What to Wear for a Boudoir Shoot in Vancouver, BC
AKA what to wear for a boudoir shoot when you’ve decided you’re done dressing for anyone else’s gaze.
What? You didn’t expect an average boudoir style guide from us, did you?
Yeah, we thought so.
So, let’s cut right to it: You can wear whatever the f*** you want at your boudoir photoshoot.
We’re not here to hand out rules about “what photographs well.” We’re here to co-create art with you — art that feels like you. Wild, tender, bold, soft, earthy, sacred. Whatever version of yourself you want to meet in this moment.
This is your gaze. Your body. Your self-expression. No one else’s.
Your boudoir session isn’t just a photoshoot. It’s a return to your favourite self. A reminder of everything that’s already inside you.
So, when it comes to what to wear? Start here: You don’t owe anyone “pretty.” Not the lingerie brands, not your partner, not the version of you that bought something that never really felt like you.
This shoot is not about transformation… It’s about accepting yourself fully as you are, right now. And you deserve to wear whatever helps you feel fully, fiercely yourself.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
A few ideas for what you could wear to a boudoir shoot (if you’re stuck)
Why comfort + confidence > everything else
What you shouldn’t wear — if it makes you feel like crap, it’s cut
How to dress for your inner archetype
Why making your boudoir shoot your own is encouraged
How to book a boudoir photoshoot in Vancouver with Moss Photography
Let’s get into it.
The Real Answer to “What Do I Wear to a Boudoir Shoot?”
If you’ve been spiralling about what to wear, pause and breathe. It’s not that deep.
In our experience, people tend to obsess over “what to wear” because their nerves like to feel like they can exert control over something. We’re here to assure you that you could show up in a paper bag and still look f*cking hypnotizing.
It’s all about wearing whatever makes you feel the best. Because if you feel good, that radiates from the inside out, and translates into your images.
Not comfortable in lingerie? No problem.
Want to bare it all? Hell yeah.
At the end of the day, this photoshoot is for you, and we want you to feel your best — before, during, and after the shoot.
Another thing: this shoot isn’t a makeover or a reason to diet, workout, or live a different way beforehand. This is about capturing you in your purest form and celebrating the moment you’re in right now.
My Honest List of What to Wear to a Boudoir Shoot
There are no rules here — just permission.
Here are some of the most-loved “outfits” clients have chosen inside the Moss Mansion in Vancouver. Some are classic, some unconventional, but all of them are anchored in one thing: how you feel.
Fabric Only: Big Renaissance Muse energy. One of our most iconic and beloved looks. Draped fabric — sheer, satin — is pure GOLD. It evokes softness, power, and timelessness. Most clients end up doing at least one set like this, and they often say they look like they stepped out of an oil painting (because they do).
The Client Closet: Not sure what to wear? You don’t have to bring a single thing. Our curated client closet includes robes, feather fans, harnesses, body jewelry, and, of course, lingerie pieces — in sizes XS to 4X.
Bodysuits and Basics: Typically provide more coverage, and are a good starting point if you’re feeling a bit nervous. Bodysuits come in so many different styles — from sheer to lacy to full-coverage. You can also add jeans, shorts, skirts, or pants to a bodysuit. We just recommend opting for a style that isn’t racerback, as it can limit your movement during the shoot.
Bra and Panty Sets: The classic, reinvented. Whether lace, mesh, satin, strappy af, or ultra-minimal — this look can be powerful if it feels like you. Choose a colour that lights you up, a fit that doesn’t dig, and a style that feels authentic to you.
White Tank Top: Everyday wear can translate incredibly well in front of the camera. It’s simple, casual, but oh-so effortless. You can pair it with lace bottoms, jeans, or nothing at all.
Your Everyday Favourites: Your lived-in jeans. A cozy lounge set. A T-shirt with sentimental value. If it makes you feel like yourself, bring it. Casual doesn’t mean boring — it means real, and that’s always hot.
Nothing At All: Your skin is always enough, whether you want to be fully nude, partially covered, or somewhere in between. We can create deeply artful, legacy images using just light, shadow, and maybe a sheet. No pressure, ever. Just curiosity, consent, and showing only what you want to show.
What you need to know is that none of these options are required. Whatever you choose to wear is absolutely perfect.
Now, here’s what not to wear (unless you love it):
Anything that makes you want to suck in, scratch at your skin, or second guess your worth.
Outfits you bought just for the shoot, but don’t feel like you.
Anything you brought because it’s “what he’d/she’d/they’d want to see”. Unless it’s what you want, too.
Identify with a style archetype? Here are some examples of how you could play them up:
The Soft Rebel: Silk slip and bare feet — cigarette not included.
The Witchy Romantic: Velvet, lace, smoke, and shadows.
The Divine Femme Fatale: Leather, garters, and a red lip.
The Self-Reclaimed Muse: Your own damn skin, featuring a satin or sheer sheet, and nothing else but the audacity to celebrate yourself fully as is.
Your Boudoir Shoot, Your Rules
A boudoir photography session isn’t meant to be a performance, where you act like another person or character. Its purpose is to highlight and celebrate your purest and favourite self.
Your session is also fully collaborative. We call them bespoke boudoir sessions for a reason. We’re making art together, and we want you to feel like you get to imbue your essence into the experience, every step of the way.
Maybe there are parts of your identity that you’ve been curious about or want to explore. Or maybe you’ve just been too busy giving your energy to everyone else, and putting yourself last. Whether you’re commemorating a milestone or finally allowing yourself to be seen and celebrated exactly where you are… We can tap into all of that and more in your boudoir photo session.
Remember: this isn’t meant to be a performance for anyone else. It’s about uncovering new parts of what makes you you and celebrating who you are.
Book Your Boudoir Session in Vancouver, BC
We hope this eases your mind about knowing what to wear for a boudoir shoot. Plus, it gives you an insight into booking a session with Moss Photography and how we centre everything around you and your comfort.
At Moss Photography, we create a safe space for self-return, not reinvention or acting like someone other than you. Want to explore yourself, boost your confidence, and celebrate who you are with stunning images? Book a boudoir shoot now in our Greater Vancouver studio.
We can’t wait to meet you and create art together.
