Eli Boudoir

July 30, 2024

July 30, 2024

What to Wear to a Boudoir Photoshoot: Boudoir Outfit Ideas for Every Body and Style

Boudoir Photography Tips Blog Posts

The best thing to wear to a boudoir photoshoot is whatever makes you feel like the most powerful version of yourself, whether that’s lingerie, a flowing dress, an oversized button-down, or your partner’s jacket. Every ELI Boudoir session includes five looks, so the goal isn’t one perfect outfit, it’s a mix that shows different sides of you. This guide walks through outfit ideas for every body and style so you can confidently choose your five.

ELI Boudoir Luxury Boudoir Photography in Los Angeles. The woman is wearing a pink cardigan and is positioned between a couch and a window.

Your boudoir outfit is a critical part of your photoshoot. The right one makes you feel powerful, beautiful, confident, and sexy. That always shows up in your photos.

But here’s the most important factor: your comfort. If you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it will show through in your session, so don’t choose an outfit just because it’s meant to be sexier. The options are genuinely endless, and whether you’re planning a studio session or an outdoor boudoir photoshoot in Los Angeles, the goal is a boudoir outfit that feels authentic to you.

Below are 11 boudoir outfit ideas, from lingerie to everyday clothing, that photograph beautifully, flatter your figure, and let your personality come through, plus the best colors, what to bring, and where to shop for boudoir lingerie in LA.

11 Boudoir Outfit Ideas

These are in no particular order, and there’s no single “right” one. Most of my clients mix a few of these across their five looks.

Arguably the most traditional and popular boudoir outfit, and the most common one worn to my sessions at ELI Boudoir here in Los Angeles. There’s a reason it’s the most popular: it looks amazing on everybody.

Traditional two- and three-piece sets usually feature delicate lace or silky fabric that reads as elegant, classy, and cheeky all at once. Wearing lingerie sets is like the adult version of playing dress up: incredibly flattering and sexy.

The insider scoop is to always choose high-waisted panties. The panty line gives your figure more shape, elongates your legs, and can conceal your stomach a little. A three-piece set adds a garter belt to the mix, and even on its own a garter belt can spice up almost any look. My favorite version is when it’s attached to nothing at all.

One quick tip that makes a world of difference: get fitted and buy the right bra size. If you’re unsure, the A Bra That Fits calculator is great, or most department stores will help. Want some flair? Look for embroidery, lacework, or cutouts. There’s no wrong style: balconette, demi, push-up, racerback, or bralette all work.

What to wear to your Boudoir photoshoot? This photo is of a beautiful Boudoir outfit classic - a stunning two piece lingerie set

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

If you’re searching for the perfect answer to what to wear, a bodysuit might be it. They’re my personal favorite boudoir outfit. A bodysuit can be a slightly more reserved option while still accentuating all of your curves, and many of them are genuinely comfortable, which puts my clients at ease. Lacy bodysuits and bodysuits with cutouts are my all-time favorites.

If you want to spice one up, pair it with thigh-highs or heels.

Best Boudoir Photography Poses ELI Boudoir Los Angeles Southern California

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

a classic Boudoir outfit and accessory for lingerie - a button down shirt. In this photograph, the client is kneeling on a couch

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

A corset paired with high-waisted panties is one of the most flattering, figure-defining looks you can bring. It cinches the waist, lifts everything, and creates that classic hourglass shape on any body. Corsets also photograph beautifully because of the structure and texture: the boning and lacing catch light in a way soft fabrics don’t. If you love the idea of a sculpted, powerful silhouette, this is your outfit.

Anonymous Christmas Boudoir Session in a red shirt looking into a mirror in Los Angeles Studio

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

The magic of oversized clothing is how it seduces the eye. It draws your focus to what could be underneath and makes you want to see more. Pair an oversized shirt or sweatshirt with a high-waisted or lacy panty. If you’re doing your session as a gift for a partner, bring one of their pieces. I guarantee they’ll never forget that sweatshirt.

what to wear to your Boudoir photoshoot? A classic white button down with a simple bra and panty set underneath.

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

If I had to choose a favorite addition, this might take my money. Button-downs are so fun to play with and pair with the majority of the other outfits you’ll bring.

