Welcome to Our Nashville Boudoir Blog

Welcome to Holly Douglas & Co, where timeless elegance meets the art of empowerment. We are not just a boudoir studio; we are a sanctuary of self-expression and self-love, dedicated to helping you discover and embrace your inner beauty.

At HDCO in Nashville, Tennessee, we believe that every individual possesses a unique, captivating essence that deserves to be celebrated. Our mission is to create an empowering and transformative experience through the art of boudoir photography. We understand that the journey towards self-confidence and self-acceptance can be profound, and we are here to guide you through it.

What to Wear, Boudoir Tips and Advice Holly Douglas & Co What to Wear, Boudoir Tips and Advice Holly Douglas & Co

What NOT to Wear for a Boudoir Photoshoot

Holly Douglas & Co give some tips on what NOT to wear for a boudoir photoshoot and boudoir outfit ideas that will help you feel hot AF!

What NOT to Wear for a Boudoir Photoshoot

Riddle me this - how are you supposed to exude sultry, seductive sex kitten vibes in your boudoir photos if you feel frumpy dumpy or like a busted can of biscuits in your outfit??? You can’t! And that’s exactly why choosing the right wardrobe is one of the most important aspects of your boudoir session. The outfits you select will play a crucial role in how you feel during the boudoir shoot and how your photos turn out.

The right clothing can enhance your…ahem…assets, boost your confidence, and help you express yourself authentically. However, there are some common wardrobe pitfalls that can detract from your experience. So, with that in mind, let’s dive into what NOT to wear for a boudoir photoshoot and explore some boudoir outfit ideas that will help you feel hot AF!

The Importance of Choosing the Right Outfits for Boudoir

As Nashville boudoir photographers for over ten years, we’ve seen firsthand how the right outfit can transform a session. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling incredible! When you choose the right pieces, your confidence shines through your boudoir photos, and that confidence is what truly makes a boudoir session unforgettable.

Look Your Best

Your boudoir session is all about you. It’s your time to step into the spotlight and embrace your beauty. The right outfit can help you look and feel your absolute best. Whether it’s your first boudoir experience or you’ve done this before, it’s essential to choose outfits that flatter your figure and make you feel like a star.

When considering what to wear for boudoir, think about what outfits make you feel the most confident. Maybe it’s a lace bodysuit that hugs your curves perfectly, or perhaps it’s a silky robe that drapes elegantly over your shoulders. The key is to choose something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Feel Confident

Confidence is the secret ingredient to stunning boudoir photos. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in every shot. You’re more relaxed, more expressive, and more connected to your body. That’s why choosing the right boudoir outfit is so important.

At Holly Douglas & Co, our boudoir sessions are specifically designed to bring out your confidence. We’re here to guide you through the process and help you choose outfits that will make you feel like ain’t no one gonna tell you shit!

Express Your Authentic Self

Boudoir photography is deeply personal. It’s an opportunity to express who you are in a way that’s authentic and true to yourself. When deciding what to wear for a boudoir shoot, think about what makes you feel like you. Are you someone who loves bold, daring pieces, soft and romantic lingerie, or do you prefer something more casual, like a tank top and panties? Your outfit should reflect your personality and help you feel at ease during your session.

Whether you’re drawn to classic lingerie, playful accessories, or something more unconventional, your Nashville boudoir photographer will work with you to create a look that captures your unique style. The most important thing is that your personality comes through in every photo.

What Not to Wear for a Boudoir Session

While there are countless boudoir outfit ideas that can make you look and feel incredible, there are also some things you should avoid. Knowing what NOT to wear for a boudoir photoshoot is just as important as knowing what to wear. The wrong outfit can distract from your photos and make you feel less confident. Here are a few key things to avoid:

Ill-Fitting Wardrobe – Uncomfortably Tight or Too Loose

Fit is everything when it comes to lingerie and boudoir outfits. Clothing that is too tight can create unflattering bulges, leave marks on your skin, or make you feel self-conscious. On the other hand, clothing that is too loose can look shapeless and fail to highlight your beautiful curves.

At Holly Douglas & Co, we want you to feel confident in every outfit, so it’s essential to choose pieces that fit you perfectly. For plus-size boudoir sessions, we encourage you to avoid choosing pieces designed to hide your body, and instead select outfits that accentuate your figure in a way that feels comfortable and flattering. (Show off those curves, cutie!) Our team is always here to help you find the perfect fit, whether that means offering advice on sizing or helping you choose the right pieces from our size-inclusive Client Closet.

Distracting Items – Anything with Logos, Busy Patterns, or Neon Colors

When it comes to boudoir photography, simplicity often makes the strongest statement. Busy patterns, large logos, and neon colors can be distracting and take the focus away from you. Our goal is to capture your natural beauty and the emotions you’re expressing during your session, and these elements can detract from that.

