How to Dress Sexy but Casual (with Outfit Ideas for Women)

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Plus, learn the difference between sexy and vulgar clothing!

Co-authored by Candace Hanna and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 Fact Checked

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Dressing Sexy Without Being Vulgar

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Sexy Outfit Ideas

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Other Ways to Improve Your Confidence & Look Sexy

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Q&A

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Tips

When it comes to dressing sexy, it doesn’t mean you have to wear something short or show a lot of skin. In fact, creating a sexy and sophisticated outfit is all about choosing clothes that fit well and make you feel confident. So, if you’ve been wanting to switch up your style and look more sexy, we’ve got you covered! We interviewed professional stylists and put together a complete guide on how to dress sexy without being vulgar.

How to Dress Sexy Without Being Vulgar

Identify your body type and choose well-fitting clothes that flatter your figure.
Choose one body part to highlight at a time so you don’t show too much skin.
Invest in high-quality fabrics, such as silk, wool, cotton, crepe, chiffon, and cashmere.
Wear clothes that make you feel confident to ooze sex appeal and look more attractive.

Section 1 of 3:

Dressing Sexy Without Being Vulgar

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1
Choose clothes that show off your shape . Wearing clothing that accentuates your best assets is the key to enhancing your sex appeal. Clothes that fit well and hug your body in the right places are more flattering than super tight or oversized pieces. So, identify your body type and dress accordingly. ^{[1]
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- Pear body type (smaller bust, wider hips and thighs): Flatter your gorgeous curves with straight leg pants and structured, shoulder-enhancing tops (off-the-shoulder, boat neck, or sweetheart necklines). Avoid extremely long or cropped tops and bottom-heavy patterns.
- Rectangular body type (straight torso, minimal curves): Highlight your athletic figure with mid-waist jeans , belted jackets , and softer fabrics that cinch in at the waist. Avoid silhouettes that are vertical, such as straight-leg pants or straight jackets, and boxy, shapeless styles.
- Inverted triangle body type (broad shoulders, narrow hips): Show off your amazing arms and legs with ruffled tops , jeans , wide-leg trousers , and A-line skirts . Avoid thick straps, halter-neck tops, shawl collars, and larger patterns on your top half.
- Hourglass body type (balanced bust and hips, defined waist): Emphasize your waist with figure-hugging silhouettes, A-line dresses , and V-shaped necklines. Look for pants with angled pockets, instead of inseam pockets. Avoid boxy or baggy clothes that hide your curves.
- Round body type (broader shoulders and bust, less defined waist): Flaunt your legs in straight or bootcut pants , and elongate your torso with V-shaped necklines. Empire waist dresses that hit above the knee work nicely. Avoid tight or clingy fabrics around your midsection.
2
Measure yourself to find the perfect clothing size. Take measurements of your bust, waist, hips, neck, arm length, and shoulder width for a precise fit. Then, read the brand’s sizing chart and choose the size that most closely matches your measurements. If you’re unsure of your proper size, ask a salesperson for help when you’re shopping. ^{[2]
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- If possible, read online reviews from other customers to get an idea of how the clothes fit. You can always visit a professional seamstress or tailor for alterations if needed.
- Wearing clothes that are too big or too small can draw attention to the wrong areas, so try on several sizes to see what looks the most flattering. If you’re ordering online, check the retailer’s return policy in case the fit is different than expected.
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3
Highlight one part of your body to look effortlessly sexy. According to professional stylist Christina Santelli, you should “choose one” feature to highlight at a time and “be conservative everywhere else.” Be selective when showing skin, and focus on “the part of your body you love the most” to maintain a sexy yet classy look. ^{[3]
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Expert Source

