Alright, you've booked your session and now it's time to really start preparing for it. Anxiety starts kicking in and you're panicking about what the heck you're going to wear.

STOP

Take a deep breath (or ten) and remind yourself that this is going to be amazing.

Give yourself permission to enjoy this experience, rather than live in the fear of it. It is undeniably scary to do something new, to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. The thing is, the absolute BEST things in life happen outside of our comfort zones.

I've got you!!

Get cozy! The day of your shoot, you're going to want to dress in the loosest clothing possible. Bras, tight panties, socks, etc. all leave those pesky little indentations in your skin and those take a while to leave, so it's best to skip them.

What to wear:

-Loose dress or loose pants with loose top and no bra

-Soft, comfy shoes that won't leave marks on your feet or ankles (think UGGs, slippers, or flip flops)

The single most important thing for you to keep in mind is to stay true to yourself when you're picking your wardrobe options. I want this shoot to be a celebration of who you are, whatever that looks like for you and you alone.

Are you super fancy or more on the casual side? Frilly and feminine or edgier? There is no right or wrong here and I want you to see yourself in your beautiful images!

Lingerie comes in about 9874 million different forms. Who knew? Let's go over a few of my favourite options in the next few pages to help clear things up.

Some styles of panties are better for boudoir than others, and these three are my super faves.

1. The thong. Want to showcase your booty, a thong is a great way to do that. I always prefer more coverage rather than a g-string.
2. High waisted. High waisted panties are so flattering on all body types, but especially those of us who have some insecurities around showcasing the tum (let's be crystal clear, I love all tums and celebrate them equally but also realize some aren't ready to embrace theirs).
3. Cheeky cheekies. Another thumbs up goes to this style. Cheeky panties are made to embrace the bum cheeks and they do that fabulously.

When shopping for bras, fit is the absolute most important part. Head to your local bra shop and have a specialist properly size you. If you can, grab a matching set or two, but you can absolutely mix and match here too!

I suggest you choose at least two bras:

Something classic: A great black bra goes with so many different things for your shoot! Aim for a classic neutral colour.

Something fun: Texture (lace, strappy bits, embroidery, velvet, etc) really adds a special element to images.

Don't forget the bra's awesome little sisters-bralettes. These babies are comfy and move with your body during posing in ways a formed bras doesn't.

Get fitted by a bra specialist. Over 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. A proper fit bra makes a huge difference in appearance.

Bodysuits

Bodysuits are my jaaaaam! These babies are so gorgeous on all body types, and they come in so many fabulous options.

While some are hesitant to try a bodysuit (fitted is scary, I get it!), I really hope you will!

Why are they so flattering?

They skim your body, rather than adding bulk like some other options can (ahem, baby dolls). Look for the details like the trim or piping that creates the illusion of an hour glass figure.

Texture is where it's at in photography. Adding an interesting texture can take a lovely image up to an AWESOME one!

What to look for:

Velvet, lots of straps, lace, fishnets (shoppers has great ones with no seams), silk, sequins, other sparkly bits, embroidery, metallic fabrics.

What to avoid:

Scratchy fabrics (don't pick anything that is going to hurt or scrape you!), overwhelming design (YOU need to be the focus here), too tight stockings-fit is vital.

There is no rule in boudoir that says you have to bare it all- or even partially.

If showing loads of skin isn't your thing, that is 100% okay and you are absolutely allowed to show as much or as little skin as you want to.

You do You!

What to look for:

Long sleeve bodysuit, fitted shirts, jeans, sweaters, fishnets

What to avoid:

Using your wardrobe to hide behind, too tight or too loose of pieces- make sure they fit properly.

Add a little something special to your images with a fun accessory or two. These aren't a must, but they can be a good way to have a little extra fun with your photo shoot.

What to look for:

Body jewelry, jewelry, heels, kick ass pasties. fishnets

What to avoid:

Anything too over the top or gaudy, aim for simple rather than in your face.

When in doubt, neutral colours (white, cream, black) always look amazing!

What to avoid:

Stay away from intense, bright or neon coloured clothing. These can create a colour cast.

Now that you've gotten the low down on what styles and colours work best for photography, let's get to shopping!

Addition Elle

Adore Me

Boohoo

Fashion Nova

Forever 21

Hips and Curves

Honey Birdette

La Senza

Pink Cherry

Shopper's Drug Mart - Fishnets

Stag Shop- Have a great line called Coquette

Torrid

Victoria Secret

Yandy

Men, I didn't forget about you.

I always suggest a pair of jeans that you feel good in, and a black or white t-shirt (can be another colour but I suggest a solid colour). A button down or plaid shirt can be nice nice look too.

For your underwear choices I recommend boxers or briefs that are fitted, black or white (or solid colour). They photograph better and don't hide your body. If you wear thongs you are welcome to wear those as well.

Usually during the session men go barefoot.

Always bring more outfits than you plan to wear so that we have options. Bring one outfit that's totally out of your comfort zone, you don't have to wear it but you just might want to!

And remember that the client closet is always an option.

When in doubt, get Nekkid!