Need some boudoir lingerie ideas for your upcoming photo shoot? This post will give you some outfit styles you should consider to enhance your specific body type. I’ll also show you some creative ideas for things you already have but maybe never thought to bring to your photo shoot.
To make things easy, I’ve indexed this page by lingerie style to help you select pieces that play up your strengths and (if needed) diminish your insecurities. By addressing common insecurities and enhancing your best assets, you will not only feel more confident for your photo shoot, but your final images will turn out better as well.
Bras
A very common thing I hear women mention at their boudoir consultations is nervousness about their chest. For some women it’s a lack of size they’re worried about. For others it’s a lack of perkiness which is common among mothers and mature women. In any case, there are style options that will help improve your curves and likewise your photos.

Push-up Bra
The classic solution for small breasted women is the push up bra. This bra style creates the appearance of increased cleavage through the use of angled cups containing padding. This design pushes the breasts inwards and upwards, towards the center of the chest giving the illusion of more volume.
If you are not a lean body type, make sure the torso band that sits below your breasts has a wide strap (more common on bralettes). This is because the narrow torso strap (the band below your breasts) can dig into the torso and cause skin to roll over a thin strap. If you find that your skin is doing this, simply choose a different bra with a wide torso band to prevent your skin from rolling over in unflattering ways.

Bralette
A bralette is a lightweight, comfortable bra option that doesn’t have an underwire. Typically, these designs are unlined, pullover styles with less structure and support compared to push-up bras. However, they are perfect for small-busted women. Decorative cut tops and wide torso bands subtly create the illusion of more volume in the chest. This makes them an excellent boudoir outfit choice for subtly enhancing natural features.
For women who are self-conscious about skin rolls or soft tissue around the upper torso, a bralette’s wide torso band can offer a smoothing effect. Additionally if push up bras fail to give you enough cleavage, shallow plunge bralettes will likely be your best option because they provide modest coverage while subtly enhancing the bust.

Demi Bra
If you find yourself to have a medium to large bust, you will generally have more versatility in your lingerie choices. To enhance your shape or address slight size imbalances, consider wearing a well-fitted demi bra. This type of bra, also known as a “half cup,” is a fantastic option for shaping your bust while keeping things modest in photos.
The demi bra is an excellent general shaper, providing moderate cleavage and a subtle lift without overdoing it. It works well across various body types, making it a reliable choice for those who want a balanced look. With its supportive structure and flattering fit, a demi bra is perfect for women who want to maintain a modest yet appealing appearance in their boudoir photos.

Balconette Bra
Balconette bras are designed with cups cut horizontally, lifting the bust without pushing it inward. This design enhances a perky look while maximizing cleavage. The front of the bra is often cut low, while the sides are higher, allowing for maximum exposure at the top. This makes balcony bras an excellent choice for anyone looking to make their breasts appear fuller and more lifted.
For large-busted women, especially those who may be insecure about sagging, balconettes provide the necessary lift while ensuring full support. Larger-breasted mothers, plus-size women, and those who have lost significant weight will notice the most enhancement from balconette designs. The horizontal cup cut provides the necessary support to keep everything in place while still creating a flattering shape. For those worried about breast perkiness, a balcony bra offers both comfort and confidence.

Shelf Bra
Shelf bras, also known as cupless, open-cup, or quarter-cup bras, are a daring lingerie choice for boudoir photography. These bras feature an underwire design that offers minimal breast coverage, supporting only the lower part of the breast. This unique style pushes the breasts upward, often leaving the nipple and areola exposed. For those looking to explore sexier boudoir outfit ideas, shelf bras provide just the right balance of support and allure.
These bras are perfect for women who want to showcase their breasts in a more provocative way. They are especially flattering for younger women who desire a subtle lift without full coverage. From personal experience, I find that shelf bras can add a bold element to your boudoir photos, drawing attention to your natural shape while providing subtle enhancement. If you’re looking for something that’s both sexy and slightly supportive, a shelf bra is an excellent choice.
Corsets

