Sexy or Sleazy?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be seen as an attractive, vibrant, even sexy woman. However, many women stumble into sleazy territory when they make some common mistakes. Here is a guide to making the most of what you have without coming across as someone who lacks class.

Sexy: Blondes having more fun.

Sleazy: Black Roots

You can be sexy with any haircolor, but it is a common belief that blondes have more fun. Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, even pre-jail Paris Hilton are all well known for their blond locks. If you decide to go blond, allow in your budget for regular touch-ups to avoid looking like an extra in a 1989 Poison video. To extend the life of your golden tresses, deep condition regularly, and also ask your stylist to put some slightly darker low-lights throughout your hair so your roots won't be obvious between touch-ups.

Sexy: Wearing a thong.

Sleazy: The whole world seeing said thong.

I know it was a trend in the late 90's for women to sport the strings of their thongs, but even then classy women kept their underwear a mystery. It is sleazy and tacky to display your underwear on purpose. Similarly, be mindful when you bend over, few things are sleazier than a woman's thong clad read end in your face as she ties her shoelaces. Thongs can be useful to avoid visible panty lines and sexy to show off in private to your partner, but keep it in your pants everywhere else.

Sexy: A fit body in flattering yoga pants.

Sleazy: Using your rear end as a billboard.

You don't have to be dressed to the nines every day to be sexy. There are lots of attractive lounge clothes that accentuate your form and are casual and functional. Do not, under any circumstances, wear clothing with slogans or sayings on the read end. EVER. That screams "sleaze" and also is an obvious, unsexy message to the world that you are desperate for attention.

Sexy: Subtle flirtation.

Sleazy: Putting on a burlesque show to get a man's attention.

Unless you are one of the Pussycat Dolls, don't fall all over a man and be blatant with your sexuality. Sure, men look for that in a stripper, but they EXPECT that from strippers. Do they respect strippers? Probably not. Be subtle with your flirtation -- a slight hair flip, eye contact, light touches on the arm, but don't act like you are his for the right price.

Sexy: Keeping up with the boys.

Sleazy: Being one of the boys.

There is a fine line between being down to earth and being someone a man would never consider dating and it is this: It is totally acceptable and shows a lot of self respect to be career driven, and proud of your accomplishments. It is very sexy to most men that you don't mind getting dirty or that you don't need a glass to drink a beer -- but don't become one of the guys. It is sleazy to begin farting and burping and cursing all over the place to prove you can hang with the boys.

Sexy: Showing a little skin.

Sleazy: Leaving nothing to the imagination.

Sure, it seems that women who bare it all get all the attention. Yes, they do get attention, but is it positive? Is it classy, or sleazy? Sexy, classy women know that showing a little skin and leaving the rest for the imagination is what wins every time. If you are wearing a shorter skirt, don't wear a plunging neckline. If you have a back-bearing sleeveless blouse on, pair it with a longer skirt or black dress pants.

The most important thing to remember is to keep your self-respect in tact. When in doubt of whether you are trying to pull off sexy or whether you are looking sleazy, go with your gut. If you think you are crossing into sleazy territory you probably are. It also helps to enlist the help of a trusted, honest friend who will tell you the truth about the message you may be sending.

Above all else, remember that the sexiest woman is one who believes she is worth respect and shows that belief through how she appears and behaves!