Christina Santelli
Professional Stylist

Expert Interview. 22 April 2019.}
- Professional stylist Candace Hanna says, “if you’re wearing a higher neckline, you can get away with a shorter skirt.” ^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Candace Hanna
  Professional Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.}
- If you want to highlight your legs, for example, pair a mini skirt with a turtleneck .
- To highlight your chest or cleavage, pair a V-neck top with longer pants or a maxi skirt to balance your outfit.
- Looking to show off your shoulders or back? Choose a backless dress with long sleeves or a longer hemline, or pair an off-the-shoulder top with trousers.
4
Leave a little to the imagination to avoid looking vulgar. There's a common misconception that showing more skin is equal to being sexy. However, revealing too much can come off as trashy or try hard, especially in formal settings, and this can affect how people perceive you. ^{[5]
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Research source} While there’s nothing wrong with loving you body, consider wearing clothes that show off your figure, but still leave some of your body to the imagination.
- If you want to wear a sexy bodycon dress, for example, choose one with long sleeves or that’s knee length.
- If you want to wear a crop top , pair it with high-waisted pants to show off your legs and hips, without showing tons of skin.
- According to dating coach Lisa Shield, “you never want to show too much skin” when dressing for a date. There’s nothing sexier than “a great pair of jeans, some boots, and a simple white button down top.” ^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Lisa Shield
  Dating Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 13 December 2018.}
5
Invest in high-quality fabrics that feel sexy and sophisticated. Quality fabrics like silk, wool, velvet, cotton, chiffon, crepe, and cashmere will last longer and look better in the years to come. ^{[7]
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Research source} They tend to drape across the body in a flattering way, helping you achieve a classy, refined, and seductive look.
- Shield says “silk and wool are always very elegant” and “will keep everything where it needs to be.” ^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Lisa Shield
  Dating Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 13 December 2018.}
- Avoid super stretchy, sheer, or synthetic fabrics—these can instantly cheapen your outfit.
- Always check the clothing label to see the exact fabric composition. Generally, natural fibers are better quality and more sustainable than synthetic fibers. ^{[9]
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6
Opt for minimal accessories to elevate your outfit. Gold hoops , a diamond pendant , or wide belt can create a cohesive and polished look, plus draw attention to specific parts of your body you wish to highlight. Play around with different colors, textures, and materials to add a dynamic element to your outfit. For instance, you could layer delicate chains together, or mix your gold and silver jewelry. ^{[10]
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- Avoid accessories that are overly gaudy. Less is more when it comes to looking sexy and sophisticated.
- Other sexy and timeless pieces include: a stainless steel watch , a gold chain , a pearl necklace , diamond studs , a tennis bracelet , and stacking rings .
7
Combine your casual clothes with sexier pieces. Creating an effortlessly sexy look is all about mixing different lengths, styles, and fits together. You can wear a loose, drapey piece with something more slimming to add a bit of sex appeal, or pair a shorter skirt with a modest top. Here are some other sexy outfit ideas:
- Pair a low cut or open back shirt with a fashionable pair of wide-leg pants.
- Combine a short bottom, such as a mini shirt, with a turtleneck or long sleeved top.
- Throw on those jeans that accentuate your curves with a flowy top. You can also belt the top to show off your waist.
8
Experiment with layers to add a sexy yet subtle element. Layering clothes is a great way to accentuate your silhouette and play up your proportions. To avoid looking bulky, start with base layers that hug your skin, then wear thicker layers on top. ^{[11]
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Research source} Try wearing tights with a mini skirt, a cardigan over a dress, or a scoop neck sweater over a collared shirt .
- Avoid wearing multiple bold patterns that overlap. For example, if you’re wearing a printed coat , you should opt for a sweater in a solid color underneath.
9
Play around with prints and textures for a sensual touch. Lace, small cutouts, and sheer panels are a great way to show a hint of skin in a subtle way—as long as they’re placed strategically and don’t overpower your outfit. Try showing a slip of skin in the area around your midsection or neckline, or underneath your chest (if you have a smaller bust). ^{[12]
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Research source} Metallics and subtle animal prints also add sexiness without revealing any skin.
- To wear cutouts and sheer panels without being vulgar, take a less-is-more approach with smaller openings and unexpected placements.
- If you want to highlight your abs by wearing a cutout top , for instance, choose one with longer sleeves or a higher neckline, or balance out the top by pairing it with a maxi skirt or trousers.
- An easy way to incorporate metallics and animal prints is through your accessories. A metallic clutch looks sleek and sexy during the evening, while cheetah print tights or boots add a stylish element.
10
Incorporate bold and rich colors into your wardrobe. Red, black, and jewel tones tend to pop against every skin color, which can make you look more sexy and stylish. Try pairing red heels with a black dress , or an emerald green sweater with dark trousers . An all-black outfit also works for any occasion, whether it’s a formal event or a casual outing. ^{[13]
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- Other sexy colors include: midnight or sapphire blue, olive green, chocolate brown, charcoal grey, amethyst purple, and citrine yellow.
- If you want to incorporate more color into your wardrobe, you can start small by adding a colorful accessory. Wearing a bold lip is another easy way to add a splash of color.
- A monochromatic outfit looks super sleek and stylish, especially when paired with simple hair and makeup. You could throw on a black silk cami with black trousers and black kitten heels , then style your hair in a slicked-back ponytail and apply natural makeup.
11
Wear shoes that look flattering and elongate your legs. A classic stiletto , strappy sandal , or sleek ankle boot looks great with lots of outfits, but choose a style that’s comfortable to you. Sleek and simple designs add instant sex appeal, without feeling trashy or vulgar.
- Avoid wearing shoes that look overly provocative, such as super high platforms.
- According to Hanna, a lower heel “makes for a sexier and more feminine silhouette.” ^{[14]
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  Expert Source
  
