Love Is Already In The Air: Expressing Your Inner Sexy Every Day
January 10, 2014
By Brian Maynor
January 10, 2014
I know we just made it through a huge holiday season, but life doesn’t stop to give you a breather. Now when you walk into a store prepare to be bombarded with Valentine’s Day paraphernalia. The day of love is only a month a way.
Putting that thought aside for a bit, it did spark the idea for today’s column, ‘expressing your inner sexy every day’. This is the time of reinvention and one area many people focus on is looking better so they feel better about themselves. Whether you are quick to admit it or not, everyone wants to feel sexy in their own way, because it means something different to everyone. My goal and sometimes challenge is defining exactly what ‘sexy’ means and how to express it in an appropriate way, not just in one specific outfit. Here are two inspiration boards and tips on how to bring the sexy in ‘everyday’ clothes:
1. Underwear. Not the most comfortable topic to talk about for a lot of people and therefore often neglected, but it is one of the most important. So many people wear ugly underwear because they think it doesn’t matter since no one else is going to see it but them. My response is always the same: “Who cares. Buy it for you because you are worth it!” You don’t need to show it off to make it valuable. As long as you feel good in it and it serves the purpose wear it.
2. Show some skin. You don’t have to show everything, but seeing skin creates a physiological impact. So many of our clothing choices are connected to our psyche and this is no different. When I see someone in a turtleneck and suit my immediate thought is they are hiding behind armor. Completing covering up is a defense mechanism and a way of alienating yourself from people, intentionally or otherwise. Whether it is an arm, neckline, ankle or leg showing skin is an invitation to interact, but there are clear rules of appropriate and acceptable invitations. If there is ever a question fallback on the less is more approach.
3. Work what you’ve got. We all have natural assets; so instead of downplaying them, use them. You know what part of your body you like best and looks good. Set those areas as the focal point and then you can deflect from areas that you are not so ready to flaunt. For example if you have great legs show them off. You will be much more comfortable receiving complements on how great they look and less worried about your stomach or arms.
4. Get a haircut and/or color. Our hair is a very visible and prominent part of our image, yet so many people are stuck in rut of styling or color that may have worked at one time, but is now dated. I know it can feel like a betrayal to even think about going to a different stylist because relationships with them have some sacred element, so talk with them first. Sometimes that is all it takes to release their creativity, but if that doesn’t work then finding someone new would be a good thing.
Looking and feeling sexy is not something that is reserved for single people looking for love. It should be an everyday thing because we are worth it independently and deserve to look and feel sexy every day.
P.S. In reality it has more to do with how you feel in your clothes, than the actual clothes.
Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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