Instead, opt for solid colors, lace, or subtle patterns that complement your skin tone and bring out the best in you. Earthy tones, jewel tones, and classic black are always great choices for boudoir outfits. These colors are timeless and allow the focus to remain on you rather than on your clothing.

Inappropriate for a Boudoir Session – Clothing That’s Too Formal or Too Casual

Boudoir photography is about intimacy, sensuality, and celebrating your body, so it’s important to choose outfits that align with this theme. Formalwear, business attire, and track suits, while great in other contexts, are generally not suitable for boudoir sessions. These items can feel too rigid, structured, or casual, which can be at odds with the intimate, sultry atmosphere we aim to create at Holly Douglas & Co.

Instead, think about boudoir outfit ideas that enhance the sensual nature of the shoot. This could be a delicate lace bralette and panty set, a flowing silk robe, or even a cozy knit sweater with a pair of panties. The key is to choose pieces that make you feel sexy and comfortable.

Tips for Choosing the Right Boudoir Outfits

Now that we’ve covered what not to wear, let’s focus on how to choose the right boudoir outfits. At Holly Douglas & Co, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from planning your session to choosing the perfect wardrobe. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Choose Lingerie Styles That Accentuate Your Assets and Minimize Areas That Make You Feel Self-Conscious

When selecting boudoir outfits, think about what you love most about your body. If you adore your legs, consider a high-cut bodysuit or a garter belt that draws attention to them. If you’re proud of your curves (and you should be!), high-waisted panties can create a beautiful silhouette. The goal is to highlight your favorite features and choose pieces that make you feel amazing.

We understand that everyone has areas they might feel more self-conscious about. That’s okay! The beauty of boudoir photography is that it’s all about you. If there are areas you’d rather not emphasize, we can work with you to choose outfits that minimize those areas while still making you feel confident and sexy.

Choose Boudoir Outfits That Are Comfortable and Easy to Move In

Comfort is key during a boudoir session. You want to be able to move freely and feel at ease in your outfits. Avoid anything too restrictive or complicated to put on and take off. Instead, choose pieces that allow for a range of poses and movements. This will help you feel more relaxed during the shoot, resulting in more natural and beautiful photos.

We encourage you to bring a variety of boudoir outfit options to your session. This way, you can try different looks and see what feels best in the moment. We’re also here to provide guidance on what works well on camera.

Avoid Choosing Outfits Altogether by Letting Us Style You from Our Client Closet!

We know that choosing what to wear for a boudoir shoot can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we offer a size-inclusive Client Closet filled with beautiful lingerie and outfits that you can use for your session. Our Client Closet has a large selection of beautiful pieces in various styles, colors, and sizes ranging from XS to 6X, so you’re sure to find something that makes you feel amazing.

Letting us style you from our Client Closet takes the stress out of choosing outfits and ensures that you have access to high-quality lingerie pieces that photograph beautifully. Plus, it allows you to experiment with different looks you might not have considered before.

Where to Shop for Boudoir Outfits

If you prefer to bring your own outfits to your boudoir session, we've got you covered with a couple of shopping recommendations. Whether you're looking for high-end lingerie or more affordable options, here are some great places to start:

Chestnut & Honey’s Online Fine Lingerie Boutique

For luxurious, high-quality lingerie that makes you feel like a million bucks, Chestnut & Honey is a fantastic choice. Why? Because this size-inclusive, fine lingerie store happens to be owned by Holly Douglas herself! As Nashville’s top boudoir photographer, Holly has chosen a beautiful collection of lingerie pieces for her online boutique that are all perfect for boudoir photography. Chestnut & Honey offers a variety of styles, from delicate lace bralettes to sultry bodysuits, in sizes that range from petite to plus size, so you're sure to find something that suits your taste.

Holly Douglas & Co’s Amazon Store

If you're looking for budget-friendly lingerie options, the Holly Douglas & Co. Amazon store has a curated selection of affordable pieces that are perfect for boudoir photography. No matter what vibe you’re aiming for, our Amazon store offers a variety of styles and sizes to choose from. You can find everything from classic lace sets to playful, trendy pieces, all at prices that won't break the bank.

Conclusion

Choosing the right outfits for your boudoir session at Holly Douglas & Co is essential to ensuring you feel confident, beautiful, and true to yourself. Avoiding common pitfalls, like ill-fitting clothing, distracting patterns, and inappropriate attire, will allow you to exude confidence in your boudoir photos. Remember, the goal is to select pieces that enhance your best features and reflect your personality. Whether you opt for something from our size-inclusive Client Closet or bring your own wardrobe, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Your Nashville boudoir experience should be empowering and unforgettable, and the right boudoir outfits will help make that happen.