Let me paint the scene: you’re in a white button-down and a thong. We start from behind, so your gorgeous hair shows but your body is concealed by the shirt. Then we play with it: glimpses of your butt, then your midriff, then your face and the sexy panties underneath. It’s an amazing way to ease into a session before working up to a lingerie set or any other look.

Keep the shirt simple. Busy patterns and stripes compete with you, so skip them. A solid or soft pastel is perfect.

Luxury boudoir photography in Los Angeles by ELI Boudoir.
Standing wood outdoor portrait photograph at Placeritas Canyon in Los Angeles with a Cowboy Hat in Jean shorts and a Bra

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

Jeans are the pants equivalent of an oversized sweatshirt with lacy panties. Paired with no shirt or a bralette, they’re effortlessly sexy. Just choose a pair that isn’t too restrictive so you can move and stay comfortable. A pair that’s tight at the waist gets uncomfortable fast.

Business on the outside, party underneath. I’m obsessed with the juxtaposition a blazer provides: lingerie is a thousand percent flirty, but the blazer adds an element of mystery that makes it even sexier. Bonus: if you’re feeling nervous, it gives your hands something to do at the start of the session.

A dress is a beautiful way to feel elegant and covered while still being unmistakably sexy. A silky slip dress skims your curves, a sheer or lace dress teases what’s underneath, and either one is easy to slip off the shoulder as the session builds. Dresses are perfect if you want a look that feels a little more “getting ready” and a little less lingerie: soft, romantic, and very you.

ELI Boudoir Luxury boudoir photography in Los Angeles. This image showcases a beautiful red dress as an example for the best boudoir lingerie for every skin tone.
what to wear to your Boudoir photoshoot? A cardigan or cozy sweater with a matching bra and panty set underneath.

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

I’m personally obsessed with the look of a cozy cardigan or cropped sweater with lingerie peeking out underneath. It’s warm, textural, and intimate. Like the blazer and jacket, it also gives you something to do with your hands, so the beginning of your session feels a lot less awkward.

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

Swimwear is an underrated boudoir outfit, especially for a shower or bath look. A wet one-piece or bikini, or a wet white crop top, clings in all the right ways and adds a completely different energy to your gallery. If you want something playful and unexpected between your lingerie looks, this is it.

Boudoir photograph at el matador beach in Los Angeles

When in doubt, go completely nude. I’m all for embracing your body, falling in love with your stretch marks and any “blemishes.” Your body is beautiful, and there’s nothing wrong with celebrating it and wanting photographs that make you fall further in love with it. For implied nude, I love working with a simple white sheet (it creates a little mystery) or a pair of heels and nothing else, which makes your legs look a million miles long. If loving your body in front of the camera feels like a leap, my 10-step process to fall in love with your body is a gentle place to start.

The right accessories transform any of these looks. A pair of stilettos, knee-high heeled boots, or strappy heels adds instant flare and makes your legs look endless, though going barefoot is just as sexy, so it’s never required.

Jewelry is an underrated finishing touch, too. From statement earrings to a delicate necklace, it’s the perfect way to add a pop of personality. I love pairing bold earrings with something simple like a black bodysuit.

Shooting for a particular season or season of life? I have dedicated guides to winter and holiday boudoir outfits and maternity boudoir outfits, too.

An photograph showing a woman adjusting her heel. A great way to elevate your Boudoir outfit

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

Boudoir Outfits for Every Body Type

Here’s what I want you to hear clearly: I don’t believe in “hiding” any part of your body.

So much outfit advice is built around camouflaging your stomach, minimizing your arms, or covering up whatever you’ve been taught to be self-conscious about. I reject all of it. Every body is a boudoir body, and the point of your session isn’t to disguise you. It’s to celebrate exactly what you look like. The right outfit isn’t the one that hides you; it’s the one that makes you feel powerful.

I go much deeper on this, and on choosing looks you’ll actually love whatever your shape or size, in my full guide to boudoir outfits for every body type. Read it before you shop.

