What to Wear for Boudoir: 10 Outfit Ideas That Feel Natural

All images by Artistrie Co. — you can explore more of the work here.

If you’re looking for boudoir outfit ideas, you’re in the right place.

After years of photographing women in this way, I’ve found that what you wear matters—but not in the way most people think. It’s less about having the “right” outfit, and more about choosing pieces that allow you to feel at ease in your body.

The best looks are often the simplest. Things you already own. Pieces that feel familiar. Soft. Uncomplicated.

This is a starting point—ten ideas to guide you—but how it all comes together will always be a little more intuitive than prescriptive. If you’re starting to think about your session, you can explore more about the experience here.

My Top 10 Boudoir Outfit Ideas

1. Lingerie

Lingerie is often where people begin.

Not because you need something elaborate, but because it creates a subtle shift—it invites you to see yourself a little differently.

The key is choosing pieces that feel natural on you. A bodysuit is often the easiest place to start. It holds shape, feels supportive, and tends to photograph beautifully without needing much adjustment.

Two-piece sets work just as well, especially with a slightly higher waistline that softens and elongates the body.

You don’t need a full collection. One or two pieces that feel like you—just slightly elevated—is more than enough.

2. A Button Down Shirt

Beautiful Button Down Shirt:
White Sleep Shirt

A button down shirt is one of the most effortless pieces you can bring.

There’s something about it that feels undone in the right way—structured, but soft. It moves easily. It catches light. It allows just enough coverage while still revealing small moments of skin.

Worn on its own or layered over lingerie, it tends to feel natural without trying too hard.

I usually recommend something lightweight—linen or a soft cotton—and sized in a way that drapes rather than overwhelms.

3. Bed Sheets

This is one of the most minimal looks, and often one of the most powerful.

Wrapped in sheets, everything simplifies. There’s no outfit to think about, no styling to manage. The focus shifts entirely to movement, to light, to how you naturally settle into yourself.

Most people still wear something minimal underneath, but visually, it feels like almost nothing at all.

It’s soft. Quiet. A little more instinctive.

4. Silk Slips & Satin Nightgowns

A silk slip or satin nightgown brings a different kind of softness.

It skims the body without holding too tightly. It moves when you move. It catches light in a way that feels subtle and almost fluid.

This is a beautiful option if you’re drawn to something minimal and refined—something that feels like it could belong to you already, just seen in a new way.

Simple silhouettes tend to work best. Nothing overly structured, nothing that competes for attention.

5. Cozy Layers

A soft sweater or cardigan introduces a quieter, more relaxed feeling.

There’s something about a knit falling off the shoulder or loosely wrapped around the body that feels intimate without being overt.

These pieces work well layered over lingerie or worn on their own with simple bottoms. The key is choosing something that drapes—nothing too heavy or bulky.

It should feel like something you’d reach for on a slow morning.

6. Denim & Bare Skin

Denim brings a sense of familiarity.

A pair of jeans, a simple t-shirt—these are pieces you already know. There’s no performance in them, which is exactly why they work.

You can keep things layered or gradually simplify as we go—jeans with a bra, a t-shirt with just bottoms, or somewhere in between.

It’s understated. Grounded. Easy.

7. Tailored Layers

A structured piece—a blazer, a jacket—adds contrast.

Clean lines paired with softness underneath create something that feels slightly more editorial, but still restrained.

One of my favorite combinations is a simple black blazer layered over a sheer or lace piece. It’s minimal, but intentional.

Nothing excessive. Just enough to shift the feeling.

8. Robes

A robe is often where we begin.

It gives you something to hold onto at first—a layer that feels light, feminine, and easy to move in.

But beyond that, it adds movement. Texture. A sense of shape that changes as you shift.

Longer robes tend to feel especially beautiful—something that trails slightly, catches light, or opens naturally as you move.

9. Bridal Details

A Stylish, Affordable Veil:
Cathedral Length Tulle Wedding Veil

For bridal sessions, a veil can add a quiet layer of meaning.

It softens everything. Adds movement. Creates moments where the light filters through in a way that feels almost weightless.

It doesn’t need to be the focal point—just something that integrates gently into the rest of the look.

Light tones tend to work best here, keeping everything cohesive and understated.

10. Bare or Nearly

At its core, boudoir isn’t about what you wear.

It’s about how you feel being seen—without needing to change anything first.

For some, that means removing everything. For others, it’s something more implied—covered, then uncovered, suggested rather than shown.

There are countless ways to approach this, and everything is guided in a way that feels comfortable, considered, and entirely your own.

Where to Shop

After “what should I wear,” the next question is usually where to find pieces.

If you’re still in the early stages of planning, I always recommend starting with pieces you already love before adding anything new.

When you are ready to shop, there are so many beautiful options, but I tend to return to brands that feel thoughtfully made—pieces that hold their shape, move well, and photograph without needing much adjustment.

Dora Larsen

Dora Larsen has gorgeous, colorful pieces that are vibrant, fun and cheeky. If you have a bold, bright style, I recommend shopping here.

Honey Birdette

Incredibly sultry, sexy pieces for those who want to bring the drama to their photos.

A Girl and a Serious Dream

For those who dream of whimsical, feminine and romantic boudoir photos, A Girl and a Serious Dream is worth looking into. Their pieces are simply one-of-a-kind and stunning. While it’s a bit of a splurge, this dreamy french lingerie set is one of my absolute favorites!

Bluebella

I’ve had many clients wear this brand and their pieces always photograph beautifully! It’s at a great, affordable price point. This brand is also available at Nordstrom.

Journelle

For those local to Chicago, Journelle has a location right here in Chicago at 1725 N Damen Ave in Bucktown. This can be a great option if you prefer to shop in person vs. online. They always have a great selection!

Fleur Du Mal

If you check out my Pinterest board, you’ll see a *lot* from Fleur Du Mal. Very feminine, fun, luxurious and romantic pieces. I especially love the amount of beautiful and unique color they feature. This is great for the gal looking for something a little bit different.

Agent Provocateur

For the gal who wants to go all in on luxury. Beautiful, sultry pieces that are one-of-a-kind. Everything from Agent Provocateur is incredibly high end and the quality and structure is worth the splurge.

Cosabella

Cosabella is one of the most popular brands my clients wear and for good reason. Their pieces are beautiful, well structured and they offer inclusive sizing for all body types.

YSE Paris

I absolutely adore YSE! It’s that effortlessly chic Parisian boudoir vibe. Please note this is an international brand so please check return policies and shipping timeframes before placing an order.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie sells whimsical, romantic pieces that can be purchased online or in store. I simply love their selection! It’s worth a visit to their website. Be sure to check out their robes too! They usually have a great selection.

Adore Me

This is a super affordable option with beautiful selections of lingerie.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom carries a variety of amazing lingerie brands so this is always a good one stop shop, especially for those who’d prefer to try on items in person vs ordering online. The Lingerie Department staff can find the perfect size and fit for you with just a quick glance. They are amazing.

A Few Essentials

There are a handful of pieces that come up again and again.

A simple white button down shirt. A well-fitted bodysuit. A robe with a bit of drama. Stockings and a garter belt if you’re drawn to something more classic and romantic.

And beyond that—small things matter.

Well-hydrated skin. Taking a little time to slow down before your session. Letting yourself arrive without rushing.

Those details tend to show up in the photographs more than anything you could buy.

If you’re not sure what feels right yet, that’s completely okay. Most people don’t come into this knowing exactly what they want—that’s part of the process. That’s something we figure out together—slowly, intuitively, in a way that feels natural to you.

If it feels like something you’re ready for, you can reach out here.