WEAPONIZING YOUR SEX APPEAL
Advice From NYFW's Experts
During the initial phases of COVID-19, the gatekeepers of fashion collectively allowed sweatpants and slogan T-shirts to enter.
It must be done, they urged, for the good of humanity, now working remotely.
One hell of an on-going pandemic and seven months later: salons resume performing God’s work, restaurants are re-opening, companies demand employees commute their masked-up asses back to the office, and a new normal emerges. Lousy style is no longer a forgivable offense, so why are you still wearing outfits Mom picked out in college? It’s time to impress with more than your occupation.
Before diving into the foreign waters of a new wardrobe, remind yourself a new style might feel uncomfortable, like someone else’s skin. Unless it’s due to the fabric, don’t allow the fear of unfamiliarity to limit taste. You’re not shedding your individuality but styling it.
Among a poorly handled world health crisis, rampages of wildfires, murder hornets, Donald Trump’s twitter feed, cities divided by protests, and Paris Hilton’s fake voice, the year 2020 has been anything but predictable. But you persevered with the aid of food delivery and streaming services, though the unwashed laundry could be like opening Pandora’s Box.
The tropical cloud of depression envelopes you with laziness and fast food cravings, directly associated with clothing choices, influencing mood, confidence, and productivity. You are what you eat and wear. Like a body’s composition reflects the nutrients put into it, a person’s daily attire projects that identity privately and publicly. Many of us realized our “I don’t care what others think!” mantra contradicts the abrupt style regression once an isolated hush fell over the country. Beginning with repeating a shirt the next day, it quickly turned into something vulgar. If you’re not dressing for yourself, then you’re dressing for others. Wield back your power with some advice from New York Fashion Week experts.
Designer Frederick Anderson built his eponymous womenswear brand creating garments that exude Aphrodite’s sex appeal, sewn up with the class of Upper East Siders.
Ironically, “Don’t try too hard,” he says, encouraging men to trust their instincts. “I believe fashion is your conversation with the world, speak with an individual and authentic voice.” His hopefulness doesn’t cover the fashionably impaired, so dressing in white or black remains in vogue when in doubt.
“If all else fails, an open shirt over a pair of white jeans will always do the work.” Debuting his Spring 2021 collection, Anderson rocked white slacks with a white striped button-down, true to form, sleeves rolled up with just enough open buttons for a peek, down his virtual runway.
Not everyone can pull off a monochromatic color scheme without looking like Professor Plum, so avoid trapping yourself in a real-life game of Clue by using different hues. Try not to find your name in the envelope for killing a stylish outfit with sandals.
The commandments are clear: Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not commit murder. Thou shalt not show toes outside the house.
Speaking of structures, dressing to impress shouldn’t be exclusive to leaving home. We’re all experimenting with Zoom from business meetings to dates, so practice strutting the streets with your hallways. “Dressing for your body type is important,” says fashion editor and stylist Kristofer Fraser, “learn what looks well on you and accentuates your sexiest features.”
Men, this means more than a bulge in sweatpants. Think biceps, chest, even back, and thighs.
“Such as a pair of jeans that give you a model worthy tush, find pieces that not only remind you that you’re sexy but draw positive attention as well. Even if it’s just a plain T-Shirt and jeans in your closet, the key to any good outfit is to wear everything with confidence. Confidence is sexier than any designer label.”
Casual chambray shirts, fitted beanies, white or black V-necks, shearling coats that hit at the thigh are a few of the sexiest things. If you’re not gifted enough to put together ensembles, focus on statement pieces. Fraser emphasizes quality fabrics, “Linen is one of the most forgiving fabrics for summer and warm weather. Every guy should own a denim jacket for fall, and a leather one for winter.”
For fancy-schmancy occasions – virtual wedding anyone? – words can’t express the difference a tailor will make for a suit. “Don’t judge a book by the cover,” advises celebrity tailor Maestro Sylvio, “Do the research and see what work the tailor has done in his/her past.” Despite a portfolio boasting Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Maluma, and Billy Porter, some new clients still experiment with pieces before bringing him couture. In other words, don’t offer your most precious items until building a relationship, trust. Start with an item that won’t break your heart if ruined.
The finishing touches are the watch, wallet, and keys. You don’t need to purchase many options, but make sure to invest in quality material. Leather straps work for evening occasions, stainless steel for every day. It could be the one time where unabashedly flashing a designer logo is charming. Fine, you can use the Apple Watch. If you’re still using a beer bottle opener as a keychain, it’s time to exorcise the ghosts of a fraternity past.
Without a doubt, learning what works, or, more importantly, what doesn’t, is trial and error. Go ahead, purchase a body length mirror, and don’t be shy to Facetime a fashionable friend. Before rushing to show the world the improved you, ask yourself: If the possibility of sex presented itself, am I proud of the underwear I’m wearing? Choosing to invest the effort is self-care, and the boldness will transcend your personality. Others, especially dates, will notice—a small step for humankind, a big step in seduction.
For sexpert questions or advice, contact: jamievalentino@provokr.com.
