“If a man doesn’t like the way I look, then forget them! I want a man to like me for me.”

Sound familiar?

I often hear this from my women clients. But the problem about this statement is that men won’t get to KNOW you if you are not putting yourself together in a way so that a guy wants to get to know you. I love being able to work with both men and women because I get to hear how each gender views one another, and I’m usually able to debunk a lot of myths and clear up frustrations about dating.

Knowing that both genders are visual beings, it’s important to package yourself in a way that makes you feel great and attracts the attention of men so they want to take that next step in getting to know you. Men like to date women who look feminine, so if you really want that guy to see you as more than a friend or coworker, you need to dress the part!

Here are some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for a sexy dating image:

DON’T:

Dress in drab colors or hide.
You will literally be camouflaged if you are always wearing black and beige. Men are attracted to color, especially red, which usually sends a signal to them that you are confident, fun and flirty so try wearing that scarlet dress next time you are out.
 
Wear men’s attire.
Whatever you do, avoid wearing a corporate suit on a date! Men want to see you in clothes that enhance your feminine and sexy side not remind them of the corporate world.
 
Wear busy patterns and overpowering accessories.
Many times women dress for other women. Loud patterns and crazy jewelry may be trending but that is not necessarily what men like. Men are attracted to simplicity such as solid colors and garments that fit the body well. Otherwise, those distracting clothes can be threatening and intimidating by being too much.
 
Dress in clothes that don’t fit your body.
Although some of the trends now are big flowing tops, not every body type can wear that style. In addition, often women who feel self-conscious about their weight will wear bigger clothes in attempt to conceal the parts they don’t like or find that they don’t like the way clothes “cling” against their skin. Actually, bigger clothes add weight and can make you appear bigger.

A woman’s figure tends to get lost when clothes are too big. Men love simplicity and to see a woman’s figure. They don’t care what is “trending” necessarily, they just want to see your body, that you have a nice style and that you OWN your body no matter what size you are.

DO:

Build a wardrobe of clothes that make you feel amazing.
Put on the pieces that you absolutely love. Look in the mirror and figure out what you like about each piece. Do you like the way it hugs your curves? Is the color super flattering? What about this item is working for you? Write these observations down because these are the characteristics you’ll be looking for on your next shopping trip. Dress sexy, subtle and comfortable. Embrace what you have and own it NO MATTER WHAT YOUR BODY TYPE IS.
 
Dress feminine.
Whenever you’re meeting a man – especially if it’s for the first time – embrace your feminine, sexy side. Put away the boyfriend jeans, the Uggs and your corporate blazers, and slip on a sexy pair of heels and a gorgeous dress that you look and feel absolutely amazing in. Trust me – he will love it. Wear skirts, giggle, create softness and be light and open.
 
Dress sexy, not slutty.
A lot of women think men want them to look like they belong in an issue of Maxim, but that’s not necessarily the reality. The truth is men are really aware of the difference between a woman who is sexy, and a woman who looks slutty.

So while they might find it hot for the woman on the cover of Maxim to pose in a barely there skirt, they don’t necessarily want that same look for a woman they are seriously considering settling down with. Your dress can be short OR tight, but not both – especially if it’s a first date or during the day. Also, if you can’t bend over, dance or get out of the car without flashing something, that’s not the right outfit for you!
 
Maintain a little mystery.
Contrary to popular belief, men don’t actually want to see everything you’ve got right away! They find it sexiest when you’re wearing something that’s sophisticated, beautiful and fits your body well without showing too much skin. For example, wear a black dress with a modest front and an open back, or a silky blouse with a lace camisole peeking through. It’s that alluring mixture of conservative and sex appeal that drives men wild.

Remember a great dating image is different than a corporate and mommy image. Incorporate more curve-hugging dresses, shorter or split skirts, and sexy heels into your wardrobe, and I guarantee the men in your life will start to see you in a whole new light.
 
 
 
 
This article was originally published on Digital Romance.