How to Be a Physically Attractive Woman

Co-authored by Traci Halvorson

Last Updated: September 5, 2024 References

Are you looking to catch the attention of more men? Look no further. There has been a lot of research to find out what makes a woman physically attractive. It turns out there are some tried and true markers of attractiveness, many of which are universal. You can adopt these traits by making small changes, to make sure you are looking your best all the time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Adding to Your Natural Beauty

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Perhaps there’s a reason we associate the color red with things like “lust” and “passion.” Several studies have shown that men are more attracted to women wearing the color red. ^{[1]
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Research source} It’s pretty safe to say that red is a good color to wear on a first date.
Regardless of your body shape, wear clothing that flatters your figure. This will not only help you strut with confidence, it will give you an opportunity to flaunt your feminine contours. Wear outfits that fit snugly but not too tight. Avoid clothes that are too big. ^{[2]
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3
Wear makeup. Studies have shown that men are more likely to approach women who are wearing makeup. ^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Association for Psychological Science
Nonprofit organization devoted promoting trustworthy research and education in the psychological sciences
Go to source}
- Makeup helps you look attractive because it enhances certain markers for beauty. High cheekbones, large eyes, smooth skin, and a small nose are all features you can highlight with makeup. ^{[4]
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- Wear red lipstick. If you don’t want to wear it all the time, wear it when you dress up to go out.
- Put focus on your eyes. Wear eyeliner, shadow, and mascara that flatter your natural eye color and shape. ^{[5]
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- Make your makeup look as natural as possible. Most people prefer a “natural” look to someone wearing an overabundance of makeup. It shouldn’t look like you put too much effort into it.
If you catch the attention of someone with a perfume or cologne that someone finds particularly pleasant you’re off to a good start. The sense of smell is a powerful tool of attraction. ^{[6]
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If you can get away with sporting long locks, go for it. Studies have shown that longer hair is generally preferred over short hair, because it is a cue of the feminine gender. Some women can pull off short hair really well, but long hair tends to be more popular as a marker of attractiveness.
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Expert Source

Traci Halvorson
Modeling Agent

Expert Interview. 28 May 2021.} If you don’t already smile a lot, make it a habit of smiling more. Flaunt your healthy white teeth and show the world how happy you are. ^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Having an Attractive Attitude

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1
Be confident. ^{[9]
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Expert Source

Traci Halvorson
Modeling Agent

Expert Interview. 28 May 2021.} How do you expect others to see you in a favorable way if you don’t see yourself in a favorable way? Having self-esteem begins with confidence. Being comfortable in your own skin is attractive because you know who you are. You don’t need to demean or compete with others to get ahead in life. People find that quality attractive.
- Discover who you are. Once you have that under control, hang on to it and don’t be afraid to let the world know. Having a firm grasp on your own sense of self will go a long way when it comes to making you attractive.
- Practice positive affirmations. They work. List things about yourself that you love and revisit them once in a while. ^{[10]
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- Be careful not to brag or tip over into the realm of arrogance. Few people find arrogance attractive. ^{[11]
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- You don't necessarily need to find your life's passions to be confident. You can fake it 'til you make it!
- Reader Poll: We asked 622 wikiHow readers what qualities attract them to a woman, and only 12% named passion as the most irresistible trait. [Take Poll] While there's certainly nothing wrong with being passionate, confidence and kindness go a long way on their own!
2
Be happy. There has been a lot of research showing that people who are happy are more attractive (and attractive people are happier). ^{[12]
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- Practice gratitude and forgiveness. These two things will boost your happiness. ^{[13]
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- Focus on the relationships in your life. Relationships have shown to be one of the most important influencers of happiness. Spend time with trusted friends and family.
- Think positively. When negative thoughts enter your mind, kick them out. If this is something you struggle with, you might look into cognitive behavioral methods. ^{[14]
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Some studies have shown that people who are kind or agreeable are more attractive. Their attractiveness can even improve over time just based on their personality.
If you want someone to like you (or find you attractive), let them know. Studies have shown that we tend to like people who like us. If you show interest in someone, they'll more likely be attracted to you if you show interest in them first. ^{[15]
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5
Have a sense of humor. A sense of humor makes you attractive for more than one reason.
- Having a sense of humor makes you easier to be around. That’s an attractive quality to have.
- Laughter releases a chemical called Serotonin, which is the cause of our good moods. Helping people laugh puts them in a good mood, and they have you to thank for that. ^{[16]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Staying in Shape

