It's What You Don't Show

When steamy summer heat hits the skin, clothes melt off as fast as ice in a fresh glass of sun tea. Salty sweat slides trails of enticement down the nape of the neck and bare skin shows in patches like an incomplete puzzle. Short skirts, skimpy shirts, and barely there bikinis take place of concealing sweaters and suppressing clothes that have smothered your skin all winter long.

It's no wonder summer is considered a time for love, with scenes that could be found in an old romance novel taking place. Now, before UTW gets a pile of hate mail directed to the fashion writer, please notice I said romance novel, not the current issue of Hustler, which brings me back to the lesson behind this week's fashion guide. It is extremely easy in such a season to cross the very thin line between sexy and slutty. So, ladies, please take note of some of the following tips, tricks and teasers (no dollar bills required).

Anyone can pull off sexy without pulling anything off at all. It's all in your confidence. I was once told by a very close male friend of mine that if you believe you are sexy, then others will think you are sexy. Being young and still learning about life when told this philosophy, I instantly tested the theory, and for me, it proved true.

I know that just about all of you ladies have experienced the sensation of feeling great about yourself when it comes to beauty. Have you ever noticed that most of these occasions begin with the effects of a perfectly-fitting pair of jeans, complemented with just the right shirt, topped with submissive hair and flawless makeup? In other words, you look in the mirror before you leave and you like what you see, imperfections and all.

On these nights, it's like the stars aligned just for you. Whether you're out dancing with the girls, at dinner with your honey, or reading at your favorite coffee shop, your ear is filled with compliments, money left untouched in your pocket and a lingering smile on your face. None of which happened from wearing booty shorts with a cut-up juniors baby tee and stilettos.

I think everyone will agree that a self-assured woman is much sexier and more attractive than one who tries so hard to cover up her insecurities that she reveals much more than just self-doubt. This theory not only applies to those who choose to overdo the sexiness this summer, it also applies to the timid ladies who sit back quiet and unseen in the corner. Our imperfections make us unique and our uniqueness is exactly what draws each one of us to another. We should be proud and celebrate who we are!

Theory to Practic

Now that you're prepped with confidence, my next suggestion to being super sexy this summer is to wear an air of mystery. Have you ever heard the phrase "leave something to the imagination"? This was not just your dad's ploy to get you to cover up as a rebellious teenager; this is actually sound advice.

You could poll every man or woman you know, placing a picture of the same woman in two different outfits in front of him or her. In one picture, she wears an off-the-shoulder slouchy shirt, revealing just a bit of cleavage, and in the other, she is wearing a super tight top that shows all. Nine times out of 10, the slightly revealing one will beat the overly revealing.

Why? I guess you could say this analogy is somewhat like foreplay, and that is most definitely a topic to be left to the imagination.

To add wonder to your wardrobe, try simple tactics to reveal a bit, but not a bit too much. For instance, keep your skin soft, smooth and moisturized, giving it a healthy glow and making one wonder what it feels like to the touch. For more sexiness, take care of your lips in the same manner to create kissable desire.

Craft the unknown by wearing a long dangling necklace that falls into the cleavage of a low cut shirt, or lose the necklace and instead brush a line of glitter down your chest, for subtle sexiness.

The key to mystery is to reveal a sexy part of the body and balance it out by covering the rest. By placing a low cut top with long dress shorts and heels, you get a conservative brand of sexy. You could also do just the opposite and still have the same effect. Piece a non-revealing, oversized top with a short mini skirt and heels, showing off long, lean legs. Naturally, the eyes of any observer will follow up your bare legs, and when the rest of your body is covered, it leaves the observor wondering.

The philosophy of showing just a bit of skin is a universal theory much older than the current days of fashion. Traces of its existence can be found in other cultures and eras. For example the geisha in Japan was seen as a woman of perfection, a masterpiece of art. These women were covered from head to toe in rich silks and expensive designs. She often caught the attention of any man she chose simply by showing just a bit of skin.

So, whether it is the back, shoulder, chest, stomach, or legs, reveal just a little skin and keep the world wondering about the rest of your assets. Offer confidence, compassion and intelligence, creating a mystery that others want to solve solely by offerings of their respect.