Is a closet full of traditional lingerie really necessary for your boudoir session? 

Once you start planning your boudoir session you of course start gathering a selection of images and outfits that serve as inspiration for your session. If you're looking for garter belts (and gator belts, and monte carlos, and el dorados... sorry, I went off into an Outkast tangent, It's my Atlanta raising coming out), lace push-up bras, frilly thongs, etc then you won't have a hard time at all finding wardrobe inspiration for your boudoir session. 

Well, what if you're not exactly a lace push-up bra kind of person? Where do you find inspiration for your boudoir session when you don't love any of the 'typical' wardrobe choices that are available? 

So many of our clients aren't into 'typical' lingerie but will still bring it in because they don't know what else to bring. I'm all for bringing items that are out of your comfort zone (hello pearl thong!!), but there's no need to bring items in because you feel like you HAVE to. 

Here is a great example of shapewear being used during a boudoir session! 

Here are some ideas for alternatives to your typical lingerie options, and we've worked with all of these during boudoir sessions so we support these choices 100%!

1) Shapewear- This can seem like an odd idea, shapewear isn't exactly known for being photogenic, in fact the whole point is for it to make something ELSE look photogenic. However, lately there has been a trend in shapewear where the designers are adding a bit of personality to an otherwise boring (but highly effective) undergarment. The bonus? Shapewear SHAPES you and so it is great for nipping and tucking in certain bits that you may want concealed. 

Check out this amazing option from SPANX

2)  Sleepshirts- While traditionally worn with pants (and not the first item you consider when you're planning your boudoir session), we're going to forgo the pants for this style and just use the shirt! Sleepshirts tend to be a little baggier and feature buttons all of the way down (or at least halfway). The amazing thing about sleep shirts is that we can 'sex it up' by unbuttoning the shirts, pulling the hem up the thigh, taking the collar off of the shoulder (with fully button-down versions), etc. Fabric is super important with sleep shirts, so go for thinner fabrics that form to the body and avoid super thick plaid that doesn't move. I'd also avoid crazy patterns like tiny sleeping rubber duckies :) 

Check out this beautiful option (and I love the fabric!)

3) Classic Blazer and Trouser/Skirt look- Cue the 'sexy Lawyer', or literally any profession :) I love love love this look and we get it a LOT in studio. Since blazers and trousers/high waisted skirt are typically already fitted and tailored to your body shape they automatically photograph really well. Simply remove the shirt from underneath your blazer and you've made your work outfit boudoir-ready. If you don't want to go topless underneath the blazer (or don't want to wear a blazer at all!) then try adding a simple bra or a bodysuit. This look is powerful and sexy and a great alternative to the traditional boudoir wardrobe. 

Check out this two-piece set from ASOS (just imagine it without a shirt!)

There you have a few great alternatives for the traditional boudoir wardrobe of lingerie and pearls. A few other alternatives? Sweatpants, big cardigans, and of course NUDE! 

Ready to book your OWN boudoir session? Click here for more info!

Before you start inboxing me about where you can get the gorgeous lingerie featured in this post, I'll go ahead and tell you to head on over to Honey Birdette and fill up your shopping cart. This stuff is absolutely gorgeous and every single boudoir session that has brought in this lingerie brand has photographed so perfectly! 

Ok, PSA over :) 

Now, I can't wait for you to read through this interview. You can just tell from her words that this bubbly beauty, mother, nurse, wife, and friend is a joy to be around and is radiating the confidence that was there all along. We had an incredible day together and really made the whole boudoir session an excuse for her to take a 'me day'. Often times we can lose ourselves in the routines of life, forgetting how unique and beautiful we really are. If you're finding yourself in that space then consider living by her example and booking a time for YOU. Book your boudoir session, go have dinner by yourself, get a manicure, lay on the couch and stare at the ceiling.... whatever you've got to do! 

Enjoy, xoxo

Sarah

1) How old are you... or if you prefer, who were you listening to at age 14 :)? 

     I’m 34. 

2) What do you do for a living? Or... How do you typically spend your days?

     I am a nurse. I currently work in an oncology ICU. 

3) What prompted you to consider booking a boudoir session? 

                This is something that I have wanted to do for years. I fell like I always go above and beyond for others so I made a New Years resolution to start doing more things for me. It seemed like the perfect time to finally book my session! 

4) Fears and hesitations are common when it comes to boudoir! What (if any) fears or hesitations did you have with regards to your session?

I was really worried that I wouldn’t get images as good as all the others that I have seen. Boy was I wrong! I was also worried that when I viewed my images I would be able to pick out all the things about my body that I hate, wrong again! 

5) Thank you so much for choosing OWN! What was it about us that made you choose us for your boudoir session?

My initial attraction was simply seeing Sarah’s work. I mean, it speaks for itself. All of the images are so classic and timeless. Once I reached out to get additional info about potentially booking a shoot I was sold! Everyone that works in this company in AMAZING and the personalities are the BEST. 

6) How was the actual session different from what you expected (if at all)?

It was a lot like what I anticipated except way more laid back. 

7) What was your favorite part of the entire experience? (primping, the shoot, seeing images, giving the images..etc)

It is so hard to pick just one favorite part. I for sure loved the primping because that is so far out of my ordinary routine. I would have to say I really enjoyed hanging out with Sarah and the fact that the whole day was all about me! 

8) How has the response been to your images?

  Amazing! So far everyone has loved them.

9) What is your advice for women interested in such a session (aside from "JUST DO IT!!!")?

 Make the time and do this for you. It is about so much more than what your body looks like. 

10) What has changed about the way you see your OWN beauty?

 Now that I am older and more confident what I think about myself is so much more important than what other people think about me.