What to Wear for Your Boudoir Session: Outfit Ideas for Women, Men, or However You Identify
- Trevor Cornish
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 29
"What do I wear?" is hands-down the biggest question I get asked before a shoot. And if you're wondering the same thing, you're in very good company.
This "What to Wear?" guide is going to be a little different because at Black Crow Boudoir, I shoot everyone: women, men, or however someone identifies or chooses to present themselves. Confidence isn't gendered, and neither is the right to feel empowered and want to celebrate yourself in front of the camera. So this guide is going to offer outfit ideas that fall into categories more traditionally associated with women, ideas more traditionally associated with men, and a whole lot of options that work beautifully no matter how you identify (there are so many more than you’d think).
The goal isn't to fit into a specific idea of what boudoir "should" look like, it’s to find pieces that feel like you. Something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and a little bit powerful in your own skin. It could be the simplicity of a comfortable pair of jeans and a sports bra. Or a cozy sweater or oversized shirt with a pair of knee-socks. Or maybe some latex or leather is needed to give you that spark. Whatever speaks to you, it’s all welcome.
A FEW THINGS HOLD TRUE FOR EVERYONE:
Comfort beats "sexy on paper" every time. If a piece pinches, rides up, or makes you self-conscious, it'll show on camera. Confidence photographs; discomfort does too. Yes, some outfits are naturally tight and form fitting, but you know the difference between that and feeling like a stuffed sausage.
Texture and layers do a lot of work. Something you can open, shrug off, unbutton, or peel back gives us more to play with than a single flat outfit. Try on a piece and then think: what could I add to this, layer, or accessorize to take it up a notch? As well as what is something I can remove later?
Try everything on ahead of time. Move in it, sit in it, see how it actually feels on your body, not just how it looks on a hanger. This is so important, please do it. You have no idea how many people don't despite my insistence, and they always regret it.
Send me photos before your session. Send pics of your outfits laid out on a bed or floor, on a hanger, or a quick mirror selfie, whatever is easy and you're comfortable with. It helps me plan the mood, the sets, and lighting that actually complements what you're bringing.
FEMININE OPTIONS:
When most people think about "boudoir" their mind jumps straight to lingerie — and lingerie is a beautiful, classic choice. But it's far from the only one. Think of it as one option among many, not the default you're locked into.
Bra and panty sets, bodysuits, teddies, babydolls
Corsets and waist cinchers
Slip dresses and "sexy little dress" pieces (starting with the dress to reveal what's underneath is always fun)
Lace or feather robes, kimonos, dressing gowns
Vintage and pin-up inspired pieces
Stockings, fishnets, thigh-highs, garters
Socks, knee-highs, or leg warmers
Shoes: heels, boots, Doc Martens, even Chuck Taylors
Props: a boa, a fan, a bit of jewelry — body chains, layered necklaces, statement earrings
MASCULINE OPTIONS:
I generally suggest starting by leaning into a classic masculine archetype: the cowboy, the businessman, the badass in a well-worn leather jacket and boots. Then pair it with timeless basics: a plain white tee and jeans, or a denim jacket, which can feel just as powerful as anything more revealing. With this as the base, we can then start to peel it back and see how far you want to take it.
Boxer briefs, briefs, or athletic underwear
An open button-down or unbuttoned suit vest
A leather harness
Suspenders, worn with or without a shirt
Kilt — utility or ceremonial
A robe left open — silk, velvet, or waffle-knit all work
Overalls, coveralls
Work-wear (who doesn't love someone that doesn't mind getting their hands dirty)
A denim jacket, leather jacket, or peacoat (Peaky Blinder vibes)
Motorcycle boots or combat boots as a grounding accessory
WORKS FOR LITERALLY ANYONE:
Some outfits are just universal, and these options work great on pretty much anyone.
A well-fitted suit looks good on everyone — worn buttoned up or opened
A button-down shirt (white, flannel, or otherwise)
A plain t-shirt, cropped or not
Your favourite pair of jeans
A tank top
Athletic wear: sports bra, workout gear
Team jersey, sports gear or paraphernalia
A jean jacket, leather jacket, trenchcoat, or fur
A bedsheet, towel or piece of fabric (simple, and surprisingly striking)
Animal print in any form
Latex, PVC, or kink-wear
Festival/rave wear
All the suggestions above are a starting point, not a rulebook. And even though I’ve labeled them female, male, or for everyone, don’t let that silly labeling define whether that’s right for you or not. If it sparks an idea, it’s worth exploring.
BEFORE YOUR SHOOT:
About a week before your session, I'll ask you to narrow things down to 3–5 outfit options. Try everything on properly, see what actually feels like you, and don't worry if something's not quite working, that's exactly what this step is for.
Deciding what to wear is, for a lot of people, the most stressful part of the whole process. Getting it sorted ahead of time takes that pressure off and allows you to relax so you can show up and just be in the experience.
And after all of this you're still not sure what to wear, that's what I'm here for. Send me a message and we can figure it out together.
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