, size up. A piece that fits well always looks better on camera than one that pinches.

And please, raid your own closet first. There are gems in there, I promise. Thrift stores are amazing too. Some of my favorite pieces ever were $6.

Bodysuits flatter every body

If you only buy one thing, make it a bodysuit. Higher cuts make your legs look longer. They come lacy, strappy, bold, sleeved or barely there. I've never met a body a bodysuit didn't love.

Skip the baggy stuff

I know. Most of us want to hide under a mountain of fabric. But loose babydolls and big robes hide your shape, and then I'm looking through my camera thinking, "Where did her body go?"

Pieces that fit close to your body show off your curves. That's what makes boudoir images so stunning.

Lingerie that photographs beautifully

Bralette and panty sets. Easy, comfy and so pretty.
Thigh highs. They add instant edge to any outfit. Buy them 1–2 sizes bigger and look for the silicone strip at the top so they stay put.
Garter belts. Pair them with thigh highs for that classic boudoir look.
Texture. Lace, straps and metal hardware look amazing on camera.
An oversized sweater or his button-down. Cozy, flirty and totally you.

Pick colors for your sets

My main studio is dark academia: moody, rich and warm. Jewel tones, earth tones, soft pastels, black and white all look gorgeous in there.

Bright neons can fight that room. BUT my neon shower set and pink rock room are already loud, so neons and high contrast are perfect there. Tell me which sets you're dreaming about, and I'll help you match your outfits.

Don't stress, I have a client closet

You don't have to buy a whole new wardrobe! My client closet is included with every session, and it runs from XS to 6XL. You can mix your own pieces with mine.

What to pack

More options than you think you need
Nude and black thongs (for the client closet pieces)
Shoes or heels you love
Any jewelry that feels like you
A playlist of songs that make you feel sexy (send it to me!)

What to skip

Spray tans and tanning beds. They look orange on camera and are almost impossible to edit out. You look beautiful without one, I promise.
Props I haven't approved. Just run them by me first.
Pieces you don't love or anything that's stretched out or worn.