Corsets have long been celebrated for their ability to accentuate a woman’s natural hourglass figure. Whether you’re looking for a standard-sized corset or something custom-fitted, these versatile garments flatter all body types, creating a silhouette that highlights the natural feminine curves. One of the greatest strengths of a corset is how it can exaggerate the waist, making the hips and bust appear more prominent by comparison. This exaggerates your natural hour glass shape that men are hard wired to be attracted to.
For plus-size women, corsets offer a particularly slimming effect. They reduce the waist while emphasizing the bust and hips, which is often a key concern. If you’re self-conscious about your tummy or midsection, A well-fitted corset provides firm support and enhances the body’s natural shape.
To determine the best length corset for you, measure from the bottom of your breast to your hip in a seated position. Women who measure 8-11 inches should opt for a standard length corset, while shorter torsos are best suited for “waspie” styles, and women with longer torsos should consider longline styles.
If you’re considering a more affordable option, keep in mind that many budget corsets come with less durable satin laces. A great hack is to replace the lace with a paracord or flat lace to improve the look and durability of your corset significantly.
Tips for Choosing the Right Corset
- Consider Your Bust Size: Whether you’re petite or plus-size, choose a style that provides the right support and enhancement.
- Look for Quality Materials: Opt for corsets made with quality fabrics and boning for the best support, shape and better photos.
- Try to Avoid: Corsets made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, PVC, etc. These materials look cheap in photos compared to natural materials like cotton, silk and quality non-synthetic lace.
- Experiment with Styles: Try different corset styles to find the one that best flatters your unique figure. Examples include waspie, under bust, long line, corset dresses and shoulder strap coresets.
- Get a Custom Fit: For the most flattering photos, have your corset made bespoke from your measurements e.g. Orchard Corset, Corset Story, Dark Garden Corsets
- Best Lingerie For Plus-Size Women: A well fitting coreset is the best boudoir lingerie for plus size bodies offering the most shaping around the waist while also enhancing your curves at your bust and hips.
Under-bust Corset

Under-bust corsets, closely related to waist cinchers, are a fantastic option for highlighting your chest while sculpting your torso. Unlike full corsets, under-bust styles contour around the lower portion of the breasts, drawing attention to the bust while concealing the tummy. This makes them ideal for topless looks while still offering tummy concealment and shaping.
If you’re self-conscious about your midsection, under-bust corsets allow you to show off your bust while minimizing your tummy. This option also gives you flexibility to pair with different bras—such as balconette or push-up styles—to achieve the look you want.
For a more conservative approach, one of the great things about under-bust corsets is their mix-and-match potential with different bras. You can easily customize your look by pairing them with a variety of bra styles, from lacy balconettes to push-up bras, depending on the desired effect.
Under-bust corsets are particularly helpful for women looking for waist shaping without sacrificing the opportunity to mix and match different bra styles for versatility.
Tips For Styling Under-bust Corsets
- Pair with Different Bras: Experiment with various bras to find the best combination for your look.
- Highlight Your Best Features: Use an under-bust corset topless to draw attention to your bust while shaping your waist.
- Experiment with Layers: Under-bust corsets work well over or under clothing, allowing for versatile styling options. Pair with things like a tulle skirt or a button up blouse for interesting styling opportunities.

Corset Hack
Most of the time when you buy a budget corset, they come with a really shitty satin lace for the back that is cheap looking. A great way to upgrade this is with a long flat lace, or paracord lace. By replacing the lace, this easy hack is cheap, and will significantly upgrade your corset so it looks MUCH higher end.
Thigh High Stockings & Socks

Stockings are close-fitting, elastic garments that cover the leg from the foot up to the knee or thigh. They pair beautifully with most lingerie, especially garter sets, as the lower straps are designed to connect to the stockings. This combination not only enhances the overall look but also adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. From experience, choosing stockings that complement the rest of your lingerie can elevate your entire look in boudoir photos.
Thigh-high stockings and socks are an excellent choice for those who want to conceal varicose veins or smooth out upper thigh cellulite. These pieces provide coverage and a sleek look, which is perfect if you’re sensitive about your legs.
For women self-conscious about cellulite or other leg imperfections, thicker lace or knit materials are a great option to provide coverage while maintaining elegance. Pairing stockings with a garter belt also enhances the overall look while drawing attention away from problem areas.
Tips for Choosing and Styling Stockings
- Match Your Outfit: Choose stockings that complement the color and style of your lingerie.
- Consider Your Needs: If you want to cover varicose veins or cellulite, opt for thicker materials like decorative laces and knit socks.
- Opt for Quality: Invest in high-quality stockings like those from Kixies that offer different sizes rather than the one size fits all options available at most retailers.
- Pair with Garter Sets: Garter sets are designed to connect with stockings, enhancing the overall look.

