I talk about sexy a lot. I overuse it. Sexy this, sexy that. Truth is, I like sexy, and I’m never ashamed (or ever embarrassed) to express it through dress (appropriately, but of course). But what is sexy?
BUT (before my parents have heart attacks after reading the title of this post) think about this: a red dress may be femme fatale in every which way posible. Put it on the right girl and she’ll turn heads, yet when simply "worn" on the girl who lacks confidence? She’s but another girl in the crowd, vying for attention.
Don’t let the media fool you into believing the “right” lipstick or “right” hair is what makes you sexy. These things are meant to enhance what its already there. And unless you truly believe in yourself, it’s just another layer, another mask, another victim fallen to cleverly constructed advertising. Sexiness comes from within: it is innate (much like personal style), and is exuded only through the way in which you carry yourself. Sexiness is not defined by how you can alter your appearance; it is how you express yourself. It is a part of who you are.
Sexiness is as viable in a pair of yoga pants as it is in a tight Hervé Léger dress.
So point blank: Never belittle yourself. Modesty and constant self depreciation are two different things. Embrace your intelligence, your wit. Don’t underestimate yourself or your potential. What you can offer to the table, to conversation. It’s no longer the forties or fifties where etiquette handbooks advise women to be seen and not heard. As the woman’s woman puts it:
“A real feminist doesn’t apologize for her beauty. You can be a sexy, beautiful woman and be the smartest person in the room.”– Olivia Wilde, to Marie Claire
Perhaps it makes you intimidating. Perhaps. But you cannot argue against it’s utter empowerment. If a man (or woman) is put off by it, he isn’t even worth it. It’s that simple. A beautiful but vapid face lasts just as long as a lit candle; one with wit and is interesting. Rare. One of a kind. Intelligence, opinion and philosophy is sexy. You have a head on your shoulders: chin up. It’s there for a reason.
Smile, and laugh. Genuinely. Be lighthearted, throw your head back, stop thinking and just laugh. For centuries we’ve been reduced to an object of visual pleasure, where we're also too aware of how we look and how we appear to others.Stop thinking, and just do. Squinty eyes? Laugh lines? A wide mouth? Who’s looking? Throw away self-consciousness. Laugh, be YOU.
Which goes hand in hand with this idea of imitating what is perceived as sexy. Hands on hips, arched back, pouty lips. Retaking photographs until you find one fit for you default for whatever social media profile out thtere. I’ll say it one last time: STOP. Don’t overthink it! you’re taking pictures to capture the memory of that amazing night out with your girlfriends. Smile genuinely, be carefree. It’s that attitude which emanates.
Less is more. Remember: clothes are meant to enhance, not to mask whatever you deem an “imperfection,” nor detract from you. True art in dressing well is leaving more to the imagination.
How you portray and represent yourself is evident in how you dress. Do you value your importance and self-worth? Then put away the cleavage; don’t manipulate your own body and utilize it as a tool.
Your body is a temple it. Worship it. Respect it, and you will only gain respect in return.
W. x