Boudoir Outfit Ideas: Why Colour Can Transform Your Photos
One of the most common things I see in boudoir photography is clients seeking nothing but black lingerie.
I love wearing black as much as the next person, but trust me. Let’s do something different.
And while black can absolutely look stunning, it's often not the most flattering, interesting or memorable choice.
If you're planning a boudoir shoot and wondering what colours to wear, this guide will help you think beyond black and choose outfits that photograph beautifully.
green and pink? together??? yes.
Hi, I'm Katie
I am a professional photographer of over a decade, specialising in boudoir since 2020. I have worked with hundreds of people of all shapes, sizes, ages, cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. Yet all of them have come in wanting to change - wanting to feel stronger in themselves. And all of them have come out feeling exactly that.
My photography studio is in Melbourne, Victoria.
Is Black Always the Best Colour for Boudoir?
No. Not because black is bad. But because it's often the default. And yes, I am wearing black in the photo above but that outfit was very different for me, and very outside of my comfort zone. Guess what? Look hot.
Why So Many People Choose Black
Oh it is sweet sweet comfort. Plus, especially in the 90’s and 00’s - there was a smear campaign against colours. “Black is slimming!” This is in a lot of our cores as women. And it does look hot. But please, you probably have some black lingerie at home! This is your opportunity to try something different. I encourage you to stick to one black outfit in your choices and give some colours a go!
When Black Works Beautifully
It often does! I like to suggest black outfits that also have something else going for it. I carry quite a few Thistle and Spire outfits - a beautiful lingerie brand that have a lot of embroidery and mesh. See below. Another example black working wonderfully is when it is thematic, eg S&M styles, gothic styles.
A, in a beautiful Thistle and Spire piece “Tigress”
V, your dominatrix
What Colours Photograph Best in Boudoir?
Most do! A lot depends on the editing style and studio set up (my studio is black and copper walls, mustard velvet furniture…)
Jewel Tones
Emerald
Sapphire
Burgundy/ Purple
Soft Neutrals
Cream
Beige
Champagne
Unexpected Bright Colours
Orange
Pink
Teal
Red
Choosing Colours for Your Skin Tone
“Are there any colours you're allergic to?”
This is my favourite question to ask. It gets a bit of a laugh, first of all.
“I don't know … I don't really suit orange…”
“Excellent. I'm gonna pull out some orange sets!”
Because the amount of people have told me they don't really suit orange - and then they put on the bloody orange lingerie, and they go, “oh shit, this looks really good!” And I go, “yaha” is insane to me.
Trust me, I love wearing black - black everything. My wardrobe is 90% black clothes, and I have white cats so you can imagine how fun that is, but I love getting colourful lingerie.
Fair Skin Tones
Can suit jewel tones such as emerald, bright and deep blue, deep red, rich purple. And can also suit really nicely the bright colours such as hot pink, lime green and of course, orange.
Medium and Olive Skin Tones
Also suit all of the above but also sometimes a lilac, other pastel colours and some neutral tones.
Deep Skin Tones
Jewel and bright colours really shine here.
The trick is to experiement, try the colour you aren’t sure about. You want whatever you choose to feel amazing - sometimes we can risk a colour washing you out. For example a lilac on fair skin doesn’t often work - but sometimes it does.
What If I Don't Own Colourful Lingerie?
(Almost) all the photos you see in this article and across my site are items in the client wardrobe. I have over 100 pieces, all sizes, shapes, styles and of course, colours. And if you want to buy your own, amazing! I am happy to help with suggestions or do virtual shopping with you.
Using a Client Wardrobe
So at Poledoir, you have full access to this closet. Some packages have one outfit choice, others have 4 or 5. Some boudoir photographers have a client wardrobe, some don’t - make sure you inquire!
Trying Something You'd Never Normally Wear
I had a client who only wanted to wear black. It was comfort. I said to her that she was already doing something outside of her comfort zone by doing this photoshoot. So I convinced her to try differing colours. She wore red, blue and pink for her boudoir shoot … and then went and purchased herself some pink lingerie for home after, because she unexpectedly felt so good in it!
Boudoir Outfit Ideas Beyond Lingerie
At Poledoir, I also have a range of dresses and body jewellery, as well as a white tee for that wet-tshirt look.
Oversized Shirts, Normal clothes, Leather Jackets, Bodysuits, Sheets and Fabrics, Personal items, Body Jewellery, Crowns
Are all amazing additions to your outfit, and sometimes the only thing you’re wearing ;)
W with his HANDMADE (he made it!) leather fantasy vest and just a sheet, H in cosplay and L with one of the beautiful crowns I have
A in one of three stunning gowns I have, W in her own fur coat and my crown and nails and A in one of my bodychains
W again in his own outfits, looking like the front of an album, R with some beautiful embroidery pieces and P with the pearl body chain
Trust the Unexpected
You're here for a boudoir shoot to do something different. So why not do something different with what you're going to wear.
I have this client, H who said to me, “my mum said, because I've got orange hair, I should never wear orange and I should never wear pink.”
And I said to her, “f**k what your mum says, I'm gonna put you in orange and I'm gonna put you in orange and pink.”
She was hesitant at first - years of what her mum had said circling in her head - I could see it and I get it! Things my mum has said to me came up then. Thanks, mums!
But she trusted me. And she did it. And she looked really, really hot. And she loved it. She absolutely loved it. I don't think I have had a client so grateful and happy - she sent me a little gift box, it was the damn cutest thing. I still have the card.
And she looked really hot. And she loved it. She absolutely loved it. See Hayleigh below, looking hot af in an orange set from her second shoot with me. She insisted on wearing orange again.
At Poledoir, I have an extensive wardrobe so you don’t even need to worry about what to wear, I have you covered, girl.
Of course you can BYO though ;)
H, her second time in orange.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boudoir Outfits
What Colours Are Best for Boudoir Photography?
All the colours! Experiment!
Should I Wear Black Lingerie?
Yes, if you want! But try some colours too.
What Should I Wear If I Don't Own Lingerie?
Your photographer might have a collection, otherwise see above examples for non-lingerie and / or treat yourself and do some shopping!
How Many Outfits Should I Bring?
Depends on your package. With Poledoir, you get between 1-5 depending on what package you selected. You can BYO or use Poledoir’s lingerie, or both!
Can I Wear Bright Colours?
Who said you couldn’t? Was it your mum again. Pfft. Wear what you want.
Do You Provide Lingerie?
Yes! I have heaps!
K absolutely POPPING in a red set.
Trust me. Trust in the process, trust your photographer.
Embrace the journey. Embrace the colours. Embrace yourself.
