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10 Sexy Outfit Ideas for Those Moments When You're Feelin' Yourself

** Plays Beyoncé and struts in front of the mirror. **

By Jaimie Potters

Oct 11, 2019

Street Style and Celebrity Sightings During Coachella Festival

Christian VierigGetty Images

You've heard it a hundred times, but truly, there is nothing sexier than confidence. To give you that extra push towards unleashing your inner Rihanna-ness (or J.Lo, or Bey), here are my personal recommendations: Indulge in self-care, whether that be eating right or exercising or giving yourself time to relax, and spice up your wardrobe with a sultry piece. Now, I'm only qualified to advise on the latter, so I'll be focusing on that today. And, to clarify, dressing "sexy" does not mean showing lots of skin or dressing for a male fantasy. Dressing sexy means wearing clothes that make you feel you, which often times, in turn, makes the people around you feel you too. Whether you're dressing for date night, a GNO, or just for yourself, here are some looks to wear when you're feeling like a saucy little minx.

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Satin Open-Back Plunge Dress

Planning a rendezvous with somebody and it's warm out? Do yourself a favor and take this satin '70s number for a spin. Featuring a plunging neckline, a partially open back, and goddess-like sleeves, this dress's slimming fit simultaneously flatters and forgives in all the right places. Heels and a cute pink bag say "I'm going out to dance."

Rixo dress, $399

Kenneth Jay Lane hoop earrings, $24

Staud bag, $275

Zara shoes, $50

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Sheer Blouse With Faux-Leather Pants

Carine Roitfeld, est-ce toi? Channel your inner French fashion girl with a trench coat and harmoniously paired neutrals for a sophisticated and sexy street style look. Next, balance grace and edge underneath with a sheer blouse (this one only costs $13!) tucked into mid-rise faux-denim.

By Malene Birger trench coat, $640

Forever 21 blouse, $13

BLANKNYC leggings, $98

Yuzefi tote, $665

Tibi booties, $795

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Patent Leather Mini Dress

As revived by Margot Robbie in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, the short skirt with boots combo is having a moment. If you're a wild child at heart, I suggest going all out with this classically shaped patent-vinyl mini dress and a pair of stiletto-heeled snakeskin boots. It's sexy, but in a mod way.

Ganni dress, $280

Emilio Pucci hoops, $230

Schutz boots, $290

Wandler shoulder bag, $610

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Cowl Neck Dress

For an unabashedly sultry look, take a cue from night life personifiers Kendall Jenner and Paris Hilton and pair a cowl neck slip dress with crystals. This lustrous option from Aritzia is an especially smart choice because it features adjustable side ties, so it can be worn a different length every time, depending on how spicy you're feeling.

Aritzia slip dress, $148

Nina earrings, $98

Justine Clenquet necklace, $95

Cult Gaia bag, $288

Steve Madden shoes, $102

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Semi-Sheer Dress With Heels

I love this lacy bustier dress from Allen Schwartz for alleviating the struggle of having no idea what to wear to events when the dress code ambiguously reads "cocktail hour attire." Yes, this piece is definitely a splurge, but there's really nothing else like it out there. (Trust me, I've looked.) For accessories, pair this timeless dress with accessories that won't run the risk of ripping anything, such as this satin top-handle bag from Rixo.

Allen Schwartz dress, $540

Nordstrom hoops, $49

Mejuri ring, $90

Rixo bag, $305

Schutz heels, $170

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Feathery Crop Top and Jeans

Change up your going-out attire by introducing flirty textures to pieces likely already found somewhere in your closet. Here, a pair of mom jeans is given a kittenish upgrade when styled with a feathery crop top, a satin bag, and fabulous leather Dear Frances mules.

Prada top, $936

All Saints belt, $78

Topshop jeans, $80

Imago-A bag, $315

Dear Frances mules, $325

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Blazer Dress and Knee-High Boots

Fresh off the Zendaya x Tommy Hilfiger runway, these knee-high leather boots were made for the woman who knows where she's going. Style these with a tailored blazer dress for a sharp look that feels confident and sophisticated. Also, is anyone else getting Meghan Markle vibes from this ensemble?

Anine Bing dress, $449

Loren Stewart earrings, $326

Tommy Hilfiger boots, $252

Mango bag, $40

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Floral Matching Set

When it comes to playfully chic fashion labels, few brands come to mind faster than Staud. Here, a floral coordinating set paired with satin mules—all from the brand's fall 2019 collection—exudes effortless, flower-child glamor. For accessories, try a beaded wrist clutch to add a flirty '90s feel or a chain link bracelet to add a subtle touch of bling.

Staud top, $145

Staud skirt, $225

Shashi chain bracelet, $40

Urban Expressions handbag, $45

Staud mules, $295

Design by Morgan McMullen

A Blazer and Biker Shorts

The trend of biker shorts paired with an oversized blazer isn't going anywhere soon, according to the fashion crowd. If you're seeking a comfy-hot-tomboy look that can be recycled into a variety of outfits, opt for a boxy blazer paired with chunky sneakers.

Everlane blazer, $180

TNA T-shirt, $25

Wilfred Free bike shorts, $78

Kendra Scott necklace, $65

Nike sneakers, $161

Design by Morgan McMullen

An Asymmetrical Top and Red Patent Pants

For proof that dressing sexy by no means translates to showing a lot of skin, look no further than the sleek combination of a cutout turtleneck paired with your wildest pair of pants. And if cherry red patent-vinyl isn't your thing (fair), this look works just as well with a classic pair of Levi wedgies.

The Range turtleneck, $145

Fiorucci vinyl trousers, $229

Adina’s Jewels bracelet, $72

Danse Lente bag, $495

H&M ankle boots, $70

•••
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Jaimie Potters Associate Manager of Content Partnerships Jaimie Potters is the Associate Manager of Content Partnerships at Hearst Magazines Digital Media, and a digital contributor for MarieClaire.com, ELLE.com, HarpersBazaar.com, ELLEDecor.com, and OprahMag.com.

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