Sex. The word oozes from every foundation of college life, from popular shows like "Sex and the City" to Professor Janet Hyde, the Human Sexuality pro. Fashion is no exception. Sexy fashions surround us as we swim from Thirsty Thursday onto the early hours of the morning. As I have concluded in previous articles, fashion is the most visible symbol we present. When fashion slims down to booty shorts and cleavage enhancers, I couldn't help but investigate the reasons. I interviewed several college students (who will remain anonymous) to figure out what sexy trends make their clock tick.
I first explored the issue of the blatant lack of clothing on females. The scenario: You see a girl walking down State with a skimpy "something" on; what is your initial impression? The most common answer I received from both women and men was "slut." It is remarkable that the first idea that came to mind was derogatory, but unfortunately, it was founded. One guy explained, "It seems that she might have less moral fiber based on what she is wearing." In this instance, it proves that although the girl might not actually exhibit the behaviors of her dress, her fashion can be interpreted as a projection of who she is.
Now, let's get to the real juice, sexual attraction. What fashions attract you to the opposite sex? This question produced several different answers across the board. One woman said, "Jeans that fit, and a polo or button up." As a follow up, I asked her what connotations does this dress portray that would attract her to a guy. Interestingly enough, she responded that this fashion for men represents, "Intelligence, money and a showcase body." What? I don't know what you've been told, but I have met some nicely dressed men who are as dumb as a Dolce & Gabbana ad. People will see what they want to see. If you were to be more attracted by this guy's fashion, do you correlate his dress to a match made in heaven? I think not.
The guys I interviewed provided me with very different answers. One guy said, "I am attracted to girls who are unique in their fashion tastes." He didn't once mention the actual clothes he would be more attracted to her in but her personal style. He believed originality "signaled a girl being more connected with her world." The other guy I interviewed said he didn't care what a girl wears but "how she wears it." Additionally, both men I interviewed were turned off by conformity. They both felt that a girl who conforms to a mass-produced style may also conform to a way of life, which my not be "desirable."
Ladies, listen up (if you haven't read any of my prior articles): Most men are not attracted to followers and imitators. Ironically enough, when I asked the women what fashions they thought would attract men, they responded, "nice jeans, heels, 'going out' shirt and fun jewelry." Correct me if I am mistaken, but isn't that the mass-produced look I see on the streets of Mad Town every weekend? Almost every stylish chica in Madison owns at least one of those items, and most of the women bar hoppers I see wear exactly that outfit.
Whether your outfit covers most of your body or little of it, you can be defined as sexy. It could be the green tank top that makes your hazel eyes shimmer or the belt slung low on your waist. Sexiness can come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Finally, I asked my interviewees: How much does fashion affect your attractiveness to the opposite/same sex? The women were by far the most blunt. One woman answered, "Initially, at first glance, fashion matters." She went on to say, "Some girls don't care about the clothes but the overall look." I agree. I definitely don't care about a guy's clothes when I am undressing him with my eyes. Seriously though, the overall look does count, even if its pieces are mediocre. From the male perspective, fashion is "huge!" One guy proposed a fascinating theory: "If you dress attractively, you have a better chance at being attractive." The last time I checked, clothes do not make the man. Alas, this guy is completely right. If you project an attractive personality on to your style, you may appear to be more attractive as a result. As one of my fellow interviewers said before, it is "how you wear" your clothes that matters. Maybe the determinant of how you wear it is whether you wear it with confidence.
In my book, confidence is sexy. Therefore, sex and sexiness can reach far beyond the realm of mini-skirts and muscle t-shirts. Sexiness is truly exuded through your individuality and onto your clothes. I must also add that sexy does not necessarily equal skimpy. Being a classy female or male can be even sexier than a Jenna Jameson poster. I think it is sexy when a guy dresses up a little, showing that he appreciates style. It also shows that he is non-apathetic, whether it is primarily based on appearance. Apathy kills creativity and is definitely not sexy. For women, it is totally classy and sexy when you exhibit one of your amazing attributes. It could be your collarbones, cleavage or legs — whatever. What deteriorates your classiness as well as sex appeal is when you show it all. It leaves no room for imagination.
Although sex may sell, we don't need to sell ourselves short by falling into that trap. Barely-there clothes may help Gucci sell ugly (spring season) shoes, but it will not score you many brownie points in the real world (unless you are a model). Maybe I am being too superficial, but a great outfit can take you anywhere. You can exude whatever attractive facets of your personality you choose. All you have to do is figure out where you want to go.
Melissa Eisenberg is a sophomore planning to major in journalism. She can be reached for question or comment at [email protected].