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1
Get exercise. Scientific studies have shown that one of the strongest traits of physical attractiveness is a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index). ^{[17]
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Research source} Your BMI is the amount of fat on your body in relation to your height and weight. ^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- You can maintain a healthy BMI by making sure you get regular exercise. Good exercise can include aerobic training, strength training, sports, or outdoor activities. Anything that gets your heart rate elevated.
- A good rule of thumb is to exercise for at least a half-hour a day, five days a week. If you want to pump up the intensity, then exercise at least a half hour a day more rigorously, three days a week. ^{[19]
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  American Heart Association
  Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education
  Go to source}
2
Eat healthy. Being healthy requires more than just exercise. A well-balanced diet is a crucial part of being healthy. Eating healthy keeps you fit and makes it easier for you to feel good.
- Drinking a lot of water will do great things for your skin.
- Cut out as much processed food and high-fructose corn syrup as you can. ^{[20]
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- Eat foods high in carotenoids. One study showed that people who eat high- carotenoid diets are more attractive. Some foods that are high in carotenoids are sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, and sweet red peppers.
3
Maintain good hygiene. To be physically attractive, you should make a daily effort to keep your hygiene in good health.
- Brushing your teeth will help keep them white. One study showed that whiter teeth can make people look 20% more attractive. Teeth whitening procedures can help keep those pearls white if brushing does not do the trick. ^{[21]
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- Wash your face. Clear skin is a universal sign of attractiveness. ^{[22]
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  Research source} Keeping your skin clean shows you care about your health. It also reduces the chances that you’ll have blemishes like blackheads or pimples.
- Keep your hair clean and conditioned. Shiny hair is a sign of health and fertility. ^{[23]
  X
  Research source} , which is the driving force of attraction.
4
Get enough sleep. Getting at least six to eight hours of sleep every night will bring a variety of benefits to your life, many of which result in your attractiveness.
- It’s good for your health, in general. Your body repairs and heals itself while you sleep. This is especially important if you exercise. Getting enough sleep also decreases obesity and illness. ^{[24]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
  Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- You’ll have better emotional health. Getting more sleep leads to less stress and better mood regulation. ^{[25]
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  Health.gov
  Online collection of health and fitness standards set by the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
  Go to source} ^{[26]
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  Research source} Nobody finds stress attractive. In general, happy people are more attractive. ^{[27]
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- Sleeping more leads to a better memory and clearer thinking. Looks aren’t everything, and you want to be able to keep up in conversation. To be the best version of yourself and have a clear mind, it’s best to catch those Zs the night before.
5
Get a tan. Studies have shown that people who are tan are more attractive. Tanning also raises your risk of skin cancer (especially indoor tanning), so exercise caution. ^{[28]
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- A theory for this phenomenon is that the vitamin D you get from tanning represents health. ^{[29]
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- A tan body shows off muscle better than a fairer body because you can see the shadows cast by the muscles.

Join the Discussion...

Best tips on how to be more attractive

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WikiAxolotlDancer711

I know "beauty is subjective" but what are some actionable steps I can take to be just generally better-looking/attractive to others? I don't thi... Read More

WikiMistRider890

Surefire ways to become more attractive:
1. Practice being more confident (not cocky). Notice I said practice: it's something you develop by... Read More

WikiMountainCat42

If you have some friends with decent style who can be brutally honest with you, get them to help you figure out how you can be more attractive! I... Read More

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Question

How can I be more attractive in body language?

Traci Halvorson
Modeling Agent
Traci Halvorson is a Modeling Agent, Former Model, and the Owner of Halvorson Model Management (HMM) in San Jose, California. HMM is a full-service, licensed talent agency representing over 300 professional models and actors. With over 25 years of experience in the modeling industry, Traci specializes in scouting, managing, advising, and launching modeling careers in the Bay Area. Traci holds a BA in Public Relations & Business Management from San Jose State University and also specializes in Marketing, Image consulting, and is a certified Life-Career Coach.

Traci Halvorson

Modeling Agent

Expert Answer

To be more attractive with your body language is more about walking and expressing yourself with confidence. Use the right amount of eye contact and smile.

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How do I get a guy to hang out with me?

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I would suggest that you find some common ground that you both share, whether it's struggling in a class where one of you can tutor the other, finding a musician or movie you both enjoy, or even finding a mutual friend and arranging a time to hang out with both of them. Common ground helps asking someone to hang out easier because you know you already share something.

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How do I be physically attractive when I can't wear make up or wear sexy clothing?

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Rely on your hair, smile and natural beauty. Change up your hair, always make sure you're smiling. Little things like that can really make a difference.

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Tips

Women are more attractive when they’re fertile. Go out more often during your most fertile days of your cycle; people will pick up on it. ^{[30]
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Keep a positive attitude. Many people worry about their physical appearance -- you're not the only one!

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Decide which of the methods to focus on first, and then move to the next. It might be a lot of work to do all three at once.

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Warnings

Don't try to change yourself into someone you're not. Everyone is attractive in their own way and you've got to work with what you've got.

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Don’t over tan. Consult a physician to discuss your tanning goals before you start a tanning regimen.

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Anorexia and Bulimia are serious medical conditions. Health is attractive, and eating disorders are not healthy. If you have an eating disorder, seek professional medical attention.

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How to Be a Physically Attractive Woman

Steps

Adding to Your Natural Beauty

Having an Attractive Attitude

Staying in Shape

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