1

10 Essential Tips for Purchasing Your Boudoir Lingerie

 

The mystery of a woman lies in her sensuality.”

– Lebo Grand, author of “Sensual Lifestyle

 

Purchasing your boudoir lingerie today is a relatively simple process, with a multitude of varying styles, colors, fabrics, designers and so on (and with online shopping now the norm, you don’t even have to leave the house if you don’t want to). However

Did you know that way back in time, way before our grandmothers were born, and before the invention of the corset and the Victorian era, it didn’t matter if you were a queen, an affluent lady, or just the poor beggar woman on the street corner, purchasing your boudoir lingerie (in fact, any undergarment, for that matter) meant… crotchless?

Back then, underwear was relatively simple and… somewhat functional.

detail of woman's lingerie during her pairs portrait and boudoir photoshoot with gloria villa photographer

It was only just before the beginning of the last century, in the interests of sensuality and adding an air of feminine mystique, that women’s underwear became closed-crotch. Apparently, this new style of sexy underwear or lingerie, with mystique now very definitely added, was responsible for many a doomed marriage being saved in the process. 

Since those times, lingerie has come a seriously long way, and the garments of today are made with comfortable, high-quality fabrics, and sensual and interesting designs. If you’re now thinking about buying lingerie for your forthcoming boudoir photoshoot, you may be wondering how best to go about it…

  • What should I choose?
  • Which style? Fabric? Color?
  • What would I look good wearing?
  • What would my partner find sensual and beautiful?

First piece of advice? Relax. Seriously, relax… There’s now so much lingerie to actually choose from, you are guaranteed to find something that will not only answer all of these questions, and more besides, but will add to and enhance your final prints or stylish boudoir photo album.

book your portrait and boudoir photoshoot in paris with gloria villa photographer button

gorgeous girl in sexy lingerie in a bathroom in Paris during her boudoir photoshoot with photographer gloria villa

Additionally, it’s not a given that every single woman on the planet automatically knows their exact size (in a number of places), and exactly what looks good and what doesn’t, and what perfectly brings out their best features.

With that in mind, here’s your “10 Essential Tips for Purchasing Your Boudoir Lingerie”- full of quality advice for the seasoned shopper and the complete novice, all tailored (no pun intended) to look absolutely stunning in your boudoir photoshoot.

You may also like: 10 TOP REASONS WHY EVERY WOMAN DESERVES A BOUDOIR SESSION

1. Start Your Lingerie Shopping at Home

Before you go out shopping for the perfect lingerie outfits for your boudoir photoshoot, start at home – literally. Check out the part of your wardrobe specially reserved for your undies, sexy or otherwise. What are your favorites? What colors are they? Which fabrics feel the most comfortable on your skin?

When it comes to lingerie, there are no rules… and no wrong choices. Well, let’s be honest – sometimes, just better ones. Finding exactly what lingerie reflects you and your taste will make you feel comfortable as possible during your boudoir photo session. Remember, boudoir photoshoots are the perfect time to treat yourself to new, and maybe different lingerie outfits.

beautiful ballerina sitting in bed header during her boudoir photoshoot in Paris

2. Relax

Yes, it was said before, and it’s now been said again! Honestly, if you are finding the whole sexy-lingerie-buying thing for your boudoir photoshoot a little stressful, just relax, and with this article, you’ll be guided calmly through the plethora of purchase options out there. And remember, every quality lingerie store has professional and trained staff to help guide you too.

The boudoir photoshoot experience is an opportunity to show the sensual and fun side of you – the more you relax and enjoy the entire process, starting with our first contact and purchasing your boudoir lingerie outfits, the more you’ll enjoy it, and the better your final prints. Sultry, smiling, and sexy looks far better than fraught with worry, rest assured!

So, take all the time you need, try on a variety of styles, even a few new ones, and you’ll leave the store happy with your purchases, and really looking forward to the boudoir photo session!

Also, the better prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll be, so check out: HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

3. Always Choose Quality

If you’re looking for high-quality lingerie that will last, always shop at a lingerie-specific store, and not a ladies clothes store. A high-quality boutique, with global or well-known local brands, will also employ knowledgeable and helpful staff, and have a large and varied selection of styles, colors, fabrics, and sizes.

4. Know Your Size(s)

This is essential advice – get yourself professionally sized. Not only is it essential to be wearing lingerie that is comfortable and, of course, a perfect fit, its feel on your skin will make you feel more confident and relaxed.

Did you know that around 85% of women are (still…) wearing the wrong size underwear? Even more strange considering that quality lingerie stores will provide this service for free – 100% gratis.