What to Wear for a Bridal Boudoir Shoot

Planning a bridal boudoir session, whether as a gift for your partner before the wedding or purely for you? These are some of my favorite looks to shoot. Lean into white and ivory: a delicate white lingerie set, a bridal bodysuit, or a sheer slip or robe in that getting-ready spirit. Little bridal touches are what make the gallery feel unmistakably yours: a veil, a garter, your something-blue, or the heels you’ll wear down the aisle. If you want a nod to the day without going head-to-toe white, an oversized white button-down (his or yours) is a timeless choice. And the rule holds here like everywhere else: wear whatever makes you feel like the most radiant version of yourself. (New to the idea? Here’s why every bride should do a bridal boudoir session, and where to buy bridal lingerie for the shoot.)

What Colors Photograph Best for Boudoir?

Color is one of the most overlooked parts of choosing a boudoir outfit, and it makes a real difference in your final gallery.

Classic black is timeless and endlessly flattering; it’s sleek and photographs beautifully on every skin tone. White and soft nudes read as fresh, romantic, and a little vulnerable, which is why they’re so gorgeous for a natural-light or bedsheet look. Deep jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, and sapphire add richness and drama, and a bold red is the definition of confident and sexy.

Pastels are lovely if you want something softer and more delicate. The one thing I steer clients away from is busy patterns and stripes: they compete with you and pull focus. When in doubt, choose solids and let the color complement your skin rather than distract from it. For a deeper dive by complexion, see my guide to the best boudoir lingerie colors for every skin tone.

Not sure what suits you? Bring a couple of options in different tones and we’ll shoot the ones that make you light up.

What Should I Bring to My Boudoir Session?

This is one of the most practical questions I get, and at ELI Boudoir the answer is specific: your session includes five looks, so plan to bring those five, plus a few extra options so we can choose together on the day.

A great “bring bag” usually looks like this:

  • Your five main outfits: a mix from the ideas above so your gallery shows different sides of you.
  • A couple of backups in case something doesn’t feel right once you’re here.
  • High-waisted panties in a few styles: they shape and elongate more than any other cut.
  • A pair of heels (stilettos or strappy) to lengthen your legs, even if you shoot most looks barefoot.
  • A layering piece (a blazer, cardigan, or button-down) for something to do with your hands as you warm up.
  • Anything personal (a piece your partner gave you, or one of their items) if you’d like to weave them in.
  • Jewelry to accessorize the simpler looks.

You don’t need to overthink it. Bring more than you think you’ll use; we’ll narrow it down to your five together.

Do I Have to Wear Lingerie?

Not at all. Lingerie is popular for a reason, but it’s just one option among many. Plenty of my clients never put on a traditional set. They shoot in an oversized button-down and a thong, a slip dress, jeans and a bralette, a partner’s shirt, or nothing but a white sheet.

Boudoir is about how you feel, not a dress code. If lingerie makes you feel powerful, wear it. If it doesn’t, we have ten other directions to go, and every one of them can be just as stunning.

Where to Buy Boudoir Lingerie in Los Angeles

If you’d like to shop in person here in LA, a few of my favorites:

  • The Lace Lounge: a Black- and woman-owned boutique specializing in bra fitting.
  • Le Boudoir Los Angeles: a woman-owned lingerie and accessories boutique in Echo Park with a beautifully curated selection.
  • Ilusíon: an LA boutique making affordable, beautiful luxury lingerie.
  • Gray Fashion: a family-owned LA small business with edgy, exclusive designs.
  • Hustler Hollywood: a West Hollywood shop with everything from luxury lingerie up.
  • Agent Provocateur and Honey Birdette both have stores nearby (West Hollywood and Century City).

For my full roundup, including my top online stores and detailed picks for every budget, head to my boudoir lingerie guide for Los Angeles and my full list of where to buy boudoir lingerie in LA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many outfits should I bring?

Your ELI Boudoir session includes five looks, so plan around five, and bring a few extra options and some high-waisted panties so we can choose the best combinations together on the day.

Do I have to wear lingerie?

No. Lingerie is popular, but it’s optional. Oversized shirts, slip dresses, jeans and a bralette, a partner’s clothing, or implied nude are all just as beautiful. Wear whatever makes you feel powerful.

What if I don’t feel confident?

