What to Wear to Your London Boudoir Photoshoot
If you've booked a boudoir session at my London studio, you might be wondering: "What on earth should I wear?" It's one of the most common questions I receive from clients booking boudoir photography in London, and I completely understand the nerves that come with it.
Here's the beautiful truth: there's no single "right" answer. Your boudoir session is about celebrating you – your unique beauty, your personality, your story. What you wear should make you feel absolutely incredible.
Let me walk you through your options for the perfect boudoir photoshoot outfit.
What's Waiting for You at My London Studio
Silk Fabrics & Luxurious Gowns
One of my favourite looks for London boudoir photography is implied nude imagery using beautiful fabrics. At my London studio, I have a curated collection of:
Flowing silk fabrics in various colours that drape beautifully over the body
Delicate tulle gowns for a softer, romantic aesthetic
Lace gowns in different colours and styles
These pieces work wonderfully if you want to:
Feel elegant and sensual without showing too much
Create artistic, editorial-style images
Experiment with different looks during your session
The beauty of working with fabrics is that they're incredibly versatile. We can create modest, artistic images or something more daring – it's entirely up to your comfort level.
What to Bring: Boudoir Wardrobe Essentials
Lingerie: Your Foundation for Boudoir Photography
Lingerie is the classic boudoir choice, and for good reason – it makes you feel confident, sexy, and celebrated. When planning what to wear to your boudoir shoot in London, lingerie should be top of your list.
My recommendations:
Luxury Lingerie Brands (if you want to treat yourself):
Bordelle – architectural, high-fashion pieces
Agent Provocateur – classic British luxury
Aubade – French sophistication
La Perla – Italian elegance
Honey Birdette – client favourite! Bold and beautiful
Bluebella – contemporary and comfortable
Beautiful Budget-Friendly Options:
Pour Moi – excellent quality at accessible prices
Anne Summers – great for variety
ASOS – huge selection, all sizes
Curvy Kate – brilliant for larger cup sizes
H&M – surprisingly lovely basics
Top tips for choosing boudoir lingerie:
Choose pieces that make YOU feel amazing – not what you think you "should" wear
Comfort is key. If you're constantly adjusting straps or feeling restricted, it will show in the photos
Consider bringing multiple sets for variety (2-3 different looks work beautifully)
Don't wear your lingerie to the studio – clothing marks can take 20-30 minutes to fade
Mix textures: lace, satin, mesh, and sheer fabrics all photograph differently
Bodysuits: Sleek & Sophisticated Boudoir Style
Bodysuits are criminally underrated for boudoir photography in London. They:
Smooth and flatter every body type
Create clean, elegant lines
Offer more coverage while still being incredibly sexy
Work beautifully in both colour and black & white images
A simple black bodysuit can create some of the most striking, editorial-style boudoir images. Consider both:
Long-sleeved bodysuits for a more covered, elegant look
Barely-there bodysuits in sheer or mesh for something bolder
The Classic White Shirt: Timeless Boudoir Photography
Never underestimate the power of a crisp white shirt for your London boudoir shoot. This is one of my absolute favourite looks because it's:
Effortlessly sexy
Versatile (buttoned, unbuttoned, off-shoulder, tied at the waist)
Timeless and elegant
Perfect for more covered looks if you're feeling nervous
Styling options for white shirt boudoir photography:
Wear it oversized and barely buttoned for a casual, sensual look
Pair it with your partner's shirt for a personal, intimate touch
Roll up the sleeves for a relaxed, confident feel
Combine it with beautiful lingerie underneath
Wear it with just knickers for a classic, simple aesthetic
Try it off-the-shoulder for an elegant, feminine vibe
The white shirt works beautifully with both colour and black-and-white boudoir photography, making it an incredibly versatile choice.
