Desert Style Guide
What you choose to wear for your desert boudoir session is less about “lingerie” and more about essence.
What you wear should feel like an extension of you—something that allows you to express exactly what you want to.
There is no single “right” outfit. Want to wear lingerie? Let’s do it. Feel like glamming up in a gown? The desert is made for that.
Use this guide as inspiration, not rules. Together, we’ll refine your looks and create something effortless, sensual, and uniquely yours.
This guide is designed to help you arrive feeling prepared, confident, and inspired—without overthinking a single detail.
Thinking outside the lingerie box..
Lingerie is welcome—but it’s not required.
Desert boudoir sessions invite a sense of creativity that expands far beyond what we do in a traditional studio setting.
Some ideas to consider:
Flowy dresses or skirts
Sheer robes or shawls
Draped blankets or sheets for an implied nude look
Body chains/jewelry bras
Fitted dresses with cut-outs
Wide-legged pants with bandeau top
1 piece bodysuits
Where to shop for your desert boudoir photo shoot:
LINGERIE & OTHER ACCESSORIES:
Want to see some truly unique finds? Check out what I’m loving lately over on Etsy and Pinterest.
MY WARDROBE ADVICE:
- Only bring wardrobe that you LOVE! I can’t stress enough how important this is. Do NOT bring items that you just feel “meh” about. Your boudoir shoot is a special event and you should shop with this in mind. Bring outfits that you can’t wait to wear. You’ll have the photos for decades, so it’s crucial that you LOVE what you’re wearing in them.
- Many women sign up for the boudoir experience realizing that they feel stuck when it comes to shopping because they aren’t really a lingerie person. Let me remind you that lingerie is NOT required. Things like fabrics, satin sheets, long gowns with trains, body jewelry, kimonos, lace robes, and literally anything else can be styled and photographed beautifully. Rather wear cowboy boots and jean shorts with a topless look? Perfect! Your boudoir wardrobe should reflect exactly who you are and what you feel best in- not what everyone else is wearing for their session.
- Avoid busy patterns. Solid colors always work best. For our desert sessions, the only colors I don’t recommend are red, orange and yellow. Everything else works great.
- Be sure to iron your outfits if needed and remove the tags prior to the session.
- Variety is so key! Do NOT bring 3 outfits of the same style in different colors. Get as much variety in style as you can. Example: 1 red two- piece set, 1 black mesh bodysuit, 1 neutral-toned dress. Don’t be afraid to play around with heels too. I’ve had many clients over the years bring in some incredible boots and killer heels that really steal the show! They can add so much to the final look.
Your desert boudoir session is meant to be a joyful experience that enables you to self-express. Gift yourself the luxury of time and planning and your wardrobe will be sure to shine.
Questions? You can always email me at info@lindsaycarlisleboudoir.com.