Elevation Boudoir · Tuscaloosa, AL
Lingerie Guide
What to Wear for Your Session
Welcome
We know lingerie shopping
can feel overwhelming.
We've spent years photographing every body shape, size, and style preference. What works on camera isn't always what you'd expect. This guide covers everything you need — style types, fit, color, how many to bring, and where to shop.
Questions? Text us at 205.496.5383 — we genuinely love helping clients pull their wardrobe together.
What to Wear
Style Types
Bra & Panty Sets
A classic for a reason. Make sure nothing is digging in at the waist, armpit, or straps — when the fit is right, this is one of the most versatile looks you can bring.
Teddies & Bodysuits
One piece, full coverage, and incredibly versatile. Bodysuits hold their shape, feel supportive, and photograph beautifully on every body type.
Bustiers & Corsets
More defined waist, lifted bust — these create a stunning silhouette on camera. We recommend bustiers over corsets for full range of motion during poses.
Garter Belts & Stockings
Add an editorial, elevated layer to almost any look. Pair with fishnets or sheer stockings — or look for pieces with garters already built in.
Robes & Kimonos
Not just a cover-up — a look in its own right. Silk, satin, and lace robes photograph with a softness and luxury that's hard to replicate.
Clothing & Layers
An oversized sweater, a button-down, a silk slip — these create a completely different feel and add variety without requiring lingerie underneath.
Finding Your Fit
Body Shapes & What to Look For
Every body photographs differently. Use this as a starting point — we're always happy to weigh in before you shop.
Rectangle
Similar hip, waist, and chest measurements.
Bikini cuts and ruched fabric add curves. Avoid full-coverage bottoms that flatten the frame.
Round / Apple
Wider torso, full waist and bust, flatter bottom.
High-cut or higher-waist styles with thicker elastic define the waist without adding bulk.
Hourglass
Defined waist with proportionate curves.
Almost everything works. Lean into fitted styles. Avoid pieces that hide your waist.
Triangle / Pear
Smaller top, rounder bottom, wider hips.
More structure on top balances the frame. High-waist or hipster bottoms elongate the torso.
Inverted Triangle
Wider shoulders or top, smaller bottom.
Avoid super high-waist or boxy styles. Size slightly down on bottoms to avoid excess material.
Must-Haves
Wardrobe Staples
These items work on every body, photograph beautifully, and we recommend them to almost every client.
Fishnets
Add these to your cart right now. Fishnets add incredible texture and depth to any shot and work solo or layered over everything. Medium or large diamond patterns — or both.
Harnesses & Body Straps
Geometric structure and visual interest over skin or layered over lingerie. Even a simple black harness can completely transform an image.
Sweaters & Knits
Flattering on every body type. Wear over lingerie, pair with a bralette and fishnets, or use as a cover-up. Perfect for softer, more intimate shots.
Hats & Sunglasses
Instantly changes the mood of a shot and adds personality. Also one of the easiest ways to get more anonymous images without your face front-and-center.
Body Jewelry
Body chains, chest pieces, waist chains, pearl strands — these photograph beautifully with any outfit and look spectacular worn with just the sheets. We have a selection in our studio closet.
Shoes
Elongate the leg and anchor the look. Heels, boots, wedding shoes, roller skates — bring something that feels like you.
Wardrobe Planning
Color Planning
Rich jewel tones, warm earth tones, soft pastels, and classic black & white photograph beautifully. Neons and electric brights pull the viewer's eye away from you and often lose detail in camera.
Wear these
Deep jewel tones, warm earth tones, soft neutrals, classic black & white.
Avoid these
Neons, electric brights, high-contrast patterns.
Planning Your Wardrobe
How Many Outfits to Bring
We recommend at least three looks — each with a different feel — so your gallery has real variety.
1
The Statement
Bold and editorial. A strappy harness, dramatic lace, or body chain. The look that stops you mid-scroll.
2
The Classic
A fitted set or bodysuit in a flattering color. Timeless and clean.
3
The Soft Look
A robe, sweater, or button-down. Creates a completely different mood — often clients' favorite images.
+
Extras
Fishnets, a hat, meaningful jewelry — the details that make a session feel like you.
Easy to Overlook
Don't Forget These
Three things clients almost always wish they'd packed: a hat, a pair of sunglasses, and a robe or oversized shirt. Each one completely changes the mood of a shot and gives you a look you'd never expect to love.
Statement Looks
Bondage & Strappy
Harnesses, straps, and bondage-inspired pieces are some of the most editorial looks you can bring to a session. The geometric lines, the hardware, the contrast against skin — they photograph unlike anything else. Pair with skin, layer over lingerie, or wear solo.
For Brides
Bridal Boudoir
Your wedding veil, a white lace set, a silk slip, satin pajamas — all of it makes for stunning images. Let us know if you're doing a bridal session so we can plan your wardrobe and shots around your vision.
Special Sessions
Maternity Boudoir
A maternity session is in a category of its own. Flowing gowns, wrap robes, draped fabric, and sheer layers all work beautifully — and we love implied nude maternity work when clients are open to it.
Let us know you're expecting so we can plan timing, wardrobe, and poses specifically for where you are in your pregnancy.
An option worth knowing about
Nude & Implied Nude
There is something extraordinary about a client who chooses to strip it all back — bare minimum, just her. When the worry about what to wear disappears and you simply exist in the frame, the images carry a rawness and depth that nothing else can replicate.
We've never had a single client who chose implied nude regret it. Not one.
Of course, this is 100% your choice. Always.
Before You Shop
Things Worth Remembering
01
Fit Over Coverage
Pieces that are very loose or shapeless tend to hide your most beautiful lines. Try fitted styles in different cuts. What feels more exposing in a dressing room often looks stunning on camera.
02
Embrace Color
Rich, deep tones and warm earth shades give a timeless look. Experiment with shades that complement your skin tone. When in doubt, text us before you shop.
03
Watch Patterns
Patterns can create a moiré effect — an optical distortion in the final image. Bring patterns you love, but always pack solid-color backups.
04
We Have a Client Closet
If nothing felt quite right when you shopped — don't stress. Our Client Closet has a curated selection of lingerie in various styles, colors, and sizes. Let us know in advance.
Where to Look
Where to Shop
Luxury
Investment Pieces
$200–$1000+. Statement pieces you'll keep forever.
Budget-Friendly
Great Value
Pieces that photograph beautifully without the price tag.
Size-Inclusive
All Bodies
Broader size ranges and extended bra sizing.
Mid-Range
Reliable Classics
Familiar names, reliable quality, try-on friendly.
The Checklist
Do This & Don't You Dare
Do This
- Start shopping early — not the week before.
- Try everything on at home before session day.
- Have at least one matching bra & panty set.
- Bring one soft look — a robe, sweater, or button-down.
- Go for texture — lace, straps, and metal hardware photograph beautifully.
- Pack fishnets. Always.
- Size up rather than down when between sizes.
- Bring something personal — jewelry, a hat, something that feels like you.
- Text us if you need a second opinion before you buy.
Don't You Dare
- Get fixated on tag sizes — wear what fits.
- Bring outfits you don't love, or anything showing wear.
- Wear tight clothing for hours before your session — it leaves marks.
- Spray tan unless it's something you do regularly. Trial run first.
- Get new tattoos, piercings, or laser treatments near your session date.
- Make major hairstyle changes right before your session.
- Skip breakfast the morning of — you need the fuel.
Everyone deserves
to feel beautiful.