Teddy/Bodysuits
A teddy, also known as a bodysuit, is a versatile lingerie piece that covers the bust, torso, and crotch in one garment. Similar to a one-piece swimsuit, teddies offer a seamless look but are often crafted from delicate, sheer materials. Halter-top teddies, which tie around the neck, are ideal for showcasing your back.
From my experience, teddies combine sensual elegance with practical torso shaping. Low-rise teddies, with bottom details resembling high-rise shorts, are excellent for plus-size women seeking to conceal the lower tummy or cellulite on the butt. Stretchy options also provide light shaping for the midsection. For petite women or those with narrower hips, high-rise teddies that reveal more of the hips and butt create the illusion of fuller curves. The contrast between tummy coverage and exposed areas enhances the hips and elongates the legs, creating a flattering hourglass shape.
Tips for Choosing and Styling Teddies
- Focus on Fit: The right fit is crucial. Try on multiple styles to find one with good bust support and bottom details that flatter your body type.
- Choose the Right Style: Halter tops highlight your back, while other designs emphasize different features. Select a style that complements what you want to showcase.
- For Plus-Size Women: Low-rise teddies with shorts-style bottoms help conceal cellulite on the butt and thighs while shaping the midsection. Opt for stretchy materials and well-fitted designs for the most flattering effect.
Skirts / Robes / Dresses Gowns

When planning a boudoir photo shoot, consider including a gown, robe, or skirt in your wardrobe. These pieces are some of the sexiest yet most conservative options you can wear.
A robe, for instance, can be layered over your favorite bra and panty set, teddy, or chemise, adding an extra touch of elegance and mystery. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sheer lace gown worn with nothing underneath creates a seductive, implied nude look.
Robes with sleeves are perfect for those who may feel self-conscious about their upper arms, offering stylish coverage while drawing attention to flattering areas like the legs or bust. Sheer gowns are universally flattering, providing a classy yet provocative style suitable for all body types.
No matter your choice, robes with open fronts offer endless posing possibilities for any figure. Similarly, sheer gowns provide the perfect balance of tasteful concealment and allure.
Skirts are another fantastic option, especially for petite women or those struggling with narrower hips, as they can create the illusion of fuller curves. Use fluffy materials like tule to extend the hip line and balance your hourglass silhouette.
Like robes, skirts can also be paired with various tops or your favorite teddy, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind looks you can mix and match.
Chemise / Babydoll

Traditionally, chemise lingerie refers to loose-fitting, sleeveless sleepwear that isn’t fitted at the waist. However, modern chemises often feature sexier cuts that are tighter around the waist and hips. For photo shoots, I recommend these contemporary fits, as they accentuate your shape better than looser styles.
If you’re self-conscious about your tummy or hips, chemises with fitted waists can help create a more defined silhouette. Avoid overly loose styles, which may add bulk in photos. Opt for styles that hug your curves while offering light coverage for areas you’re less confident about.
Chemises are usually designed without buttons or fasteners and are worn by either pulling them over your head or stepping into them. Similar to a babydoll, a chemise provides coverage and shaping, but the key difference is that babydolls are typically looser around the hips, commonly fairing out into a skirt. Whatever you choose, a snug fit around the torso will create a more defined shape, while looser styles can add bulk in photos.
High Waist Panties

The lower stomach is a common area of concern for many women. One effective way to conceal this area is by choosing lingerie with a high waist profile. High-waist panties, garters, and skirts are fantastic options for this purpose.
They provide coverage for the lower tummy while still showing off the upper stomach, creating a smooth, flattering silhouette. From my experience, high-waisted styles offer plenty of coverage without sacrificing a sexy aesthetic, making them a popular choice for many women.
High-waisted lingerie is particularly great for women over 40, mothers concerned about extra skin and stretch marks from pregnancy, and plus-size women. It’s also a great option for those who have loose skin due to significant weight loss.
The high waist helps to smooth and shape the midsection, boosting confidence and enhancing your overall look. Choosing the right high-waisted style can transform how you feel during your photo shoot, allowing you to feel both comfortable and alluring.

