If the word boudoir makes you excited and slightly terrified, welcome! You’re in very good company.
At Carmen Salazar Photography, we are a women-only boudoir studio in Sacramento. We photograph women every day who swear they “don’t have the right body for this.”
Most are moms, healthcare workers, and caregivers between 30 and 55. Most have never done anything like this before. Most leave saying, “I didn’t know I could look like that.”
This guide isn’t about changing your body. It’s about choosing outfits that work with it, so you feel confident, supported, and maybe even a little playful.
First-Time Boudoir Reminder: You’re Allowed to Take Up Space
Boudoir is not about hiding, it’s about highlighting. Curves, strength, muscle, or petite frames all photograph beautifully when styled with intention. And no, you don’t need lingerie to do it.
Let’s break it down.
How to Highlight Curves (Hips, Waist, Bust)
If you’re curvy - whether that means fuller hips, thighs, or bust - the goal is definition, not compression.
What Works Best:
- Bodysuits: They smooth and hug without digging in
- High-waisted panties: Emphasize the waist and hips
- Corsets or longline bras: Offer structure without squeezing
- Sheer layers: Robes show shape without full exposure
Pro tip: Soft fabrics photograph better than stiff ones and feel much more comfortable during posing.
Hair and Makeup by Summer Brazell
How to Highlight Muscles, Abs & Strong Bodies
If you have an athletic build, visible abs, or toned arms and legs—show that strength. Strong bodies are stunning, especially when styled simply.
What Works Best:
- Sports bras or bralettes: Frame shoulders and chest
- High-cut bottoms: Lengthen legs and show hip lines
- Cropped tops: Highlight abs without being overexposed
- Fitted tanks or muscle tees: Show arm and shoulder definition
- Minimal layers: Let your body do the talking
We photograph a lot of women who are on their fitness journeys. Their strength and growth always radiates on camera.
Pro tip: Feel free to highlight those muscles even more by bringing in your own weights, yoga mats, and whatever helps inspire you.
Hair and Makeup by Taylor Radakovitz
How to Highlight Assets on a Smaller or Petite Frame
If you’re more petite or smaller built, boudoir is less about “adding curves” and more about creating lines, angles, and dimension.
What Works Best:
- High-waisted bottoms: Create the illusion of curves
- Cropped sweaters or jackets: Emphasize waist definition
- Off-the-shoulder tops: Highlight collarbones and neckline
- Fitted bodysuits: Create clean lines
- Layering: Robes, jackets, or open shirts add visual interest
Small frames photograph beautifully with intentional posing. We will guide you through every step and have you looking at your body in a whole new way.
Hair and Makeup by Taylor Radakovitz
50 Boudoir Outfit Ideas for Every Comfort Level
We know trying to plan for your boudoir session can be overwhelming. There are so many pre-session to do’s, we’re here to help simplify the planning process for you!
We’ve created a list of easy outfit ideas for your boudoir session by category.
Classic Lingerie (If You Love It)
- Lace bodysuit
- High-waisted bra & panty set
- Corset with soft boning an easy clip on
- Mesh teddy
- Longline bra
- Sheer robe over lingerie
- Lace bra and panty + button-down
- Matching lingerie set
- Garter belt & stockings
- Plunge bodysuit
Hair and Makeup by Taylor Radakovitz
Cozy & Covered (Beginner Favorites)
- Oversized sweater (one that can preferably be pulled off the shoulder)
- Cardigan
- Knit sweater + underwear
- Wrap sweater + leggings
- Long-sleeve ribbed top
- Matching lounge set
- Oversized sleep shirt
- Men’s shirt + knee-high socks
- Warm turtleneck
- Hoodie
Everyday Clothing That You Definitely Already Own
- Men’s white button-down
- Denim jacket
- Tank top + denim shorts
- Crop top + high-waisted bottoms
- Flowy blouse + skirt
- Bodysuit + jeans
- Off-the-shoulder top
- Graphic tee
- Leather jacket
- Date night dress
Hair and Makeup by Summer Brazell
Athletic & Strong Energy
- Sports bra + underwear
- Yoga set
- Bike shorts + crop
- Zip-up hoodie + leggings
- Muscle tank
- Workout bodysuit
- Jerseys + sneakers
- Boxer briefs
- Sweatpants
- Bra + joggers
Soft, Feminine & Flowing
- Slip dress
- Satin robe
- Silk sheet
- Maxi dress
- Nightgown
- Angel wings
- Flowy skirt layered with a bodysuit
- White Sheet
- Topless with accessories from our client closet (body chains, pearls)
- Glamour robe
Why You Don’t Need Lingerie For a Boudoir Session
Many women that we see come into our Sacramento boudoir studio are scrambling last minute to figure out what to pack in their bag. They always say “I just threw whatever I found in there”. And that’s totally okay!
They come with an assortment of undies, sweaters, a dress that they bought and haven’t gotten the opportunity to wear yet.
You’d be surprised how beautiful some of these closet staples photograph.
Boudoir is about how you feel, not how much skin you show.
A Note for the Nervous First-Timer
If you’re caring for everyone else in your life: kids, patients, family, then this experience is definitely for you.
At our woman-owned, women-only Sacramento boudoir studio, we guide every pose, adjust every detail, and create images that reflect strength, softness, and confidence.
You don’t need to be brave. You just need to show up.
We’ll take care of the rest. 💕
Sacramento Boudoir Photography | Boudoir Photography Sacramento
