It never fails. Every time a boudoir session has been booked, the most frequent question asked is "what do I wear?" So I thought that i'd share with all of you what i've learned about boudoir attire. I'll be talking openly about undergarments just to fair warn you. And i'll be breaking it down into different sections so [hopefully] it's easier to follow.
First I just want to start out saying, that there is no wrong way to dress. There are only ways that will flatter you body type more then others. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. When you're comfortable, your confidence will spill out and show during the session and in your photos.
Style
"What kind of style are you wanting?" Is usually my first response back to my clients. With fashion today stretching back into the 20s and 30s to todays modern look, there are a wide variety of styles that any women can choose from. Vintage. Modern glam, or to put a better visual on this one....Victoria Secret model. Even mixing the two together can create a very unique style. Once you know what kind of style you want for your photos it makes it a lot easier to find your wardrobe.
Clothing
Lingerie:
"I dont know about you, but the clothes I buy are all part of the definition of ME. Right down to the undergarments."
Ashley Kingsley-Kingsley House Photography
Besides all the different patterns of fabric there are only a few different types of bras. No lining, lightly lined, push-up, and a extreme push-up. And the basic shapes are, strapless, balconette, demi cup, and a full-cup bra. When choosing a bra(s) the most important thing to remember is that you're buying the right size [you can walk into any lingerie store and get sized if you're not sure] During a boudoir session you're going to be in poses from standing to laying and that bra has to keep the girls in position and looking fabulous! In my experience with working with women, I have to say that a push-up, regardless the cup shape or size, is the most flattering on any body type. This is because that little extra "help" showcases a females curves to be most appealing.
Most likely you can find a panty that is a match to your bra [if you want them to match]. Especially if you're shopping in a lingerie store. That's the easy part. Finding the right shape is where we women stand by the clothes rack for minutes trying to decide on which one to get. "Do I go with the brief...or the piece of fabric that barely covers anything?" All I have to say, is to keep your style in mind. Right now, the high waisted pants and panties are coming back in style. This is a tribute to a "vintage era" whereas the low hip huggers are a more modern look. Both, could be worked into a glam feel. The shape i've noticed that works well for all body types are the cheeky panty. There is something magical with that cut that does wonders to the derrière, and I have yet to meet a woman who doesn't want her bottom lookin' good!
The next piece of lingerie, are those fabulous garments that do wonders to any womens figure! The shapewear. From corsets, waist cincher, to body suits or the teddy. They are all amazing at providing that illusion of the classic hour glass figure. They give support to problem areas, corrects our posture, and the plus is that now we can find them in all kinds of different and pretty fabrics. I would recommend any of these to accompany you to a session.
The last piece of lingerie that I want to discuss are the baby dolls and slips. These piece of clothing are going to provide you a more soft and flowing look in your photos. They do not enhance your body shape as well as other negligée, but if you are more on the reserve and shy side they do provide a more conservative feel and can give the model more comfort to know her body isn't as exposed.
Not all of your wardrobe has to be lingerie for boudoir photos either. Some of my most favorite photos are those in fitted tank tops paired with a cute panty. Or distressed jeans with a bra. And there is something super sexy about a oversized sweater that falls off a shoulder. So when you're going through your closet or you're out at the mall, don't turn the other cheek to your normal everyday clothes. But I DO want you to note something down for me. Please PLEASE keep your colors in mind. Basic colors work best! [Black, white, nudes, and deep blues, purples and reds.] In most cases, bright colors muddy your skin and reflects light differently.
Accessories tie your whole look together! Whether its simple elegance or more bold glam. A necklace and earrings all the way to your shoes and thigh highs add the final touch to any outfit. And i'm just going to put in here, that well manicured hands and feet are apart of your accessories. Just like any jewelry, your hands and feet are not the first thing you may see but it will get noticed eventually. ;)
So after all this, I give you my last 2 cents.
Be creative! Everyone has their own individual style so let it show! Brainstorm with me! If you're having a hard time putting things together, come ask for my help. I would think that I have a pretty interesting sense of style and can piece things together that wouldn't normally work but in this case...does! And lastly, like I mentioned above, feel comfortable and be CONFIDENT. Confidence is the most beautiful thing any woman can wear! We are amazing, strong and beautifully made. So lets show it!
Until we chat again
Ashley Kingsley
Kingsley House Photography