  Candace Hanna
  Professional Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2019.}
- Other sexy shoe options include: pumps , pointy-toe mules , slingback heels , ballet flats , and mary janes .
12
Purchase sexy and supportive lingerie that suits your body type. Invest in high-quality bras and underwear that fits well and makes you feel confident. Lingerie is designed to be sexy, but it doesn’t have to be super skimpy or vulgar. Shapewear can also give you an instantly smooth and toned appearance, especially when worn under a dress or skirt.
- Choose lingerie that flatters your body shape , in fabrics and styles that make you feel good. Some sexy options include: a silk chemise or babydoll , a black lingerie set with a garter belt and thigh-high stockings , or a lacy bodysuit .
If you've been wearing the same old clothes for years, giving your closet a makeover is the perfect first step to add sex appeal to your wardrobe. Get rid of the clothes that don't make you feel great and replace them with new pieces that you find sexy. If you've been wanting your very own little black dress, now's the time to get one! If you're sick of wearing the same boring suit to work, change it up with a bold color or different design.

EXPERT TIP

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist
Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University.

Alena Le Blanc
Personal Stylist

Audit your wardrobe to make it fit your desired image. Curate outfits that reflect the image you want to project to the world. Focus on elegant pieces over fleeting trends. Build a style that is uniquely you and boosts your confidence. Clothes are the way you introduce yourself visually to the world.
14
Look at fashion influencers and social media for inspiration. When changing your style , you may need a bit of guidance to point you in the right direction. Professional stylist Susan Kim recommends “following influencers and brands on social media” to stay up to date on the latest fashion trends. ^{[15]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist

Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} They can also teach you how to style pieces you already own.
- Create a Pinterest board of casual outfits you find sexy. Look for the trends you see on your Pinterest board and add those items to your closet.
- Study how your favorite sexy, yet casual outfits are put together and copy them. Mastering the art of a sexy, yet casual look is all about balance. Pair a sexy top with casual pants, or give a t-shirt and jeans some sex appeal with 5-inch heels.

Section 2 of 3:

Sexy Outfit Ideas

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Highlight one feature and wear clothes that fit well for a sexy outfit. The formula for a sexy yet sophisticated outfit is simple: show off your favorite part of your body, choose pieces that aren’t too tight or loose, and be confident about what you’re wearing! If you still need ideas for what to wear, here are some foolproof options:
- Date night: A little black dress, stilettos, and a clutch .
- Girl’s night out: Corset top , high-waisted jeans, and strappy heels .
- Beach day: A bikini , a sheer maxi cover up , sandals, and sunglasses .
- Festival or concert: A crop top, high-waisted denim shorts , and biker boots .
- Powerful and professional: A blazer dress cinched at the waist, mary janes, and studs .
- Chic and casual: A fitted midi dress , ballet flats, and a wicker basket bag or shoulder bag .