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New Lingerie Arrivals at Chestnut & Honey!

If you’re shopping for new lingerie, you HAVE to check out the latest arrivals from Kilo Brava at Chestnut & Honey!

New Lingerie Arrivals at Chestnut & Honey!

Looking for a special piece of lingerie to wear for your upcoming boudoir session with Holly Douglas & Co. or perhaps some other special occasion? Well, you’re in luck, because in addition to being one of Nashville’s top boudoir photographers, Holly Douglas is also the owner of an online size-inclusive, fine lingerie boutique called Chestnut & Honey. But, wait…there’s more! Chestnut & Honey just debuted their latest arrivals from Kilo Brava, and trust us, you do not want to miss this!

A Peek at the Latest Collection

Kilo Brava is known for its exquisite designs, luxurious fabrics, and perfect fits that make every woman feel like a goddess. The new collection is no exception. It features a stunning array of pieces that are both sexy and sophisticated, designed to celebrate every curve and embrace your inner confidence.

From delicate slips to sultry bodysuits and a few things in between, there’s something for everyone in this colorful, floral collection. Whether you’re looking for something to spice up your boudoir session or simply want to treat yourself to something special, Kilo Brava’s latest pieces are sure to delight.

Why We Love Kilo Brava

At Holly Douglas & Co., we believe that every woman deserves to feel beautiful, empowered, and confident. Kilo Brava’s lingerie aligns perfectly with our mission by offering pieces that not only look amazing but also feel incredible to wear. Each item is thoughtfully designed to flatter your body and make you feel fabulous, no matter the occasion. And, as boudoir photographers, we’re here to tell you that Kilo Brava’s lingerie looks beautiful in boudoir photos!

Check It Out

We know you’re as excited as we are to see what’s new. So, head over to Chestnut & Honey’s website and take a look at the stunning new arrivals from Kilo Brava. You’ll find all the details and can even snag your favorites before they’re gone!

Get Ready to Shine

Remember, the right lingerie can transform how you feel about yourself. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling incredible in your own skin. So go ahead, indulge in something beautiful, and let your confidence shine through.

We can’t wait to see how you rock these gorgeous pieces at your next boudoir session with us!


Ready to book your next boudoir session and showcase your new Kilo Brava lingerie? Contact us today and let’s create some magic together!

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Top 12 FAQ’s About Our Boudoir Sessions

We've compiled a list of the top 12 most frequently asked questions that we are asked about our boudoir sessions to guide you through the process seamlessly.

Top 12 FAQ’s About Our Boudoir Sessions

At Holly Douglas & Co. in Nashville, TN, we understand that embarking on a boudoir experience can raise many questions. Therefore, we've compiled a list of the top 12 most frequently asked questions that we are asked about our boudoir sessions to guide you through the process seamlessly.


How early Should I Arrive at the Studio, and What If I’m Late?

Listen, Nashville traffic sucks, and we totally understand that. So, on the morning of your photoshoot, we highly recommend checking your GPS app to see what your estimated travel time will be to our studio in East Nashville and try to plan accordingly. It is always a good idea to leave a little bit early to allow for any unforeseen delays, but if you happen to arrive in our parking lot ahead of schedule, we kindly ask that you wait until your scheduled appointment time of 10:00am. to come to our door. There is no need to come any earlier, as the photographer and/or hair and makeup artist are not typically set up and prepared for early arrivals.

If you find yourself running late, please notify us as soon as possible. While we strive to accommodate, it's essential to be mindful that tardiness may impact the duration of your session. However, if you are more than 30 minutes late for your appointment, we will unfortunately have to cancel and reschedule your session.

Do you offer hair and makeup services?

Hell-to-the-YES, girl! No boudoir session is complete without a bomb, photo-ready finish. The Holly Douglas & Co. team includes some of the very best hair and makeup artists in the Nashville area to serve our clients with top level artistry.

Many of our clients tell us they barely wear makeup, and/or they have no idea how to apply makeup for the camera. If this is you, then have no fear…We are going to take great care of you and get you the makeup look that suits you and your personality best.

What Should I wear for my Boudoir Photoshoot?

We have created a beautiful and comprehensive Wardrobe Guide that should give you the 411 on how to look and feel like a bombshell for your session. Our policy is always, “When in doubt, bring it…or let us style you!” It’s not uncommon for our babes to show up with several pieces of their own lingerie. However, if you don’t feel like shopping or stressing about what to wear, we will be more than happy to style you from our studio’s amazing, size-inclusive Client Closet! From there, we’ll hang up all your chosen wardrobe options, including the pieces you’ve brought, and discuss which ones will flatter you most. Feel free to leave tags on in case you’d like to return the ones you didn’t end up shooting in!

