Boudoir Lingerie Tips: What to Wear for Your Session

Inside every boudoir session is a chance to reconnect with the version of yourself that feels confident, beautiful, and free. And nothing sets the tone for that transformation quite like what you wear. Whether you’re rocking a lace teddy, cozying up in an oversized flannel, or stepping into something you’ve never dared to wear before, this guide is here to help you feel empowered and prepared. Choosing the right lingerie for your boudoir shoot can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite boudoir lingerie tips to help you find pieces that flatter your body, reflect your personality, and make you feel absolutely radiant.

Throughout this post, I’ll also share a few real client spotlights so you can see exactly how we chose pieces to flatter their unique bodies, styles, and comfort levels — because sometimes, the best inspiration comes from women just like you.

But first, let’s talk about how my studio and experience is set up to support you- whether you’re just needing help narrowing down ideas or getting started from the ground up.

Your Wardrobe Safety Net: The Client Closet

At Helios Boudoir, you’re never left scrambling. My full client closet is available to every client, whether you plan to use it or not. It lives permanently in the studio and includes over 300+ pieces of lingerie in sizes XS to 4X. You’ll find bodysuits, two- and three-piece sets, fishnets, pasties, body jewelry, robes, thigh-highs, and more. Even if your favorite set rips the morning of your session, we’ve got you covered.

A Personalized Lingerie Consultation

Every client receives a complimentary lingerie consultation before their session. Rather than me telling you what to wear, this is a personalized, low-pressure conversation where I help you solidify your ideas, give honest feedback, and offer guidance if and when you want it. Together, we’ll talk through what makes you feel powerful — whether that’s something soft and romantic or bold and edgy. So, what do I want you to wear? Whatever you love yourself in. Whatever fits your body well, or lights you up inside. Ultimately, that looks different for every woman — and that’s exactly the point.

Boudoir Lingerie Tips

Here are my top boudoir lingerie tips I share during your lingerie consult:

Grab a Clothing Measuring Tape. If you’re ordering online, accurate measurements matter. Here’s a great one for under $4.

2. Pay Attention to How You Feel. When you try something on, listen to your body. Do you love it? Hate it? Why? Knowing why something doesn’t feel right helps narrow down what will.

3. Try it on More Than Once. Try on your lingerie pieces multiple times before your session — not just once. This helps build confidence and lets you catch issues early, like broken straps, missing clasps, or fit problems. In my experience, clients who’ve spent time getting familiar with how their lingerie feels and moves tend to show up more relaxed and self-assured in the studio. Even better, try things on at the same time of day your session is scheduled. Equally, morning bloating and evening fullness can both affect how clothing fits, so it’s helpful to get a realistic sense of how your body feels in each piece.

4. Give Yourself Grace. Don’t compare your reflection at home in bad lighting to your session images. Boudoir photography is about angles, lighting, posing, and styling. It’s designed to flatter. I even recommend writing yourself a post-it note reminder and sticking it to the mirror: “This isn’t the final look.” Remember, you will be intentionally posed after having professional hair and makeup, in specific lighting situations, with professional level gear! I got you 🙂

5. Size Up When Unsure. Slightly too big is almost always better than too small. Tight pieces can create bulges, leave uncomfortable red marks, or dig into the skin in ways that distract from how you feel. Conversely, a little looseness is rarely noticeable in photos — but the extra comfort can make a huge difference in your confidence.

You Don’t Have to Wear Lingerie

Let’s debunk a myth: Boudoir doesn’t equal lingerie. Many clients feel most confident in a slouchy sweater, a button-down shirt, a robe, or even a silky nightgown. Some bring in meaningful pieces like their partner’s shirt, a wedding-day detail, or even a work uniform. We’ll talk through options at your consult to build a look that reflects YOU.

Boudoir Lingerie Tips by Body Type

If you’re looking for style inspiration based on your body shape, but you’re not sure what your body shape is, here’s a helpful visual guide: It’s an easy 3-5 minutes read.

There are no hard rules when it comes to loving your body, undeniably. But if you’re craving a little direction, these boudoir lingerie tips can be a helpful place to begin.

Body Shapes:

• Hourglass: Emphasize your waist with high-waisted bottoms or corsets.
• Pear-shaped: A plunging neckline draws attention upward, and A-line garters elongate legs.
• Apple-shaped: Try a structured bodysuit or balconette bra to highlight your chest and waist.
• Athletic/Rectangle: Look for ruffles, lace, or strappy styles to add softness and curves.
• Petite: Keep it minimal with clean lines and vertical details to elongate the frame.

The Magic of Getting Dressed Up

Most women rarely get the chance to wear beautiful lingerie—or feel sexy for themselves. That’s part of the magic of boudoir. For many, it’s the first time in years they’ve done something like this. Choosing lingerie, getting dressed up, and embracing your reflection becomes a ritual of self-worth.

Ultimately, whether you’re using the client closet, shopping for your own pieces, or bringing in something sentimental, what you wear is a tool for transformation. It’s your armor, your art, and your gift to yourself.

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Client Spotlights:

Real Examples & Boudoir Lingerie Tips in Action

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Add Meaning with Sentimental Pieces

Your session isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling like the most authentic version of yourself. One of my favorite boudoir lingerie tips is to incorporate pieces that hold personal meaning and sentimental value.

That could be:

• A partner’s button-down shirt
• A wedding veil or anniversary gift
• Jewelry from a grandmother or mother
• A favorite band tee
• A silk scarf from your travels
• A piece you’ve never felt “ready” to wear — until now

These items don’t have to be traditionally “sexy.” In fact, the most powerful images are often the ones that tell your story — not someone else’s version of what boudoir should be. For example, I’ll never forget the client who brought her husband’s UPS shirt and ‘We Missed You’ peel-and-sticky notes that we used during her session. Then there was the woman who brought the nightgown she bought in Greece 36 years before her boudoir session, that she had never worn before, and finally put it on for her sesh. And Iet’s not forget the pilot’s fiancé who brought model planes and her future husband’s headset. More importantly, those clients will never forget either.

Indeed, during your complimentary lingerie consult, we’ll talk through ideas and look at how to style these special pieces in a way that feels elevated, emotional, and totally you.

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Lingerie Styles 101: What’s What (with Photos!)

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Bra & Panty Sets

Classic but never boring. Whether it’s strappy, high-cut, or detailed with lace or hardware, a matching set gives that iconic “lingerie look.” Want a little more tummy coverage? Just pair it with a garter belt or sheer robe.

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No matter your size, style, or comfort level, there’s something in the world of lingerie (or not!) that can help you feel powerful, sensual, and entirely you. My job is to help you find it — and to make sure you feel supported and celebrated every step of the way. If you’re curious about what would flatter your unique body or want to explore options from my 300+ piece client closet, let’s talk. Every session includes a complimentary lingerie consultation, and trust me — it’s where the magic begins.