What to Wear to a Boudoir Session | Edmonton Boudoir Photographer
When women reach out about booking a boudoir session in Edmonton, the first question is almost always the same: “But what will I wear?”
It’s a vulnerable thing, stepping into a space where you’ll be photographed in ways you may never have seen yourself before. Maybe you don’t own lingerie. Maybe you’re not in love with your body right now. Maybe you don’t have the budget to buy something new.
I see you. I get it. And that’s exactly why I’ve created this guide—to help you walk into your boudoir shoot already feeling grounded, confident, and excited about your choices.
Where to Start: Choosing Confidence
The truth is, boudoir isn’t about following a formula. It’s about discovering what makes you feel most like you. That might be lace lingerie, or it might be an oversized sweater. Confidence starts by focusing on what you love most about yourself.
Every body is unique, and every body is beautiful. Your hips, the slope of your collarbone, the length of your legs, the softness of your belly, the way your hair frames your face, or even the way your lips curl when you smirk—these details are worth celebrating.
Clothing is simply a tool to highlight those features:
Love your curves? Try lingerie that hugs and emphasizes your hips.
Love your eyes? Choose colors that make them pop.
Prefer to downplay your stomach? High-waisted panties or a draped bodysuit shift focus to what you want to celebrate most.
This isn’t about hiding. It’s about redefining confidence by drawing attention to the parts of you that light you up. Boudoir is about loving yourself—and your wardrobe can help you step into that power.
Classic Lingerie Staples
When most people think of boudoir, lingerie is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s intimate, romantic, and sensual because it allows us to see ourselves in a way we rarely do.
Lingerie can feel soft and romantic with lace, silks, and velvets. Or it can take on a bolder edge with leather, straps, and harnesses that add intrigue and intensity. The beauty of lingerie is its versatility—you can lean into whatever vibe feels right for you.
Quick tip: certain lingerie shapes highlight certain body types better than others. (I go deeper into this in my boudoir prep guide—every client receives one when they book!) But keep reading for the short version…
Lingerie Based on Body Shape
Finding lingerie that flatters your body shape will enhance your confidence and highlight your favorite features. Now, I hate using the fruit system to distinguish body shape, but it is still the most common tool and easy to understand. So, please, bear with me!
Apple Shape (Curvaceous with a fuller bust and midsection): Opt for teddies or bodysuits with V-necks to draw attention to your chest and elongate your silhouette.
Rectangle Shape (Athletic figure with a straight waist): Corsets, bustiers, and pieces with ruffles or lace at the bust and hips create curves and definition.
Pear Shape (Wider hips, smaller bust): Highlight your lower half with teddies, V-cut panties, and matching sets. To balance your shape, choose lingerie that draws attention upward, like a corset or bustier.
Inverted Triangle Shape (Broad shoulders, narrow hips): A teddy or a sleek bra with ruffled panties helps balance your proportions. A kimono or classic negligee also flatters this shape beautifully.
Hourglass Shape (Balanced proportions with a narrow waist): Most lingerie styles suit this shape, but corsets, teddies, and garter belts accentuate the waist beautifully.
Check out Armoire’s blog post, How to Find Your Body Shape, for details on how to determine which shape best represents your body.
Dressing for the Vibe You Want
Instead of thinking in terms of single items, think about the story you want your images to tell. Here are some ideas:
For your partner: Borrow something from their closet. A jersey, a crisp dress shirt, a tie, or even a work-related item adds intimacy and personalization.
For a cozy, at-home feel: Bralettes, tank tops, Calvin Kleins, booty shorts, oversized sweaters, or knee-high socks. Paired with coffee, a messy bed, or your favorite book, the vibe becomes effortless and real.
For an edgy look: A leather jacket, strappy lingerie, or bold dark tones paired with fishnets and kinky props like harnesses.
For something unique and artistic: A draped sheet, fresh flowers, sheer robes, or a flowing tulle skirt that feels like modern romance.
You can read more about dressing for the vibe you want HERE.
Nude & Implied Nude
Many women choose to include nude or implied nude images in their boudoir session. Not because it’s expected—but because it can be one of the most powerful and liberating experiences.
Nudes are intimate, vulnerable, and celebratory. They highlight the raw beauty of your body without distraction. That said, it’s completely normal to not feel ready for this right away. Personally, it wasn’t until my third boudoir session that I felt comfortable enough to pose nude—and it wasn’t about the photographer, it was about my own readiness.
The decision doesn’t have to be made before your shoot. We can start with lingerie and see how you feel in the moment. You are in control, always.
Bridal Boudoir
Bridal boudoir is one of the most romantic ways to honor this chapter of your life. Popular choices include:
A veil
White or off-white lingerie
A tulle skirt that mimics a gown
Your engagement ring or wedding jewelry
A garter or wedding shoes
These images make beautiful gifts for your partner, but they’re also a meaningful way to celebrate yourself before your wedding day. Bridal boudoir is about capturing the anticipation, romance, and intimacy of this once-in-a-lifetime season—whether you keep the photos private or surprise your partner on your wedding morning.
Fairytale Boudoir
Think boudoir can only be lace and garters? Think again. Fairytale boudoir is all about creating the moody, romantic scenes you’ve only read about in your favorite books.
This isn’t cheesy or tacky—it’s a cinematic, romantasy-inspired take on boudoir. Imagine:
Elaborate florals surrounding you
A silk nightgown paired with a sword in hand
Fantasy-inspired makeup or even pointed ears
Flowing fabrics and dramatic props that transform your space into a storybook
Women choose fairytale boudoir because it’s about more than lingerie—it’s about stepping into a fantasy, owning your power, and seeing yourself as the heroine of your own story.
It’s everything you love about boudoir, with the magic of fantasy woven in. (Curious? Read more about fairytale boudoir here.)
My Top 5 Places to Shop for Boudoir Outfits
If you’re wondering where to actually find these pieces, here are a few go-to spots:
Honey Birdette - Daring, high-end lingerie with bold designs and a luxe edge.
Thistle and Spire - Bold, artistic lingerie designed to make a statement with every curve.
Andreea Preda - Handcrafted luxury pieces with timeless elegance and delicate detail.
Empress Mimi - Playful, romantic lingerie that feels like stepping into your own fairytale.
Shein- Affordable, trendy lingerie for experimenting with styles without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, boudoir is about celebrating you—exactly as you are. Whether you step in front of the camera wearing lingerie, cozy knits, a veil, or nothing at all, the best choice is always the one that makes you feel empowered, sensual, and undeniably yourself.