Section 3 of 3:

Other Ways to Improve Your Confidence & Look Sexy

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If you feel sexy, then you'll look sexy. If you don't feel sexy, that will show as well. Building your confidence is one of the best ways to be more attractive, so give yourself compliments and remind yourself that you’re worthy, beautiful, and rocking your sexy outfit! ^{[16]
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Ashley Graham, Model & Activist

Build confidence by being your authentic self. "The question I get asked the most is always, how did you gain confidence? And I always have the same answer... Confidence comes from knowing who you are and not allowing others to dictate otherwise."
2
Develop a personal hygiene routine to keep yourself clean and healthy. Your new sexy look will be incomplete without the proper hygiene, so create a beauty and self-care regime to go with your new wardrobe:
- Establish an effective skincare routine . Use gentle face wash to keep your face looking fresh, and hydrate your skin with moisturizer. If you're showing a bit more skin, it's important to make sure that skin looks great.
- Brush your teeth and floss daily to illuminate your smile. A beautiful smile is always sexy, so be sure to take good care of your mouth. Clean, white teeth will also add to your confidence, and we already know that confidence is key.
- Choose a haircut that flatters your face shape . Whether you prefer the messy, natural look or a simple, refined bun, choose a hairstyle that makes you feel sexy.
3
Apply makeup that flatters your face and choose a signature scent. The right makeup and fragrance can transform a nice outfit into a sexy outfit. Appealing to multiple senses—sight and smell—will take your look to the next level.
- Apply makeup that flatters your features. If you're rocking a smokey eye, pair it with a nude lip. If you're not big on eye makeup, give your lip a splash of color with red lipstick . These techniques will make you look effortlessly sexy.
- Pick a fragrance that works with your body chemistry. The perfect finish to an outfit is your favorite perfume or cologne. Lightly spritz yourself before you head out to add a bit of extra sex appeal to your look.
4
Embrace your authentic self and wear what makes you feel sexy. Trying to be somebody you're not is never a good idea, and it's obvious to others. Instead of trying to change yourself, embrace what's naturally sexy about you. The more comfortable you appear, the sexier you'll look—no matter how casual your outfit is!
- If you're not a dress girl, you don't have to wear dresses to be sexy. Instead, throw on some figure flattering pants with a low-cut top, or a crop top, and step out with confidence.
- For men who don't like to dress up, pair a blazer with sweatpants for a casual, sexy, and trendy look. You'll be comfortable and look great.

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I wore sexy clothes for my boyfriend but he didn't appreciate it. I like to show off my skin, so I was half naked. What should I do now?

Community Answer

Darling, you don't need to try so hard. I bet you're beautiful anyway and if your boyfriend doesn't appreciate you fully clothed, then maybe it's time you leave that relationship and wait for someone who'll actually love and fully cherish you.

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Does tight clothing suit fat people?

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Everyone looks best in clothes that fit well, and are neither too tight nor too loose.

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How can I look sexy with normal pants?

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Wear pants like skinny jeans, normal or high rise, depending on your outfit and body shape. Build an outfit around that, and carry yourself with confidence.

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Tips

Ultimately, the way you carry yourself is what makes you look sexy and confident. Stand up straight, make eye contact with others, and smile to excuse attractiveness!

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Looking sexy is all about feeling sexy on the inside. No matter what you wear, be yourself and rock your outfit with confidence!
Wear bold colors like cyan, lime green, and fuchsia to enhance your curves.

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Dating Coach

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Susan Kim
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How to Dress Sexy but Casual (with Outfit Ideas for Women)

How to Dress Sexy Without Being Vulgar

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Dressing Sexy Without Being Vulgar

Sexy Outfit Ideas

Other Ways to Improve Your Confidence & Look Sexy

Community Q&A

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Video

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