If your first thought is “I’m not confident enough to do boudoir,” that is a load of bullshit. No one feels natural in front of the camera at first, and the whole point of a session is to make you feel powerful, confident, and sexy. My job as your photographer is to help you see your inner and outer beauty and leave with a pep in your step. If nerves are the real hesitation, I wrote a whole post on what to wear when you’re feeling insecure, plus 10 common misconceptions about boudoir and why none of them should hold you back.

What should I wear if I’m plus size?

Whatever makes you feel amazing. I don’t believe in hiding any part of your body. High-waisted panties, corsets, bodysuits, and dresses are all beautifully flattering, but the real rule is comfort and confidence. More in my guide to boudoir outfits for every body type and my body-positive plus-size lingerie guide.

What should I wear if I’m over 40?

The same energy applies. There’s no age cutoff on feeling powerful. Choose looks that make you feel like the best version of yourself, whether that’s a classic lingerie set, a slip dress, or a crisp button-down. Boudoir is for every stage of life. More in my post on boudoir over 40.

What should I wear for a bridal or wedding boudoir shoot?

Lean into white and ivory: a white lingerie set, a bridal bodysuit, or a sheer slip or robe. Add personal bridal touches like a veil, a garter, your something-blue, or your wedding-day heels. An oversized white button-down is a great softer option if you don’t want head-to-toe white.

Can I wear my partner’s clothing?

Absolutely, and it’s one of my favorite touches. A button-down, a jersey, even a pair of their sweatpants paired with the right lingerie can be breathtaking, and it quietly signals you had them in mind. You can also bring a gift they gave you (jewelry, a piece of lingerie, a book) to work into a look.

Can I do nude or implied nude?

Yes. Nude and implied nude are beautiful, celebratory options. A simple white sheet or a pair of heels creates just enough mystery, and it’s a wonderful way to fall further in love with your body.

What colors photograph best?

Black, white, and soft nudes are timeless and universally flattering; jewel tones and a bold red add richness and drama; pastels feel soft and romantic. The main thing to avoid is busy patterns and stripes, which pull focus from you.


Ready to plan your five looks? Inquire about your ELI Boudoir session here.

The best thing to wear to a boudoir photoshoot is whatever makes you feel like the most powerful version of yourself, whether that’s lingerie, a flowing dress, an oversized button-down, or your partner’s jacket. Every ELI Boudoir session includes five looks, so the goal isn’t one perfect outfit, it’s a mix that shows different sides of you. This guide walks through outfit ideas for every body and style so you can confidently choose your five.

ELI Boudoir Luxury Boudoir Photography in Los Angeles. The woman is wearing a pink cardigan and is positioned between a couch and a window.

Your boudoir outfit is a critical part of your photoshoot. The right one makes you feel powerful, beautiful, confident, and sexy. That always shows up in your photos.

But here’s the most important factor: your comfort. If you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it will show through in your session, so don’t choose an outfit just because it’s meant to be sexier. The options are genuinely endless, and whether you’re planning a studio session or an outdoor boudoir photoshoot in Los Angeles, the goal is a boudoir outfit that feels authentic to you.

Below are 11 boudoir outfit ideas, from lingerie to everyday clothing, that photograph beautifully, flatter your figure, and let your personality come through, plus the best colors, what to bring, and where to shop for boudoir lingerie in LA.

11 Boudoir Outfit Ideas

These are in no particular order, and there’s no single “right” one. Most of my clients mix a few of these across their five looks.

Arguably the most traditional and popular boudoir outfit, and the most common one worn to my sessions at ELI Boudoir here in Los Angeles. There’s a reason it’s the most popular: it looks amazing on everybody.

Traditional two- and three-piece sets usually feature delicate lace or silky fabric that reads as elegant, classy, and cheeky all at once. Wearing lingerie sets is like the adult version of playing dress up: incredibly flattering and sexy.

The insider scoop is to always choose high-waisted panties. The panty line gives your figure more shape, elongates your legs, and can conceal your stomach a little. A three-piece set adds a garter belt to the mix, and even on its own a garter belt can spice up almost any look. My favorite version is when it’s attached to nothing at all.

