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Feel Sexy in Your Skin

Mar 6, 2008

It’s not news that women tend to be perfectionists when it comes to their bodies. Even the most confident girl out there has a thigh-hating moment every once in a while. Sure, somewhere in the deep recesses of our brains, we all know that there isn’t one ideal shape. Still, the reality is that comparathon mindset does occasionally take root, and when it does, you wind up measuring yourself against seemingly flawless women—usually celebrities.

So how do you fight the urge to do that? By simply becoming comfortable with what you look like—your size, shape, and other unique characteristics—because when you feel fabulous in your skin, you look fabulous. Yep, it’s really that easy. “True sexiness and confidence come when you stop trying to change your shape and start working with what you have naturally,” says Stephanie Dillon, PhD, author of The Woman’s Guide to Total Self-Esteem.

With that goal in mind, Cosmo asked a variety of different experts to offer simple tips for making the most of four common physiques. Just ID your body type, discover the best ways to work your quirks, and then get ready to radiate some major babeness.

BODY TYPE 1: Curves That Won’t Quit
Confidence Boosters
Stars like Beyoncé and Scarlett Johannson have brought back the hourglass figure. But men would say this shape never fell out of favor. “Research has proven that guys don’t mind a single bit if a woman has extra meat on her bones,” says Dillon. And remember this: Tons of chicks pay top bucks for boob jobs and butt implants…stuff you got for free. Using positive words like curvy and voluptuous to describe your shape also drives home the idea that your body is hot.

Rules For Working It
Dark, stretchy dresses are a curvy girl’s best friends—they accentuate that hourglass silhouette. Another flattering option: V-neck tops. “They display your cleavage without letting it all hang out,” says US Cosmo fashion market director Karen Larrain.

The same strut-your-stuff principle applies to how you can carry yourself. “Trying to make your body seem more compact—by, say, hunching over or crossing your arms—gives the impression that you’re apologizing for your size,” says director and acting coach Stan Kirsch, who helps actresses flaunt their figures. “Taking up your space gives you a presence.”

Nude Attitude
Open any men’s magazine and you’ll see curvy women. “Guys are attracted to all shapes, but yours is the one many fantasize about most,” says body-image researcher Sherrie Delinsky, PhD.

So don’t sweat “imperfections.” People are more critical of themselves than they are of others, and men aren’t attuned to details like cellulite anyway,” says Ann Kearney-Cooke, PhD, author of Change Your Mind, Change your Body.

BODY TYPE 2: Strong and Sporty
Confidence Boosters
It might sometimes be hard to feel like you hit the genetic jackpot with your muscular arms and thighs, but appreciating them for what they let you do—whether it’s running a 10k or kicking butt on the badminton court—it helps. “Women make the mistake of focusing on what their bodies look like, not what they can accomplish,” says Nancy Etcoff, PhD, author of Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty. “An athlete’s body is agile and strong. It’s beautiful.”

Rules For Working It
Wear miniskirts that show off your rock-hard legs; flaunt your streamlined arms in spaghetti-strap tops. Are there occasions when you want to look more classically feminine? “Opt for blouses and dresses with embellishments like ruffles or puffy sleeves,” says Larrain. Cinching your waist with a wide belt adds curves, and using a terrific scent can also make you feel more girlie.

What’s especially great about being so athletic; You’re acutely aware of how your body moves. The trick is to look like you’re not focused on it. “Putting a hand on your hip and relaxing your shoulders will help you look less stiff and rigid,” says Kirsch.

Nude Attitude
Buff bodies tend to look their best, well, in the buff. That’s because the definition of your muscles can really be seen sans clothes. Also, the more toned you are, the less bulging and puckering you have to worry about. And think about this: “If you work out a lot, chances are, you spend a lot of time in spandex, short shorts, and belly0baring sports bras,” says Kearney-Cooke. “You’re practically naked half the time anyway!”

BODY TYPE 3: Little And Lean
Confidence Boosters
A sight build with a small chest is a youthful, playful, and energetic look. No matter what your actual age, you will always be the picture of exuberance.

Plus, everything looks amazing on you, which is why fashion designers love your shape so much. But the benefits of tiny boobs extend well beyond clothes. “Small breasts look perfect on a boyish figure because they’re in proportion with the rest of your body, and proportion is attractive,” says Delinsky.

Rules For Working It
The girlish innocence of your shape will temper very sexy styles, making short skirts and strapless tops (which can be skanky on larger-breasted women) look elegant. A minidress is an especially flattering choice. “The short hemline draws attention awayfrom the bust,” says Larrain.

Cuteness is, of course, part of a boyishly built woman’s charm. When you want to come across as more authoritative stand tall, throw your shoulders back, and push your breasts—out you’ll appear bustier, taller, and more self-assured, says Kirsch.

Nude Attitude
Men like boobs. Period. Little ones, big ones, imperfect ones…you name it, they want to touch them. “Sexual satisfaction has absolutely nothing to do with breast size,” says Kearney-Cooke.

In fact, many dudes even prefer your petite body type because they find your delicateness a turn-on (and there’s no sagging). So, play that up. Getting girlie on him will only make your guy feel that much more like a real man.

BODY TYPE 4: The Hips-Don’t-Lie Look
Confidence Boosters
A good tip for a pear-shaped woman ) bigger on the bottom than the top) is to find a feature that you love and highlight it. It can be anything—an elegant neckline, pretty feet, or a tiny waist. Everyone has something beautiful about them, but few focus on it. “Eye-movement research has shown that when people who dislike their appearance look at their bodies, they zone in on parts they hate,” says Etcoff.

Learning how to accept a compliment can help you begin to focus on the good stuff. When someone praises you, force yourself not to wave it off. “Accepting flattery helps a positive comment really seep-in,” says Dillon.

Rules For Working It
It’s all about balance. Off-the-shoulder, halter, and scoop-neck tops will offset the width of your hips, and dark, wide-legged pants downplay your lower body. Two more pointers: Wear heels (they visually lift your butt), and stand up really straight (it will give the illusion of broader shoulders). Finally, show off the innate sexiness of your shape. “Swing your hips slightly from side to side as you walk,” says Kirsch. “It says that you love your figure and have fun with it.”

Nude Attitude
First, you need to get used to what your body looks like. According to Kearney-Cooke, most women like their faces because they’re accustomed to looking at them. So, checking out your naked body in the mirror frequently will help you accept your figure as you do your face. Men are a step ahead of you: A university of Texas at Austin study found that guys love this shape because it’s a sign of fertility.

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