Wardrobe for Boudoir Photography: Stockings, Socks and Garters

Legs are sexy all by themselves, shown bare and natural. And you do want a selection of boudoir photos of you in bare legs. But you also want to make sure you show your legs non-bare, because when you decorate your legs with stockings, socks, and garters they create immense heat in any boudoir photography session.

The most simple of leg decoration is an elastic garter belt like a bride would wear under her dress at a wedding.


They come in multiple colors these days, not just the plain white lace of yesteryear. The white lace garters have their own appeal for boudoir, due to their mental association with weddings. You might want to think about getting a garter in the colors of your favorite sports team, or coordinating the garter color with the outfit you're wearing. Garters can be worn on bare legs, with stockings, or with lacy ankle socks.

Socks can be short or knee length, or even just above the knee.



Typically thicker than stockings, they come in a wide variety of yarns and colors. A short ankle sock with lace trim goes well with a babydoll and flat shoes, but don't overlook warm chunky socks matched with unbuttoned jeans shorts for a more country or casual look. Printed or patterned socks can be added to a plain negligee or bra and panty set to create a seasonal outfit -- for example, hearts are a perfect fit for Valentines Day. And don't forget the sports teams -- along with a shot or two in your favorite jersey, getting a photo of you in socks showing your significant other's favorite team is sure to create a smile.

Stockings are the ultimate leg decoration for boudoir photography.


Unlike pantyhose, stockings stop at the thigh, and are either elastic topped (to stay up by themselves) or require a garter belt to hold them up. Made of very thin silk or nylon, stockings hug the leg closely and emphasize the curves when photographed. They also hide leg scars and any varicose veins. Plain black stockings, fishnet stockings, and white stockings are three of the most commonly seen stockings for boudoir photography. But there are also lace-pattern stockings, nude stockings embedded with gemstones or printed patterns, 1940's style back seam stockings, and stockings in a rainbow of colors and patterns. The elastic topped stockings often have a row of stretch lace at the top to add an additional note of romance.

Pantyhose are another option.


Although typically boudoir photoshoots don't include pantyhose (since the emphasis is often on outfits where they wouldn't fit in) certain pin-up style outfits can look good with hose. If you are wearing hose, though, they need to be something more interesting than plain tan pantyhose -- for example pantyhose that look like tattoos.

However you chose to decorate and display your legs for your boudoir photo shoot, have fun with it. Your legs will be the center of attention in many of the photos, so be sure to pick out wardrobe items for your legs that will compliment your outfits and enhance the photos.

Wardrobe for Boudoir Photography: Choosing Shoes

Shoes can be an important part of a boudoir shoot. Bare feet are soft and romantic, but the right shoes can add a playful, flirty, or exotic touch to your photos. High heels are a must if you're adding shoes to your boudoir wardrobe -- you don't usually have to walk in them, just stand, sit, or lay down wearing them, so the heels can be much higher than what you'd normally buy.

Black shoes go with just about any color of lingerie, so a nice pair of black stiletto heal pumps is a good basic addition to your wardrobe. Red shoes are very photogenic, and look good with both plain black and plain white outfits. If your clothing choices include pink, purple, or other colors you'll want either a plain black shoe or to match your clothing colors exactly -- wearing shoes that almost match the clothing ends up being very distracting and makes the photo less effective at feeling romantic, sexy, or sweet.

Boots are an often-overlooked item that can really add some zip to an image. Both thigh-high and short booties can combine with the selected outfit to create a very sexy mood. Think about pairing thigh-high white boots with a lace-trimmed black bra and panty set, or wearing a black babydoll with red leather cowboy boots.

Don't worry if heels are not your thing -- ballet flats and decorated slippers can also add a romantic touch to your boudoir shoot. Ebay has a wide selection of flat shoes like maribu trimmed slippers, and there are also metallic slide-on flats available at many stores.

Here are a few shoes that are available online:

GoJane has a wonderful buckled up bootie that could really heat up your shoot.


There's also a sweet little shoe with satin bows in red, blue, and metalics that would look wonderful in a pin-up style pose or with a bow-trimmed babydoll.


If you're looking for ballet flats, don't forget to check bridal shops. This cute little white shoe is from BridalPeople, and would look wonderful with a frilly white negligee.


La Doux has a wild assortment of flower-trimmed and feather-trimmed slippers in colors ranging from hot pink to lime green.



And if you already have enough shoes to fill several closets, how about adding "spats" to your existing shoes to change the look?


And remember to have fun picking out what footwear you'll add to your boudoir wardrobe -- because in the end how a shoe looks in the photo needs to be matched by how it makes you feel when you're wearing it.