Blue Jeans: Casual Confidence in Boudoir
Yes, really! When considering what to wear to your boudoir shoot in London, don't overlook a pair of well-fitted blue jeans paired with:
A simple bra or bralette
The white shirt (unbuttoned)
Or even topless (covered artistically)
This combination creates stunning, natural images that feel more "you" than traditional boudoir poses. The jeans-and-bra look is:
Relaxed and approachable
Incredibly flattering on every body type
Perfect for clients who want a less "posed" boudoir style
Great for creating variety in your gallery
Deciding Your Comfort Level for Your London Boudoir Session
During your shoot at my London studio, you'll get to decide which level of undress feels right for you. Some clients end up feeling comfortable nude, some implied nude images, while others prefer more modest bodysuits or covered looks.
There is no pressure either way.
My job as your London boudoir photographer is to guide you, make you feel safe, and capture beautiful images that celebrate you exactly as you are. We'll only photograph what you're comfortable with.
The "Don't Worry, I've Got You" Options
If you don't have these items when preparing for your boudoir shoot, please don't stress. I have plenty of options at my London studio, including:
Multiple gown and robe options in various colours
Silk and tulle fabrics in different shades
Even invisible thongs (yes, they exist!)
Your boudoir photography experience should be relaxing, not stressful. We'll work with what you have and what's available at the studio.
What NOT to Wear to Your Boudoir Shoot
A few things to avoid on the day of your London boudoir session:
Skip These:
Tight underwear – wear loose-fitting clothes or go commando on the way to my studio to avoid elastic marks
Your watch or tight jewellery – these leave indentations that take time to fade
Bras on the way to the studio if possible – bra lines can take 20-30 minutes to disappear
Heavy, thick, or very long false eyelashes – they block light from reaching your eyes in boudoir photography
Recent spray tan – creases and streaks don't photograph well
Do This Instead:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the studio (think: flowing dress or loose tracksuit)
Arrive fresh-faced if you're having professional makeup (included in the Signature Package at £995)
Bring your favourite lipstick for touch-ups during the session
Hair & Makeup Guidance for Boudoir Photography London
Hair
If you have long to mid-length hair, loose and bouncy curls or waves photograph beautifully in boudoir photography. If you're not having hair done as part of your package, please arrive with clean hair that you're happy with.
If you're having your hair styled professionally:
Arrive with clean, dry hair
Avoid heavy products that might make your hair look greasy in photos
Bring reference images if you have a specific look in mind
Makeup for Your London Boudoir Shoot
You're welcome to do your own makeup but professional makeup is included in the experience.
If doing your own makeup:
Avoid anything shiny or glittery (strong highlighters, heavy bronzers)
Slightly heavier than everyday makeup works best for photography
Define your eyes – they're the focus in boudoir photography
Choose a lip colour you love and feel confident wearing
Remember to bring your lipstick, powder, and natural blusher for touch-ups throughout the session
If you're having professional makeup:
Arrive with clean skin (no makeup)
Mention any skin sensitivities or allergies
Let the makeup artist know your preferred style (natural, dramatic, etc.)
Planning Your Boudoir Photography Looks
For a 2-3 hour boudoir session in my London studio, I recommend bringing:
2-3 complete outfit changes for variety
A mix of styles (perhaps one lingerie set, one bodysuit, and the white shirt)
Both light and dark colours for tonal variety
At least one set that makes you feel incredibly sexy
One "safety" outfit that you know you're comfortable in
Creating variety in your boudoir gallery:
Mix covered and revealing looks
Include different colours (black, white, jewel tones, nudes)
Vary textures (lace, satin, cotton, silk)
Consider bringing props (heels, jewellery, a hat, your partner's tie)
Don't overthink what to wear to your boudoir shoot. We'll work together during your London boudoir session to create beautiful images with whatever you've brought.
Accessories for Your Boudoir Shoot in London
Small touches can elevate your boudoir photography:
Consider bringing:
High heels – they elongate the legs beautifully but I love shooting barefoot!)
Stockings or thigh-highs – classic and elegant
Delicate jewellery – a favourite necklace or earrings
Your engagement/wedding ring – lovely for married clients
A meaningful item – perhaps something from your partner
Robe or kimono – beautiful for "getting ready" style shots (I do have some in my studio)
Leave these at home:
Bulky statement jewellery
Anything that will leave marks on your skin
Props that don't mean something to you (authenticity matters!)
