How to Feel Sexy This Summer

There is something about summer, about the sunshine and the warmth that brings out the girlie-girl in me. All winter long, I dress like a guy. I wear jeans and sweaters and button down shirts and Doc's boots. But when May rolls around, and it starts getting warmer out (I live in Chicago, so really, the seasons go from winter to summer in matter of days), I feel like wearing sandals and short dresses.

But much like many women I know, I question whether I should actually wear a short summer dress. Do I have the body for it? Should I show that much leg? And really, if you've ever met me, you'd know I'm not talking about pulling off an outfit some of these cover-girl socialites wear out to a grocery store.

I thought about this self-consciousness, lack of confidence and the remaining need to still feel girly. And this is what I came up with - my very own four ways to feel sexy this summer.

1. Wear something red. From red nail polish to a red tank top, you should add some color to your summer look. I started small - I bought a red headband at Target on sale for $2.59, figuring that if I never wore it, I wouldn't feel terribly guilty. I am proud to say that I have graduated to red lip-gloss. There is just something about this color that exudes sexiness.

2. Wear a summer dress. I was so self-conscious that I spent the last two summers in capri pants and jeans. My size has not changed, but my outlook on summer-wear has. Wearing summer dresses, letting their lightweight fabric keep you cool in the summer heat, is sure to make you feel girly. And girly is good.

3. Get some heels. Seriously! And this advice comes from a girl who rarely goes out in anything other than sneakers. This may sound silly, but wearing heels is a definition of sexiness. Heels make your legs look longer. They also change the way you walk - you may not even realize it, but you are much more likely to strut your stuff in a pair of sassy heels. And strutting is great. Try it sometime.

4. Dance. Whether you do so in from of your mirror while you are getting ready for work in the morning (my absolute favorite), or you get some friends together and go to a club on a Friday night, take some time to dance to your favorite tunes. Dancing can be very good for you because it allows you to relax and enjoy yourself. Plus, it's sexy.

So this summer, allow your inner girlie-girl to dress up, have some fun and feel sexy. Share this, or your own advice with other women in your life, and enjoy all that this summer has to offer.