One quick tip that makes a world of difference: get fitted and buy the right bra size. If you’re unsure, the A Bra That Fits calculator is great, or most department stores will help. Want some flair? Look for embroidery, lacework, or cutouts. There’s no wrong style: balconette, demi, push-up, racerback, or bralette all work.

What to wear to your Boudoir photoshoot? This photo is of a beautiful Boudoir outfit classic - a stunning two piece lingerie set

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

If you’re searching for the perfect answer to what to wear, a bodysuit might be it. They’re my personal favorite boudoir outfit. A bodysuit can be a slightly more reserved option while still accentuating all of your curves, and many of them are genuinely comfortable, which puts my clients at ease. Lacy bodysuits and bodysuits with cutouts are my all-time favorites.

If you want to spice one up, pair it with thigh-highs or heels.

Best Boudoir Photography Poses ELI Boudoir Los Angeles Southern California

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

a classic Boudoir outfit and accessory for lingerie - a button down shirt. In this photograph, the client is kneeling on a couch

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

A corset paired with high-waisted panties is one of the most flattering, figure-defining looks you can bring. It cinches the waist, lifts everything, and creates that classic hourglass shape on any body. Corsets also photograph beautifully because of the structure and texture: the boning and lacing catch light in a way soft fabrics don’t. If you love the idea of a sculpted, powerful silhouette, this is your outfit.

Anonymous Christmas Boudoir Session in a red shirt looking into a mirror in Los Angeles Studio

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

The magic of oversized clothing is how it seduces the eye. It draws your focus to what could be underneath and makes you want to see more. Pair an oversized shirt or sweatshirt with a high-waisted or lacy panty. If you’re doing your session as a gift for a partner, bring one of their pieces. I guarantee they’ll never forget that sweatshirt.

what to wear to your Boudoir photoshoot? A classic white button down with a simple bra and panty set underneath.

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

If I had to choose a favorite addition, this might take my money. Button-downs are so fun to play with and pair with the majority of the other outfits you’ll bring.

Let me paint the scene: you’re in a white button-down and a thong. We start from behind, so your gorgeous hair shows but your body is concealed by the shirt. Then we play with it: glimpses of your butt, then your midriff, then your face and the sexy panties underneath. It’s an amazing way to ease into a session before working up to a lingerie set or any other look.

Keep the shirt simple. Busy patterns and stripes compete with you, so skip them. A solid or soft pastel is perfect.

Luxury boudoir photography in Los Angeles by ELI Boudoir.
Standing wood outdoor portrait photograph at Placeritas Canyon in Los Angeles with a Cowboy Hat in Jean shorts and a Bra

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

Jeans are the pants equivalent of an oversized sweatshirt with lacy panties. Paired with no shirt or a bralette, they’re effortlessly sexy. Just choose a pair that isn’t too restrictive so you can move and stay comfortable. A pair that’s tight at the waist gets uncomfortable fast.

Business on the outside, party underneath. I’m obsessed with the juxtaposition a blazer provides: lingerie is a thousand percent flirty, but the blazer adds an element of mystery that makes it even sexier. Bonus: if you’re feeling nervous, it gives your hands something to do at the start of the session.

A dress is a beautiful way to feel elegant and covered while still being unmistakably sexy. A silky slip dress skims your curves, a sheer or lace dress teases what’s underneath, and either one is easy to slip off the shoulder as the session builds. Dresses are perfect if you want a look that feels a little more “getting ready” and a little less lingerie: soft, romantic, and very you.

ELI Boudoir Luxury boudoir photography in Los Angeles. This image showcases a beautiful red dress as an example for the best boudoir lingerie for every skin tone.
what to wear to your Boudoir photoshoot? A cardigan or cozy sweater with a matching bra and panty set underneath.

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

I’m personally obsessed with the look of a cozy cardigan or cropped sweater with lingerie peeking out underneath. It’s warm, textural, and intimate. Like the blazer and jacket, it also gives you something to do with your hands, so the beginning of your session feels a lot less awkward.

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

Swimwear is an underrated boudoir outfit, especially for a shower or bath look. A wet one-piece or bikini, or a wet white crop top, clings in all the right ways and adds a completely different energy to your gallery. If you want something playful and unexpected between your lingerie looks, this is it.

