(Spoiler: You don’t need lace to be a damn goddess.)

When most people think of a boudoir session, they picture strappy black lingerie, fishnets, sky-high heels, and maybe even some leather if we’re feelin’ spicy. And don’t get me wrong! I love a lacey little number that hugs in all the right places.

But what if that’s not you?

What if you’re more “cozy hoodie and messy bun” than “matching garter set and stilettos”?

I’m here to tell you: you can 1000% show up to your boudoir session in whatever makes you feel confident, sexy, and like you. And as a Jacksonville, Florida boudoir photographer who’s seen hundreds of women step in front of the camera… trust me, lingerie is completely optional.

I had a client who reminded me exactly why I do this work. Out of the three outfits she brought to her boudoir shoot, two were super casual- think bike shorts, soft bralettes, just her natural day-to-day wear.

So I asked her, “Why these outfits?”

And she looked at me and said:

“I want to feel sexy in what I exist in naturally.”

She didn’t want to dress up or hide behind a curated, done-up version of herself. She wanted to remember and have proof that she doesn’t have to be glammed out, contoured, and perfectly styled to be sexy.

She already is. Just by being herself.

That moment? It reminded me (again) that we don’t need permission, lingerie, or high heels to be sensual or beautiful. Our bodies are powerful. Our everyday selves are worthy. And boudoir is about capturing that truth in all its raw, messy, wonderful glory.

So if lingerie’s not your thing,or you just want some fresh ideas, here are a few of our favorite lingerie alternatives that are just as sexy as fishnets and leather straps.

Button-Down Shirts, Cardigans & Oversized Sweaters

Y’all already know this is a studio favorite!

That oversized button-down? She’s a classic. Whether it’s a crisp white shirt or your partner’s old flannel, this look is effortless sexy. And don’t even get me started on how good it is for implied nudity (aka naked vibes without full nudity).

Cardigans and slouchy sweaters also give that “I just woke up like this” energy that’s soft, sensual, and real as hell. Bare legs, cozy textures, a messy bun or soft waves—it’s giving Sunday morning goddess and we are here for it.

Pro tip: Want to keep it spicy but subtle? Let the shirt slide off one shoulder or unbutton it juuust enough for a little tease.

Tank Tops, Crop Tops & Swimsuits

These are a whole damn vibe, especially if you’re somewhere warm like, oh I don’t know… Jacksonville, Florida!

Tank tops and crop tops are perfect if you want to show skin without going full lingerie. They're casual, fun, and incredibly flattering. Plus, crop tops are great for underboob shots (you’ve seen the magic, don’t deny it).

And then there’s swimsuits. Look- swimsuits don’t get nearly enough love in boudoir, but they’re one of my favorite alternatives. Why?

Because:

They're built for support (especially for my fuller-chested babes who hate flimsy bras)
You can mix and match styles + colors
They bring major summer bombshell energy

A high-waisted bottom and a halter top can give off serious retro pin-up vibes, while a sleek one-piece is super chic. Plus, they’re the perfect excuse to shoot outdoors (beach, pool, backyard- let’s gooo).

Dresses—Yes, Any Kind

Let’s just go ahead and shatter this myth right now: boudoir doesn’t have to mean barely-there. Sometimes, slipping into that one dress- the one that makes you feel like the main character—can be even more powerful than lingerie ever could.

I’m talking:

Your wedding dress that’s been tucked away for years but still holds so much emotion
A soft, flowy garden gown that dances in the wind during your outdoor session
That sparkly mini dress you bought for a night out but never got the chance to wear
A slinky slip dress or satin number that clings in all the right places

If it makes you feel beautiful, it’s perfect. Period.

Dresses bring movement, drama, and softness to your images, and there’s just something about twirling barefoot in a meadow or lying across a velvet couch in a shimmer dress that screams power and poetry.

Boudoir doesn’t have to be skin to be sensual.
It doesn’t have to be bold to be brave.
It just has to be you.

Nude or Implied Nude

Let’s talk about the boldest choice of them all: wearing nothing at all.

Before you get nervous, let me just say- this is one of the most empowering, freeing experiences you will ever have.

But also? It doesn’t mean you have to go full frontal if that’s not your vibe. We can get artistic, playful, moody, or soft with it. We’ll use:

Cozy blankets
Sheer curtains
Soft sheets
Strategic posing
Shadows + light play

That’s the magic of implied nudity. You’ll look like you’re bare, but you’re still covered and in total control. No pressure, just options.

And if you do want to go fully nude? Babe, we will celebrate every curve, every stretch mark, every detail of your beautiful, badass body. Always with intention, always with consent, and always with your comfort as the top priority.

Because boudoir isn’t about what you take off—it’s about what you reclaim.

Lingerie can be fun. It can be empowering. But it is not a requirement for a transformational boudoir experience.

You don’t need to wear anything “sexy” to be sexy. You don’t need to be polished to be powerful. And you definitely don’t need permission to take up space in your natural, raw, beautiful state. What you wear is just the cherry on top.

Now, Let’s Make Some Damn Magic!

If lingerie isn’t your thing, or you’re just ready to celebrate yourself in a whole new way, I'm so here for it.

Whether you’re rocking an oversized tee, your favorite bikini, or nothing at all, your boudoir session will be authentic, empowering, and full of hype.

Tap the button below and let’s start planning your dream session in Jacksonville, Florida. Let’s show the world—and more importantly, you—that your beauty doesn’t need to be styled. It just needs to be seen.

I'm the button!!!

So Tell Me...

If you had to pick one lingerie alternative for your session, what would you go with?
Are you Team Comfy Sweater? Crop Top Queen? Ready to bare it all?

Drop your favorite below or DM me, I’d love to hear how you would show up for your hype girl moment.

Because babe, no matter what you wear, you’re already the whole damn package. 💋