Once properly sized, you can now use these measurements to help you decide your best lingerie style. Think of buying high-quality, properly fitted lingerie as an investment in you and your happiness and confidence while wearing it.

5. Be Confident in Your Choices

With the vast wealth of lingerie available, don’t settle for an outfit that is “nearly” right – keep looking! Give yourself space and time to find something that really feels perfect to you. Lingerie is an outward show of your own confidence and femininity. As women, we can be very ruthless with ourselves. However, your partner is not. Be confident, and know that your partner will find you sensual, sexy and simply stunning whatever you wear.

 

book your portrait and boudoir photoshoot in paris with gloria villa photographer button

 

Beautiful woman posing in lingerie on a vintage sofa during her boudoir photoshoot in Paris by Gloria Villa Photographer

6. Show Off Your Favorite Features

Wearing the lingerie that makes you feel and look good is one thing – wearing lingerie that shows off your favorite features is another completely! It’ll make you feel wonderful and empowered, knowing that your resulting photos and prints are going to more than just turn your partner’s head…

For example, those women who consider their ample bosom a definite favorite feature may wish to think about corsets, bustiers or shelf bras to enhance what, in effect, nature has already enhanced. Alternatively, those who consider their bottoms a blessed asset may wish to try out fun and cheeky panties, thongs, or even garter belts.

In fact, accessories or other clothing that add to a lingerie outfit can really be the pièce de résistance. Think kimonos, camisoles, robes, even one-piece bodysuits. And you’d be surprised the difference a leather jacket or one of your partner’s shirts can make.Unless you try them out, you won’t know.

You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by a classically styled hat, jewels, and even decorative harnesses. Whatever you wish to add, remember, the purpose of truly sexy lingerie is to highlight your body’s natural curves – so let whatever you choose do exactly that.

Beautiful woman standing in lingerie on a parisian bathroom during her pairs portrait and boudoir photoshoot with gloria villa photographer

7. High-Quality Fabrics

A simple equation. The better quality your lingerie’s fabric = the better and more gentle it will feel on your skin. Every single time. Fact. Sadly, cheaper or inferior fabrics may even cause you skin irritation, as well as discomfort – not the best scenario when wanting to look your ultimate in the boudoir.

8. Go Lingerie Shopping with a Friend

If you really want an honest and truthful second opinion on something you’re trying on, why not take a friend with you? Taking a reliable friend with you to get the advice you can really trust can make the whole experience of lingerie shopping much, much easier, especially if you are a little bit of a novice when it comes to such things. Additionally, it’s a great female bonding experience. Try it out.

book your portrait and boudoir photoshoot in paris with gloria villa photographer button

9. Looking for a Match to Existing Outfits?

We’ve all been there. When one item from a particular favorite outfit needs to be replaced, in terms of authenticity, the search can often seem endless. Therefore, why not take that said outfit shopping with you, because then you’ll be able to perfectly match style, color, fabric, texture, etc., instead of trying to second guess your memory.

10. Be Experimental

If you’re concerned that everything’s looking a little similar, with maybe repetitive styles and the same sort of colors, be more adventurous – be experimental. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received about buying lingerie was this: Buy something you’ve never bought or even thought of before.

This may be the first boudoir photoshoot that you have ever treated yourself to, so make it as fun, new and daring as you like. You won’t be disappointed. For example, always the classic black and see-through number? Go bright, colorful and fun. And if your lingerie feels a little staid, why not go for the daring and erotic? You may very well find your new favorite style!

What’s that phrase they use in fashion shows? Ah, yes – the “wardrobe malfunction.” In the highly unlikely event of one of those, you’ll find a range of amazing products at my boudoir photography studio for you to purchase. These lingerie pieces are hand-picked and carefully chosen by me- for their style, their look, and how well they actually photograph – an important consideration.

If you’re looking for ideas about your boudoir lingerie, check out my other articles in this blog, specifically 25 Best Online Stores to Buy Your Boudoir Lingerie, and 12 Best Paris Stores & Boutiques to Buy Your Boudoir Lingerie.

If you have any questions at all about what to wear for your boudoir photography session, or you wish to ask about something else entirely, no problem – please feel free to connect with me, and let’s make all of these exciting things happen for you.

 

– Gloria Villa

 

Hey Gloria, I’m ready, let’s do this!

gloria villa boudoir paris photographer smiling at the camera on her about page

You deserve it!

Live the ultimate Boudoir Parisian Experience. Embrace all the fun, sexiness and  glamour Paris has to offer!

Get in touch