Thong
Thongs are a popular underwear style that highlights your butt and hips while offering minimal but tasteful coverage. They’re a great choice for women who want to accentuate their curves without going nude.
This style works best for those who feel confident about their lower body and are comfortable showing more skin. Thongs are especially flattering if you don’t have concerns about your tummy or thighs. From experience, choosing a thong can add a bold and playful touch to your boudoir photos, enhancing your natural shape in a flattering way.
If you’re self-conscious about your thighs or cellulite, you can pair a thong with a sheer skirt or robe. This keeps the focus on your curves while providing a bit of coverage in areas you may want to soften.

Sheer Tops
Originally designed as beach cover-ups, sheer tops can be a stylish addition to a boudoir shoot. Their see-through fabric offers a classy way to highlight your bust while adding an extra layer of intrigue. Whether worn over your favorite bra or on their own for a subtly sexy, topless look, they bring elegance and versatility to your outfit.
One of their greatest strengths is how effortlessly they pair with different lingerie styles. The delicate material adds an element of mystery, making even the most revealing bras appear more modest while still enhancing the overall look of your photos.
Sheer tops provide just enough coverage to create a sensual feel without full exposure, making them a flattering choice for a variety of body types.
Garter Belts

Garter belts are usually worn over a thong or bikini brief, creating a seductive, layered look. From personal experience, incorporating a garter belt into your boudoir outfit can elevate your style and add a touch of classic elegance.
Garter belts are typically worn over a thong or bikini brief, adding a stylish, layered touch to your boudoir look. They bring a sense of classic elegance and can instantly elevate your outfit.
For those who feel self-conscious about their lower tummy or thighs, garter belts offer a sleek and minimalist way to provide subtle coverage while still leaving plenty of skin exposed. They can also help smooth the appearance of cellulite or stretch marks, maintaining a sensual and sophisticated look.
They are easy to style and pair effortlessly with thongs, bikini briefs, and stockings. Whether you choose a pre-matched set or mix and match pieces to create your own look, garter belts are a simple and elegant way to enhance your boudoir outfit.
Sexy Things You Already Have

T-Shirt
Posed seductively and without a bra to attract attention to your chest, the humble t-shirt is often overlooked for things to bring. Make sure and opt for shirts with wide or low cut necks for more alluring poses.

Sweater
Sweater and your favorite pair of panties… Ummm yes please! Add thigh high socks for your Christmas boudoir shoot for maximum sexy winter time vibes. Winter turtle necks and or high cut sweaters that show the mid section are even better for boudoir photos.

Anything Zip-Up
Anything that zips or buttons up is great for the beginning of the album as you work out of your clothes and into your lingerie or nudes. Both front and back opening outfits offer unique posing opportunities and help tell a story for your album.

Scarves
A scarf is like boudoir sleight of hand. I use the hell out of these to draw attention away from areas you’re sensitive about and toward the other areas of your body you love!

Tank Top
Similar idea to the wide neck t-shirt, the tank top is a pretty great way to show off some side boob and downplay your torso. This is especially effective for plus size women or mom’s who have insecurities around their tummy.

Sport Coat
This client brought her sport coat and topped it off with the perfect bow tie and high waist panties for this epic shot! This was a brilliant way to conceal her tummy while accentuating her chest.

Button Up Blouse
Your shirt or his is up to you. I tend to like the photos better when they’re your shirts as they are more form fitting and sexy AF to work out of. That said he’ll LOVE the shot where he’s implied! Anything open front will give you a lot of posing opportunity.
Looking For Specific Lingerie Recommendations?
I’ve put together a short list of my favorite lingerie brands for every body type and price point. Whether you’re after luxury pieces or budget-friendly finds, this guide will give you a good starting point when shopping for your session. If you still feel lost or overwhelmed, comment below or reach out and I’d be happy to help.
How long does a photo shoot usually take and how many outfit changes
These two links answer both your questions 🙂
How long does a photo shoot last?
https://jgboudoir.com/faq/#how-long
How many outfits will I need?
https://jgboudoir.com/faq/#how-many-outfits
The women who have breastfeeding feed and have 2 different size boobs help this lady’s we miss our perfect boobs
In this circumstance I’d get a piece that fits your larger breast perfect and then fill the smaller side to match with silicone bra inserts,