For our booked clients we also have another guide that will instruct you on where to shop! We know the world of lingerie can be overwhelming, so we do our very best to take as much stress off of you as possible. It gives you direct links to all of our favorite lingerie retailers, thier price points, and what we love about them.

What if I can’t look like the other women in your Portfolio?

We’ll let you in on a little secret…all the women on our website believed they couldn’t look like the other women on our website, either! Crazy, right? Because here you see them being so fierce and so confident, but we can assure you that they were just as nervous and full of self-doubt as you are right now. They all showed up, put their trust in us, and let us coach them through the whole day.

There is no such thing as the perfect body or age for boudoir. Our ONLY restriction is that you must be over 21 to book a session at our studio. Beyond that, no woman is ever considered too big, too small, or too old for a boudoir experience. Boudoir is for everybody. Let us show you.

Can you make me look thinner with Photoshop?

We want to help you feel beautiful NOW, just the way you are. We flatter you with hair and makeup styling, a wardrobe that compliments your figure, and amazing lighting and posing techniques to highlight your best ass-sets (see what I did there?). However, we do not believe in heavy photoshopping. Don’t get us wrong, we will gladly remove all of your bruises and pimples, but we don’t want to over-manipulate your body to make you look like someone you are not. We already live in a time where we are consumed with unrealistic bodies in the media. We want to show you that you are beautiful at this very moment.

What Will I do with Boudoir Photos, Especially if I’m Single?

We believe that a boudoir session is the best gift you can give yourself, to capture your essence as you are now. When you need a reminder of the strong, beautiful woman that you are, you will have a collection of amazing portraits to look upon. We love it when women come to us for themselves. The images we create together will boost your self-esteem and your confidence, and that should be celebrated by you! It will help you reclaim your femininity, your sexuality - two things that are often lost as we get consumed with our lives, our jobs, our families. Put that pep back in your step and reflect on the bodacious babe you are. Celebrate the body that you live in!

When Should I Book a Session if I need My Photos Back By a Specific Date?

Our studio books up 4-6 months in advance, and our printed products can take up to 8 weeks for delivery. Therefore, if you have a special occasion coming up or wish to book a holiday appointment, we recommend booking 6-8 months in advance of that date.

Can I bring someone with me to my session or image reveal?

We do not allow guests to be present for any portion of the time you spend at our studio. Our services are best delivered on a one-on-one atmosphere with your complete, undivided attention.

Are there any Photos included in the retainer Fee?

No. The retainer fee starts at $750 and is required to reserve a space on our calendar. The retainer fee includes:

  • 30 minute pre-session consultation

  • Private use of the boudoir studio

  • Professional hair and makeup application (faux lashes included)

  • Access to our Shopping and Wardrobe Styling Guide

  • Up to 90 minutes of photography with complete posing and expression coaching

  • Access to premium experience upgrades

  • 2 wardrobe changes

  • 1 hour private Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment

  • Expert magazine quality retouching on purchased images

PLEASE NOTE: ALL IMAGES ARE PURCHASED SEPARATELY FROM THE SESSION FEE AT THE REVEAL & IMAGE ORDERING APPOINTMENT.

Our image & product offerings begin at $1275 and go up from there.

How Much Should I expect to Spend at my Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment?

That’s a tough one, because it’s hard to predict how many images and/or products you’re going to want to purchase before your photoshoot. Some women order just a basic album, while others decide they want it all and invest several thousand on a variety of products. The one thing we can tell you for certain is that our minimum purchase point is $1275. So, you can expect to spend at least that much. You are, of course, welcome to upgrade from there and purchase as much as you’d like.

What Payment Plans or Financing Options are Available?

For some of our clients, the boudoir experience can be an investment that is worth careful consideration. For this reason, we have created financing options that make buying what you love a lot more accessible.

Below are programs that some of our babes are utilizing to have the luxury boudoir experience of their dreams. If you’re going to treat yourself, let us help you do it right.

How Long Should I expect to be at The Studio The day of my Boudoir Session?

In total, you should plan to spend around 4-5 hours at our luxury boudoir studio on the day of your session. That includes about an hour break in between the photoshoot and your same-day Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment. During that break, you can grab some lunch, explore the various shops in our adorable East Nashville neighborhood, or enjoy a relaxing massage (if you added that option to your boudoir experience prior to your appointment). During that time, your photographer will be going through your boudoir photos and preparing a beautiful slideshow presentation of your images. The Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment usually lasts until around 2:00 or 3:00pm, depending on how decisive you are. ;)


At Holly Douglas & Co., in Nashville, Tennessee, our mission is to provide a comfortable and empowering environment for your boudoir experience. We hope our answers to these top 12 FAQs shed some light on what to expect, and we look forward to creating stunning, timeless images that celebrate your unique beauty. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out—we're here to make your boudoir journey unforgettable!

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