So, there's something called sexy and there's something called sleazy. No, they are not synonymous. Often confused as one for the other by the so-called patriarchal society, the divisions between these two words are very specific. Sexy is being projection of sexuality in a modest, elegant and a graceful way. So, how do you really dress up sexy without looking sleazy? It is in those unexpected touches and those glamorous essentials like the shades and the red lips. It's more about dressing in fabrics that compliments your style, physique and, above all, feels comfortable against your skin. More than anything, it is about coming up with personal and original ways of expressing and exhibiting your sensuality than merely wearing a revealing dress.
These get-sexy looks work for any age or budget. There is something for everyone here. Check out ten ways to glamour up your looks without looking corny and sleazy:
1. Do a little twist on the ordinary
You don't have to do anything extravagantly experimental like wearing a jacket backwards or something like that. Subtlety is the key word here. For example, grab a basic man's white shirt, unbutton it and wrap it in such a way that one side overlaps the other and tuck it in.
2. Paint your lips red
Lips with certain pallor may have been in fashion for sometime but nothing does the sexing up job well than a good old red lipstick. A nice lip liner will get you that perfect appearance. Pick a creamy matte in a red that suits your skin tone the best. The rule is blue-reds for darker skin, true reds go for the blondes and orange-ish hues for olive skin. The rest of the face should be light handedly made up to give room for the lips to take centre stage.
3. Wear a hat
It's true! Hats are attention seekers' best friend. Why? Because not everyone can pull off a hat. It takes guts and panache to wear it. When you combine these two, you get the sex appeal and hence tonnes of attention. It's advisable to stay with the classic shapes like the fedora and the beret as it is easier to pull off.
4. Shoulder dust earrings
Wear this and skip every other jewelry. Pull your hair back and keep your makeup soft. This look paired with the bare shoulders and you’re ready to sizzle the party houses. This one's strictly an after-dark look.
5. Go metallic
Black's super sexy, we all know that! But gold, silver, pewter and copper are luminous and look fabulous when the party lights shine on you. Go for shapes and fabrics which are simple and try tones that complement your skin color. You may want to pass on the usual jewelry and 'the works' to allow that dress of yours to shine through.
6. Try an exotic look
Exotic attires work. Consider for example, the Cheongsam. It has an international allure. Other such dresses with burrowed ethnic looks and a subtle feminine charm are harem pants, sarongs etc.
7. Wear shades
A great pair of sunglasses is perhaps the single sexiest item you can own. Adding a tinge of mystery to your personality they also actually serve the purpose of protecting your eyes.
8. Keep the back sexy
Try the element of surprise. A dress which looks modest and all covered from the front may be an ultimately dazzling work in the back. Try the open backs or the lace-up backs.
9. Stay comfortable and soft with touchable fabrics
Forget about the leathers and the sequins. Go for the softer fabrics like cashmere, silky satin and suedes. They invite another's touch and they feel great on your skin.
10. Play peekaboo
There's really no need to bare anything as such, even with lace. Try nude linings, slips and camisoles which keep you all covered up while the lace itself stays suggestive. Play a little hide and seek. Tease.
