Dressing for the Decades: Vintage-Inspired Boudoir Styles in NYC
Hi there! I’m a boudoir photographer based in New York City, and today, I want to take you on a little journey through time. Not with a time machine—though that would be awesome—but with something just as fun: vintage-inspired boudoir photography.
Boudoir is already a style that feels personal and a little dreamy. But when you add a touch of the past, it becomes even more magical. In my studio, I love helping people step into different eras. Whether it’s the glamorous 1920s or the bold 1980s, dressing for the decades gives each boudoir session a unique twist.
Let me tell you how it all started for me.
Falling in Love with Vintage Vibes
I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage fashion. As a kid, I used to dig through my grandma’s closet and try on her old dresses, jewelry, and shoes. There was something so charming about the styles from the past. The lace, the pearls, the soft curls in the hair—it felt like stepping into a movie.
When I started doing boudoir photography in NYC, I noticed that a lot of people were looking for ways to feel beautiful, confident, and different. That’s when the idea hit me—what if I combined my love for vintage style with boudoir photography?
And just like that, “Dressing for the Decades” became one of my favorite session themes.
The 1920s: Glam and Glitter
The Roaring Twenties are a popular choice. Imagine feathers, fringe, sparkly headbands, and those silky, low-cut slips. Clients who choose this era usually want to feel like a glamorous movie star. I’ll play jazz music in the background and light the room with soft golden tones. Think of The Great Gatsby, but with a sexy, confident twist.
One of my clients, Rachel, came in wanting a 1920s-inspired shoot. We dressed her in a beaded flapper dress with a matching headpiece. She wore long pearl necklaces and deep red lipstick. By the end of the session, she was dancing and laughing, saying she felt like she was living in another time. That’s the beauty of vintage boudoir—it’s not just a look, it’s a feeling.
The 1950s: Pin-Up Perfection
Next stop? The fabulous fifties. This is the era of high-waisted panties, bullet bras, and those adorable victory rolls in the hair. The 1950s boudoir look is playful and sassy. Think Marilyn Monroe, Bettie Page, and lots of polka dots.
Clients who choose this style love to have fun with their poses. There’s often more smiling, winking, and cheeky expressions. I’ll bring out props like a vintage rotary phone, a cute apron, or even a milkshake glass to set the scene.
One of my favorite 1950s sessions was with a client named Tessa. She wore a red polka-dot lingerie set and posed with a vintage mirror. She told me later that it was the most fun she’d had in years—and that seeing herself in those photos made her feel powerful and pretty at the same time.
The 1970s: Boho and Bold
Now let’s move into the 1970s. This decade is all about earthy tones, flowy fabrics, and natural beauty. Boudoir in this style feels soft and free. I’ll usually bring in lots of plants, rugs, and rattan furniture to create a cozy, hippie vibe.
Clients who choose the ’70s want something relaxed and sensual. Loose waves in the hair, soft makeup, and lace robes make the look feel effortless. One of my go-to outfits is a see-through crochet cover-up over a simple bralette and panties. It’s sexy without trying too hard.
I remember one client, Mia, who wanted a full 1970s goddess vibe. She brought her own flower crown and asked me to play Fleetwood Mac during the shoot. We lit incense and let the sunlight pour in through the windows. It felt like magic.
The 1980s: Loud, Proud, and Sexy
You might not think of the ’80s as sexy, but trust me—it can be. Bright colors, neon lingerie, leather, lace, and big hair. This style is for the bold at heart. I like to set the mood with ’80s rock music or synth-pop and colorful lighting.
This style works best for clients who want to break the rules. We’ll use bold makeup—blue eyeshadow, hot pink lips—and play with dramatic poses. One of my more daring clients even wore a black leather jacket with nothing underneath!
Her name was Jess, and she owned every minute of it. She told me the shoot helped her reclaim a part of herself she hadn’t seen in a long time. That’s the thing about dressing for the decades—it lets people tap into different parts of who they are.
Why Vintage Boudoir Works in NYC
New York is the perfect place for vintage boudoir photography. This city is full of old buildings, art deco details, and history on every corner. Sometimes I shoot in my studio, and sometimes we rent vintage-style hotel rooms or apartments to get the full effect.
Clients in NYC are adventurous. They’re not afraid to play dress-up and try something new. And because fashion is such a big part of this city’s culture, it’s easy to find vintage shops and stylists who love collaborating on these shoots.
Plus, vintage styles are flattering on all body types. Each decade had its own beauty standards, so there’s something for everyone—whether you love curves, long lines, soft features, or bold edges.
A Time Machine for the Soul
Dressing for the decades isn’t just about the clothes. It’s about the story you get to tell. When someone steps into a vintage boudoir set, they’re not just posing—they’re stepping into a role. They’re playing a character. They’re telling a story of strength, beauty, and transformation.
As a photographer, I get to help bring those stories to life. And let me tell you—there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone leave my studio standing taller, smiling wider, and feeling more like themselves than ever before.
So if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a flapper, a pin-up girl, a flower child, or an ’80s rock star—come on over. We’ll put on the music, pick your decade, and make some magic.
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