Colour Choices for Boudoir Photography
Different colours create different moods in your boudoir images:
Black – Classic, slimming, timeless, always elegant
White/Cream – Soft, romantic, bridal, innocent
Red – Bold, confident, passionate (goes beautifully with darker skin tones)
Jewel Tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy) – Rich, luxurious, sophisticated
Blush/Nude – Delicate, feminine, works with all skin tones
Navy – Underrated! Elegant and flattering
At my London studio, I have silk fabrics and gowns in multiple colours, so you'll have options on the day.
Special Considerations for Your London Boudoir Session
If You're Pregnant:
Stretchy fabrics work wonderfully
Silk draping is beautiful for maternity boudoir
Consider white or cream for a glowing, maternal aesthetic
Bodysuits in larger sizes can be incredibly flattering
If You're Plus-Size:
Everything in this guide applies to you!
Bodysuits are incredibly flattering
Consider pieces with structure (underwire, boning) for support
Curvy Kate and ASOS have excellent extended sizing
Remember: I photograph women of ALL sizes, and you WILL look stunning
If You're Petite:
Avoid overwhelming your frame with too much fabric
Delicate pieces often work beautifully
High-waisted knickers elongate the legs
Consider heels to add height (but not necessary!)
The Most Important Thing You'll Wear to Your Boudoir Shoot
Confidence!
I know that sounds terribly cliché, but it's true. The most beautiful boudoir images I've ever captured in my London studio have nothing to do with expensive lingerie or perfect hair. They're the moments when women forget about their perceived "flaws" and simply exist in front of the camera.
That's what I'm here to create with you.
Your boudoir session is about having fun, celebrating yourself, and creating images that you'll treasure forever. What you wear is simply the beautiful packaging around the incredible person you already are.
Your Boudoir Photography Checklist
What to bring to your London boudoir shoot:
[ ] 2-3 lingerie sets or outfit combinations
[ ] White shirt (optional but recommended)
[ ] Bodysuit (optional)
[ ] Blue jeans (optional)
[ ] High heels or shoes you feel sexy in
[ ] Any accessories (jewellery, stockings, robes)
[ ] Your favourite lipstick for touch-ups
[ ] Powder and blusher (if doing your own makeup)
[ ] Loose, comfortable clothing for traveling to/from the studio
[ ] Phone or device with music playlists that make you feel confident
[ ] An open mind and willingness to have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions: What to Wear Boudoir Shoot London
Q: Do I have to buy new lingerie for my boudoir shoot?
A: Absolutely not! If you have pieces you already love and feel confident in, bring those. The studio also has options available.
Q: What if I don't feel comfortable in lingerie?
A: We have plenty of alternatives – bodysuits, silk fabrics, gowns, the white shirt look. Your comfort is the priority.
Q: Can I bring more than 3 outfits?
A: You can bring as many as you'd like, but realistically we'll photograph 2-3 looks in a 2-3 hour session. Quality over quantity!
Q: Should I match my underwear?
A: Matching sets photograph beautifully, but it's not essential. Sometimes mixing pieces creates interesting looks.
Q: What size should I order lingerie in?
A: Order your true size. Lingerie that's too small will be uncomfortable and create bulges. Proper fit is everything.
Q: Can I wear glasses in my boudoir photos?
A: Absolutely! If glasses are part of who you are, they should be in your photos. They can be incredibly sexy.
Ready to Book Your London Boudoir Photography Session?
If you're considering a boudoir session at my Canary Wharf studio, I'd love to hear from you. We can discuss your vision, answer any questions about what to wear, and plan the perfect session for you.
Boudoir Photography Packages:
Pre-session consultation (in person or Zoom)
Moodboard inspiration for your session
Professional makeup
2-3 hour studio photoshoot
Multiple outfit changes
Multiple backdrop options
40 retouched digital images
10% off albums & prints
£100 towards wall art
Let's celebrate you.
Collette x