If there’s only one piece of fashion advice you ever take from me, let it be this: I firmly believe the act of getting dressed should do nothing less than make you feel like a total babe. It’s this motto that leads me to repeat certain outfits several times in a row, and wear giant platform wedges to the grocery store when I run out of avocados. My girl Mary-Kate knows no coffee trip is complete without an impractical shoe choice. (P.S. Remember when I said that my style icons are "Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, five years ago"? That photo wasn't taken in 2013, people, and I am 100% all about her look.)
Sure, I could throw something on and plead indifference, but it wouldn’t be honest and I wouldn’t feel confident. I know some people take great pride in not giving a shit about what other people think of them and the way they dress, but these people are typically extremely well dressed, so I usually call bullshit.
The point is: there’s no reason not to wear what makes you feel good, what makes you feel sexy, ALL THE TIME.
Sure, I could throw something on and plead indifference, but it wouldn’t be honest and I wouldn’t feel confident. I know some people take great pride in not giving a shit about what other people think of them and the way they dress, but these people are typically extremely well dressed, so I usually call bullshit.
The point is: there’s no reason not to wear what makes you feel good, what makes you feel sexy, ALL THE TIME.
Maybe there’s someone specific whose eye you’re trying to catch, or maybe you’re just going to see a movie with your sister. (Hey, you never know who could be standing in line behind you at the Broadway movie theater. MAYBE IT'S THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE.) For me, there’s no event too casual for a fancy ass skirt, and no event too formal for scuffed boots. If it’s what I want to wear, it’s happening. And yes, before you ask, the number of times I’ve gotten in trouble for breaking the dress code at work is exactly two times.
Based on how high of a priority feeling and looking “sexy” is to me, you’d think I have racks on racks of stilettos and knock-off Hervé Léger body-con dresses. NOPE.
In fact, my stiletto and body-con dress count is zero. That being said, there are definitely a handful of tight dresses and few pairs of heels that make my heart melt, but for the most part those pieces just feel a little too Cosmopolitan magazine for me. It feels cliché, and even worse, it feels easy. Buying $20 heels at Forever 21 just because they’re high and the Internet suggested them isn’t going to automatically make you look or feel attractive. (But if Charlotte Olympia made them, they’re probably a one-way ticket to Babetown.)
Based on how high of a priority feeling and looking “sexy” is to me, you’d think I have racks on racks of stilettos and knock-off Hervé Léger body-con dresses. NOPE.
In fact, my stiletto and body-con dress count is zero. That being said, there are definitely a handful of tight dresses and few pairs of heels that make my heart melt, but for the most part those pieces just feel a little too Cosmopolitan magazine for me. It feels cliché, and even worse, it feels easy. Buying $20 heels at Forever 21 just because they’re high and the Internet suggested them isn’t going to automatically make you look or feel attractive. (But if Charlotte Olympia made them, they’re probably a one-way ticket to Babetown.)
I’ve long used the term “non-traditionally sexy” to describe my sense of style, and I still stand by that description 100%. While my stiletto count may be zero, my completely see-through clothing item count is six. I’m a sucker for a visible black bra. But if you’re going to see my bra through sheer fabric, said fabric is going to be a member of The Top Button Club. Either that or I’m going to be wearing high-waisted shorts or a skirt, and you’re going to have to hang out with Brooke to see any midriff.
Speaking of Brooke and her midriff, she demonstrated a perfect way to dress non-traditionally sexy in her last article about crop tops. If you’ve ever seen a true summer babe in a crop top and a maxi skirt, you’ve seen the definition of “non-traditionally sexy” manifested before your eyes. Lucky you.
Speaking of Brooke and her midriff, she demonstrated a perfect way to dress non-traditionally sexy in her last article about crop tops. If you’ve ever seen a true summer babe in a crop top and a maxi skirt, you’ve seen the definition of “non-traditionally sexy” manifested before your eyes. Lucky you.
For those of you who are already counting down the days until the fall season like I am, you may want to consider the classic sweater + high-waisted jean cut-offs + black tights + boots combo. A chunky knit sweater is functional for two reasons in this case: it keeps you warm, and balances out the sex appeal of tight little shorts. (Be still my heart.)
One pair of high-quality black opaque tights is a closet staple from September to April, in my opinion. I wear mine until they have holes; then I keep that pair for the days I’m feeling extra grungy, and buy a pristine pair to go with my expertly tailored Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts. Those demand a classy counterpart.
Whenever I talk about dressing “non-traditionally sexy” I like to point out that there’s nothing wrong with being into dressing traditionally sexy! If leopard-print dresses that fit like a glove and red stilettos are your jam, go for it. Be all about it. But whenever I catch myself staring at a female babe, it’s always the ones that are managing to exude noticeable sex appeal, but with a lower-case s. (If you don't know what I mean, you need to start at Alexa Chung A LOT harder.)
How about you? What’s your favorite way to collect stares from strangers via your non-traditionally or traditionally sexy clothing items?
STAY UGLY//
xoJamee
One pair of high-quality black opaque tights is a closet staple from September to April, in my opinion. I wear mine until they have holes; then I keep that pair for the days I’m feeling extra grungy, and buy a pristine pair to go with my expertly tailored Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts. Those demand a classy counterpart.
Whenever I talk about dressing “non-traditionally sexy” I like to point out that there’s nothing wrong with being into dressing traditionally sexy! If leopard-print dresses that fit like a glove and red stilettos are your jam, go for it. Be all about it. But whenever I catch myself staring at a female babe, it’s always the ones that are managing to exude noticeable sex appeal, but with a lower-case s. (If you don't know what I mean, you need to start at Alexa Chung A LOT harder.)
How about you? What’s your favorite way to collect stares from strangers via your non-traditionally or traditionally sexy clothing items?
STAY UGLY//
xoJamee