Boudoir photograph at el matador beach in Los Angeles

When in doubt, go completely nude. I’m all for embracing your body, falling in love with your stretch marks and any “blemishes.” Your body is beautiful, and there’s nothing wrong with celebrating it and wanting photographs that make you fall further in love with it. For implied nude, I love working with a simple white sheet (it creates a little mystery) or a pair of heels and nothing else, which makes your legs look a million miles long. If loving your body in front of the camera feels like a leap, my 10-step process to fall in love with your body is a gentle place to start.

The right accessories transform any of these looks. A pair of stilettos, knee-high heeled boots, or strappy heels adds instant flare and makes your legs look endless, though going barefoot is just as sexy, so it’s never required.

Jewelry is an underrated finishing touch, too. From statement earrings to a delicate necklace, it’s the perfect way to add a pop of personality. I love pairing bold earrings with something simple like a black bodysuit.

Shooting for a particular season or season of life? I have dedicated guides to winter and holiday boudoir outfits and maternity boudoir outfits, too.

An photograph showing a woman adjusting her heel. A great way to elevate your Boudoir outfit

Photograph by ELI Boudoir

Boudoir Outfits for Every Body Type

Here’s what I want you to hear clearly: I don’t believe in “hiding” any part of your body.

So much outfit advice is built around camouflaging your stomach, minimizing your arms, or covering up whatever you’ve been taught to be self-conscious about. I reject all of it. Every body is a boudoir body, and the point of your session isn’t to disguise you. It’s to celebrate exactly what you look like. The right outfit isn’t the one that hides you; it’s the one that makes you feel powerful.

I go much deeper on this, and on choosing looks you’ll actually love whatever your shape or size, in my full guide to boudoir outfits for every body type. Read it before you shop.

What to Wear for a Bridal Boudoir Shoot

Planning a bridal boudoir session, whether as a gift for your partner before the wedding or purely for you? These are some of my favorite looks to shoot. Lean into white and ivory: a delicate white lingerie set, a bridal bodysuit, or a sheer slip or robe in that getting-ready spirit. Little bridal touches are what make the gallery feel unmistakably yours: a veil, a garter, your something-blue, or the heels you’ll wear down the aisle. If you want a nod to the day without going head-to-toe white, an oversized white button-down (his or yours) is a timeless choice. And the rule holds here like everywhere else: wear whatever makes you feel like the most radiant version of yourself. (New to the idea? Here’s why every bride should do a bridal boudoir session, and where to buy bridal lingerie for the shoot.)

What Colors Photograph Best for Boudoir?

Color is one of the most overlooked parts of choosing a boudoir outfit, and it makes a real difference in your final gallery.

Classic black is timeless and endlessly flattering; it’s sleek and photographs beautifully on every skin tone. White and soft nudes read as fresh, romantic, and a little vulnerable, which is why they’re so gorgeous for a natural-light or bedsheet look. Deep jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, and sapphire add richness and drama, and a bold red is the definition of confident and sexy.

Pastels are lovely if you want something softer and more delicate. The one thing I steer clients away from is busy patterns and stripes: they compete with you and pull focus. When in doubt, choose solids and let the color complement your skin rather than distract from it. For a deeper dive by complexion, see my guide to the best boudoir lingerie colors for every skin tone.

Not sure what suits you? Bring a couple of options in different tones and we’ll shoot the ones that make you light up.

What Should I Bring to My Boudoir Session?

This is one of the most practical questions I get, and at ELI Boudoir the answer is specific: your session includes five looks, so plan to bring those five, plus a few extra options so we can choose together on the day.

A great “bring bag” usually looks like this:

  • Your five main outfits: a mix from the ideas above so your gallery shows different sides of you.
  • A couple of backups in case something doesn’t feel right once you’re here.
  • High-waisted panties in a few styles: they shape and elongate more than any other cut.
  • A pair of heels (stilettos or strappy) to lengthen your legs, even if you shoot most looks barefoot.
  • A layering piece (a blazer, cardigan, or button-down) for something to do with your hands as you warm up.
  • Anything personal (a piece your partner gave you, or one of their items) if you’d like to weave them in.
  • Jewelry to accessorize the simpler looks.

