Femme vs Masc Boudoir Styling, Outfits, and Posing

The fluidity of gender and gender expression is experiencing a very public renaissance.

Maybe you’ve explored gender expression recently, discovering how wearing “feminine” or “masculine” clothing can impact confidence. Or, maybe you’ve known from a young age that you feel most authentic wearing clothing and enjoying hobbies that don’t match what you were “supposed” to according to your biological sex.  

In this blog, we are going to explore the many nuances of femme vs masc boudoir style, outfits and posing.

Let’s talk about it!

Gender Exploration & Understanding Labels

The greater acceptance around the exploration of gender, gender expression, and fashion is so important. I believe that diversity is a benefit to society and that homogeneity is frankly… a little boring. 

I don’t like being pushed into a box. I can’t even count the times I’ve been called “bossy” or “aggressive” because I’m loud and don’t hold back my opinions.

I don’t act like meek or subservient like a woman is “supposed” to.

It’s increasingly acceptable to step outside traditional gender norms to authentically express who you are. That is not to say there aren’t still struggles, persecution, and even violence against those who dare step outside the norm – that is very real.

But I’m hopeful that is changing. 

At Embodied Art Boudoir, I want to create a space where my clients are free to explore their own personal expression & fashion — and be celebrated for it!!

What is Feminine vs Masculine In Boudoir Photography?

Listen, I couldn’t possibly address this robust topic in a single post. There are plenty of societal & energetic factor, including local culture, family, religion, spirituality, and more. 

As a professional photographer capturing vulnerable & intimate moments, however, I’ve noticed how masculine & feminine qualities play out through body language, outfits, colors, and emotional expression.

I guide clients to consider how these elements can influence the overall feeling of a picture. Whether it’s a softer, more emotional approach or a bolder, more assertive look, these qualities shape the stories we tell.

So that’s what I’ll be talking about here – I’m also using the shortened form of masc to refer to masculine and femme to refer to feminine.

NOTHING I say is a hard & fast rule. I’m not a fashion expert nor an expert in the varied ways people can express their gender & sexuality.

Check out the images below: do certain ones strike you as more feminine while others feel more masculine?

The top two images have a more masculine feel, while the bottom two have a more feminine feel to them.

Now, when I say “masculine”, I think of:

• Confidence
• Ambition
• Physical prowess
• Logical
• Structure
• Mental
• Discipline
• Assertiveness
• Hard
• Yang

When I say feminine, I think of:

• Creativity
• Receptivity
• Emotional Prowess
• Intuition
• Compassion
• Sensual
• Patience
• Flow
• Soft
• Yin

If you identify as a woman with a lot of feminine qualities, you probably still recognize some masculine traits within you, too!

Masculine traits don’t only belong to men. Feminine traits don’t only belong to women.

So… let’s break down how we can communicate these qualities in your images.

Styling Masculine Outfits For Boudoir Photoshoots

Outfits tend to lean more masculine when they have:

• Neutral or earthy colors such as gray, black, brown, olive (with the exception of white)
• Thicker fabrics like leather, denim, wool, cotton
• The shape is apparent in the garment even when it’s not on the body
• Solid colors
• Prints like geometric like checkers, tartan, plaid
• Metal & leather details

Styling Feminine Outfits For Boudoir

Clothing leans more feminine when it’s:

• White, bright, or pastel colors
• Soft, flowy, or shiny fabrics like silk, satin, rayon, cashmere, velvet
• Sheer fabrics like chiffon, tulle, lace
• Form-fitting or loose, flowing construction
• Prints like florals, polka dots, small delicate details
• Details like embroidery, frills, and bows

Masculine Poses, Body Language, and Emotion In Boudoir

These are posing cues & body language I think of when posing clients to convey masculine qualities such as confidence or strength:

• Smirks & subtle frowns
• Eyes open
• Chin up
• Direct or confrontational gaze
• Legs wide
• Chest / body open toward the camera
• Hands on hips or crossed in front of chest

Feminine Poses, Body Language, and Emotion

Then there are posing cues & body language I think of when posing clients to convey feminine qualities like vulnerability, softness, receptiveness, and sensuality:

• Smiles & expressions of happiness
• Softness & relaxation in the body parts
• Coyness / shyness, like hiding behind a blanket, shoulder, or curtain of hair
• Eyes closed
• Legs together & crossed
• Fingers gently grazing lips, breasts, hips or playing with hair/outfit
• Soft parts of the body exposed & turned toward the camera – neck, chest, wrists, thighs, belly, lips

Blending Masc & Femme in a Boudoir Photoshoot

Check out these images that blend masculine & feminine qualities:

You can also see an interplay of masculine & feminine in this photoshoot, with a gender-fluid client who presents more masculine. They took photos with their partner, a cis woman who tends to present more feminine.

They both embody masculine & feminine qualities. The balance flows fluidly between them.

I guided them choose outfits, considering fabrics, colors, and patterns, and posed them to highlight their dynamic.

Masculine Boudoir, Feminine Boudoir… and Everything in Between

The beauty of boudoir is that it’s such an intimate form of photography that allows us to reveal the true you in your pictures. However you present or don’t present — all you have to do is show up as yourself. Bring all your messy humanity and depth.

I can’t wait to photograph you!!