This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and/or make a purchase, I may earn a few cents at no additional cost to you. Any products gifted by a brand will be marked "c/o." Thanks for helping make this blog possible! <3

This post is part of a collaboration with Blue Flame Boudoir. The photos are semi-risque but no nudity.

Today we’re going to chat about what to wear for boudoir photos (and a couple other boudoir-related topics)! BUT before you read any further, make sure you read part one of my experience taking boudoir photos with Mackenzie of Blue Flame Boudoir! If you’ve already seen part one – let’s dive into part two!

How do you choose boudoir outfits?

For me, this was one of the toughest parts about the shoot! I thought Pinterest would be a vast resource for outfit ideas, but I think since boudoir photos are so intimate, there just aren’t as many examples out there. For me, I knew I wanted to go a bit more modest than most boudoir photos, plus I’m just not a lingerie girl. And if I don’t really wear it in everyday life, why would I wear it for boudoir pictures? Mackenzie came up with the idea of wearing some of my Fiercely shirts and I was SO sold! I cropped two and wore them with high waisted undies (all of my undergarments were actually purchased at Aerie – great prices, quality and they don’t airbrush their models!) I brought several pairs of high waisted undies and shoes and Mackenzie helped me decide what would work best!

The mesh dress I wore has been in my closet for a while (you might have seen it on the blog here or here!) Even though it’s sheer, the length made me feel way less “exposed” and it was great to have for my first outfit. I would highly recommend wearing something with more coverage as your first “look” if you’re feeling nervous or slightly uncomfortable.

The mauve bodysuit was a clearance Target purchase last year (I wore it with jeans here) and the jacket is an old favorite that was thrifted several years ago. Then I just grabbed as much of my jewelry as I could find and Mackenzie helped determine what would work best.

So what I’m saying is, don’t feel like you have to wear tiny lingerie or spend a ton of money on your outfits for a boudoir shoot! Get creative, wear things you already love in your closet, and start shopping early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Accessories are a great way to help you feel a little less “naked,” and don’t forget about sexy shoes if you don’t want to be barefoot. Also, fishnets. You need them. (Read this post for tips on how to wear your fishnets after your boudoir shoot!)

How to feel confident in boudoir photos

• Only wear things you love! I touched on this a bit before but seriously, you want to feel your BEST the entire time so pick stuff you love.
• Pick a photographer who has experience with your body type. If their Instagram only features models with a specific body type, I would choose someone else. They might not know how to pose your body in a way that makes you feel comfortable.
• Remember that the photographer does this ALL the time. It’s not weird for them at all. They (should be) totally professional in the setting, so don’t feel uncomfortable about that.
• Focus on the fact that you’re doing something amazing for yourself. This is a treat, so enjoy it!
• Don’t forget that the photographer WANTS you to look amazing. They want you to walk away with amazing photos, so listen to their advice and you’ll be great.
• If you’re not comfortable with doing your own hair and makeup *for photos*, have someone else do it! Boudoir usually calls for dramatic makeup so go for it, honey!
• Love your body as it is RIGHT NOW. Celebrate the fact that your body works SO hard to get you through life! I never ever want to hear you say “I’ll do boudoir photos when I lose weight!”

Should I do a boudoir shoot?

YES! Now that I have done one, I can confidently say that EVERYONE should do a boudoir shoot, at least once in your life. You don’t have to share the photos with anyone else – just do it for yourself! Let yourself feel beautiful just as you are. Before these photos, I was kind of feeling like I was in a rut. Career-wise I wasn’t feeling confident, I hadn’t been working out or eating healthy and was just generally not in a great place. I came home BEAMING (before I even saw the photos!) I just felt so great about myself and like I could conquer the dang world! A great boudoir photographer will make you feel that way, so be sure to seek out someone GREAT!

Phew, I think that’s it for this series! If you have any other questions about boudoir photos, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me on Instagram!

Don’t forget, book a shoot with Blue Flame Boudoir and mention me (Valery Brennan) to receive a $100 product credit (offer is good through the end of August 2018)

xoxo
Valery