Boudoir wardrobe planning can be one of the most exciting and daunting parts of preparing for a boudoir session. While some folks have a super clear vision and know right away what outfit(s) they want to wear for their session, many new clients ask me some version of the same question: “what should I wear to a boudoir photoshoot?”

I truly believe there is no one “right” way to dress for a boudoir session, and what matters most is picking looks that make you feel radiant and authentic.

But I also know it can be helpful (and fun!) to look at wardrobe examples and notice which styles you feel most drawn to or excited to wear!

Looking back on the sessions I’ve photographed so far this year, here are 10 boudoir outfit ideas I’ve especially loved - I hope they spark resonance and inspiration as you plan the boudoir wardrobe of your dreams!

Boudoir outfit ideas from recent sessions at my Minneapolis studio

1. A favorite pair of jeans with nothing (or a bralette) on top

This look gives off fun, everyday energy, and going topless can add a layer of sensuality. For this maternity flower boudoir session, using the flower bouquet to create an implied topless look with jeans felt extra romantic and self-loving.

2. Matching bra and underwear set

I love the ribbed cotton set in sky blue that Kate wore for her session, with high waisted bottoms and a cami/sports bra top. If you’re someone who doesn’t love lace or who wants either a strong or understated feeling in your portraits, picking a solid colored bra and underwear set with clean lines is a great way to go.

3. Lacy bra and underwear set

This white lacy set with scalloped edges brought delicate, airy, and feminine energy into M’s session, and M loved how the high cut bottoms drew attention to her legs and hips.

4. A simple slip

Slips are such an underrated wardrobe choice. When sitting on a hanger, they can seem a bit bland, but on your body slips accentuate the shape, curves, and lines of your body while keeping you a bit more covered up, creating a soft and romantic feel. Kelsey loved how this slip made her feel feminine and ethereal, and brought a subtle vintage vibe too.

5. A Favorite pair of boxers with nothing on top

Boxers are a choice I don’t see too often, but if you’re someone who wants to bring strong, confident feeling into your session, the horizontal straight lines boxers create give off strong energy while drawing attention to your thighs and lower belly. Boxers can also convey a laid back, gender-neutral or masculine energy. Grace loved how cozy and at home she felt creating a topless look with boxers.

6. Pairing fancy underwear with an off-the-shoulder top

Mixing everyday clothing and underwear is consistently one of my favorite looks! Some folks worry about a mismatched outfit feeling too simple, but I find it creates an effortless, untrying energy that can feel really authentic. L loved how the soft, scalloped detail of her underwear and her breezy top created a look that felt sensual and everyday.

7. Bodysuit with colorful floral details

The opposite of casual, Lauren’s floral lace bodysuit with sheer panels and embroidery detail brought SO much personality and glam into her session! With the high cut on her legs and the low v-neck, this look felt feminine and full of joy.

8. A power suit or blazer - with just a bra or nothing underneath

This look exudes serious, powerful, confident energy. P loved how she looks and feels in this blazer, and wearing nothing underneath added a touch of sensuality and sexiness.

9. Implied or fine art nude + beautiful fabric

I have a variety of lovely fabrics here at my boudoir studio that I can drape from the ceiling or have clients wrap up in. Incorporating fabrics is an artistic way of adding color, texture, and movement to a session. Some folks have a favorite scarf or sheer piece of fabric they bring, and some folks show up with no outfits and just use the fabrics and pieces I have at my studio layering wardrobe to create an artful, minimalist look.

10. Wear nothing

When in doubt, skip the clothes all together! Many of my clients love adding a fine art nude component for part, or all, of their session. It can be such a unique and powerful way to see yourself and celebrate your natural radiance - inside and out!