More is sexy this spring

What is sexy? Everyone has a different opinion on the subject. Many people assume that sexy automatically means more skin. Well, if Victoria Secret commercials have taught us anything, it's that how you cover up is more important than what you are covering. Thus, sexy doesn't necessarily translate into tight, revealing clothing. It's all about what you leave to the imagination. In fact, someone doesn't have to be really "hot" to look sexy in a great outfit. How clothing is worn is incredibly important. Not everyone should be prancing about in short shorts and tank tops. Yet, even if you have the body to pull off hot pants, remember that such overt displays are far more raunchy than sexy. Most people would agree that a really nice suit is much more attractive. Maintaining a little mystery is quite alluring.



Designers have recently caught on to this idea in their runway collections. Particularly in women's wear, spring clothing possesses a distinctly prim and proper air. Of course, you can still find scandalously cut clothing out there, but there is a discernable trend towards elegant, lady-like designs. What exactly qualifies as ladylike, you ask? Many designers have answered this question with vintage-looking clothing that recalls the timeless elegance of the '30s, the restrained sultriness of the '0s, and the ultra-feminine silhouette of the '50s.

The shape of skirts is of particular interest this season. Fashion works in cycles, so it makes sense that hemlines are lowering after the recent popularity of the micro-mini skirt. Perhaps designers decided that they finally needed to put an end to the atrocious "mini skirt with Ugg boot" fad. Whatever the reason, you'll find more knee-length pencil skirts and A-line skirts in stores this season.

Also, clothing seems to be returning once again to a more formal standard. A friend recently observed, "It's impossible to look truly put together with today's 'sporty-chic' look." Have you been kidding yourself all this time that funky little gym shoes and colorful track jackets (particularly ones bearing the Puma logo) look sleek and polished? Don't get me wrong, this look has its time and place, but don't expect it to hang on with widespread popularity. Instead, expect more dainty heels and fitted trench coats. If there's anything more mysteriously sexy than a pair of great heels and a sassy trench, I'd like to know!

So, what's sexy for men these days? You'll see the same trend towards refined elegance in menswear as well as women's wear. Button down collared shirts in classic fabrics like checks and stripes are big. Add a nice sweater and a snappy pinstripe blazer, and you've got a very dapper look. The preppies are back in full force, so be ready with your pastel polos and khaki trousers. Those ultimate preps among us may feel the need to turn up their collars and tie a sweater around their shoulders, but let's not get too carried away.

Yet, with all this preppiness going around, one must be careful to preserve a little bad-ass. You don't want to end up looking exactly like you father. Keep an edge with bold accessories like studded leather cuff bracelets and funky shoes. Maybe get a little "anti-establishment" with a motorcycle jacket. Think about adding a little metal to your look with zippers and buckles. Nothing says bad-ass like the glint of cold, hard steel! Most importantly, don't be afraid to mix classy and cool -- like a blazer with jeans and sneakers.

This season is all about discreet sexiness and embracing a more elegant, refined aesthetic. As always, keep things fresh with interesting accessories. Just because your clothes look retro, doesn't mean you have to look old. Experiment with wearing traditional clothing in non-traditional ways and have fun! Finally, don't shy away from wearing a style that you've never worn before. After all, confidence is your sexiest accessory.