You don’t need to overthink it. Bring more than you think you’ll use; we’ll narrow it down to your five together.

Do I Have to Wear Lingerie?

Not at all. Lingerie is popular for a reason, but it’s just one option among many. Plenty of my clients never put on a traditional set. They shoot in an oversized button-down and a thong, a slip dress, jeans and a bralette, a partner’s shirt, or nothing but a white sheet.

Boudoir is about how you feel, not a dress code. If lingerie makes you feel powerful, wear it. If it doesn’t, we have ten other directions to go, and every one of them can be just as stunning.

Where to Buy Boudoir Lingerie in Los Angeles

If you’d like to shop in person here in LA, a few of my favorites:

  • The Lace Lounge: a Black- and woman-owned boutique specializing in bra fitting.
  • Le Boudoir Los Angeles: a woman-owned lingerie and accessories boutique in Echo Park with a beautifully curated selection.
  • Ilusíon: an LA boutique making affordable, beautiful luxury lingerie.
  • Gray Fashion: a family-owned LA small business with edgy, exclusive designs.
  • Hustler Hollywood: a West Hollywood shop with everything from luxury lingerie up.
  • Agent Provocateur and Honey Birdette both have stores nearby (West Hollywood and Century City).

For my full roundup, including my top online stores and detailed picks for every budget, head to my boudoir lingerie guide for Los Angeles and my full list of where to buy boudoir lingerie in LA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many outfits should I bring?

Your ELI Boudoir session includes five looks, so plan around five, and bring a few extra options and some high-waisted panties so we can choose the best combinations together on the day.

Do I have to wear lingerie?

No. Lingerie is popular, but it’s optional. Oversized shirts, slip dresses, jeans and a bralette, a partner’s clothing, or implied nude are all just as beautiful. Wear whatever makes you feel powerful.

What if I don’t feel confident?

If your first thought is “I’m not confident enough to do boudoir,” that is a load of bullshit. No one feels natural in front of the camera at first, and the whole point of a session is to make you feel powerful, confident, and sexy. My job as your photographer is to help you see your inner and outer beauty and leave with a pep in your step. If nerves are the real hesitation, I wrote a whole post on what to wear when you’re feeling insecure, plus 10 common misconceptions about boudoir and why none of them should hold you back.

What should I wear if I’m plus size?

Whatever makes you feel amazing. I don’t believe in hiding any part of your body. High-waisted panties, corsets, bodysuits, and dresses are all beautifully flattering, but the real rule is comfort and confidence. More in my guide to boudoir outfits for every body type and my body-positive plus-size lingerie guide.

What should I wear if I’m over 40?

The same energy applies. There’s no age cutoff on feeling powerful. Choose looks that make you feel like the best version of yourself, whether that’s a classic lingerie set, a slip dress, or a crisp button-down. Boudoir is for every stage of life. More in my post on boudoir over 40.

What should I wear for a bridal or wedding boudoir shoot?

Lean into white and ivory: a white lingerie set, a bridal bodysuit, or a sheer slip or robe. Add personal bridal touches like a veil, a garter, your something-blue, or your wedding-day heels. An oversized white button-down is a great softer option if you don’t want head-to-toe white.

Can I wear my partner’s clothing?

Absolutely, and it’s one of my favorite touches. A button-down, a jersey, even a pair of their sweatpants paired with the right lingerie can be breathtaking, and it quietly signals you had them in mind. You can also bring a gift they gave you (jewelry, a piece of lingerie, a book) to work into a look.

Can I do nude or implied nude?

Yes. Nude and implied nude are beautiful, celebratory options. A simple white sheet or a pair of heels creates just enough mystery, and it’s a wonderful way to fall further in love with your body.

What colors photograph best?

Black, white, and soft nudes are timeless and universally flattering; jewel tones and a bold red add richness and drama; pastels feel soft and romantic. The main thing to avoid is busy patterns and stripes, which pull focus from you.


Ready to plan your five looks? Inquire about your ELI Boudoir session here.