Wondering what to wear for a boudoir shoot over 40? Wear what you already own and love. The pieces that make you feel like yourself in the mirror are the pieces that photograph like magic, whether you are 42, 57, or 72.
Short answer: bring two to three outfits you already feel good in, plus one wildcard that feels like you. Our Salt Lake City studio closet runs XS to 5X, so you can borrow anything you are missing, and your all female team styles every look with you before we shoot.
What should I wear over 40?
Start in your own closet. High waisted bodysuits smooth and support, a well fitted bra and panty set in black, ivory, or a jewel tone never misses, and an oversized white button down slipping off one shoulder has made more women gasp at their reveal than any corset we have stocked.
In your 50s and 60s, add three quarter sleeves, long lace robes, and wrap silhouettes that drape instead of clinging. A long silk robe over a simple black set is one of our most requested looks, and it photographs like pure luxury. Texture does more work than tightness: lace, velvet, silk, and chunky knits catch the light and flatter you without perfect posing.
Do I have to wear lingerie?
Absolutely not. An off the shoulder sweater and bare legs, a blazer with nothing under it, your favorite jeans and heels, or a sheet artfully draped, which is a whole signature set of ours. If lingerie is not your thing, skip it entirely. Boudoir is about how the photos make you feel, not checking boxes on someone else’s list.
What should I bring, and what can I borrow?
Bring two to three looks plus one wildcard: the leather jacket, the cowboy boots, the pearls. Borrow the rest from our XS to 5X closet, stocked with robes, bodysuits, and wraps in every size. Two to three looks is the sweet spot, since each look gets its own set and mood, so your gallery feels like a whole story. For ideas by shape, our Amazon idea lists are organized by body shape with notes on which silhouettes flatter each one.
What colors work best, and what should I skip?
Black is timeless, and ivory and deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and burgundy glow against every skin tone. Skip neon brights, which cast color onto your skin, and large logos or busy prints that steal attention from you. Skip anything brand new and stiff, anything you have to keep tugging, and anything that pinches when you sit. If you are thinking about the outfit during the session, the camera sees it. Comfort photographs as confidence, every single time.
Will anyone see my photos?
Only if you say so in writing. Nothing is posted, shared, or shown anywhere without your signed release. Saying no costs you nothing and changes nothing about your session.
How much does boudoir cost?
Our session fee is $399 for women’s sessions ($449 for couples), which covers your studio time, your all female team, and professional hair and makeup. Images are chosen separately at your reveal, and you only invest in what you love: ten digital images begin at $800, and artwork collections begin at $1,895. Here’s the full pricing breakdown.
“Wear what you already love. We will handle the rest.”
Ready to plan your looks?
Bring your favorites or borrow from our XS to 5X closet. Either way, you will leave with photos you cannot stop staring at.