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The M Dash

Live with purpose.


6 Looks That Prove Fall is the Sexiest Season

Confidence-boosting, shape-friendly, office-appropriate looks that will put a little extra pep in your step.

By Caitlin Abber

When I think of the word “sexy,” two other words immediately come to mind: subjective and fraught. Subjective, because what one person finds sexy, another person might find repulsive. And fraught, because it can be very hard to detach any understanding of sex or sexiness from the straight male gaze that has a monopoly on so many of our beauty standards. 

But there are other words—and values, truths, and reclamations—that allow us each to create our own vision and understanding of sex appeal. And while there’s no universally agreed upon recipe for what makes someone sexy (nor should there be), like salt or sugar, there’s an ingredient every sexy person just can’t exist without: Confidence. 

A person who knows their worth, feels good in their body and their clothes, and speaks their mind has instant sex appeal. A confident person could be wearing flip flops and an oversized Charlotte Hornets T-shirt, and they’d still register on the heat index. 

But sometimes confidence can be hard to muster, and after the last 18 months of living and working from home during a global pandemic, no one would blame you if you felt less than your best. So if you want to regain some of your mojo, we’ve got a few tips, modeled by M.M. team members Casey, Taylor, and Hannah.

Two Words: Leather Jacket

Yes, clothes are only part of a confidence-boosting formula, but nobody has ever felt less confident after putting on a leather jacket—especially a leather jacket as soft as our vegan leather Alphonso. Slightly oversized and instantly chic, this consummate transitional-weather piece has large lapels, bell sleeves, and an optional sash at the waist. It’s the kind of leather jacket that instantly makes jeans and a T-shirt look dressed up or a classic work dress look intriguing. But more than what it does for your clothes, it’s what the jacket does for you that really matters, and there are very few garments that are as mood-changing or vibe-shifting as a great leather jacket.

The Chloe dress, the Alphonso jacket, and the Lana boots

Step Lightly Out of Your Comfort Zone

This is real life, not a She’s All That-style montage (though sometimes I wish it was!). Just because you want to feel sexy doesn’t mean you need to undergo a total makeover or even dress drastically different. Just try incorporating some of your favorite pieces, like an Axam T-shirt (turtlenecks are always sexy, by the way), with fitted, shape-defining pieces, like skirts or pants that hug your curves. If the hourglass shape is a little too much and you want to get all the “va-va” with a little less “voom,” you can balance out a fitted skirt with a boxy jacket, like the Anna, that hits right at the waist.

Shop Similar Styles: The Axam T-shirt, the Noho skirt, and the Threads tights

Shop Similar Styles: The Peggy top, the Noho skirt, the Anna jacket, and the Rowan flats

Shop Similar Styles: The Peggy top, the Noho skirt, the Anna jacket, and the Rowan flats

Choose a Sexy Fabric in a Subtle Cut

Leather has an almost universal sex appeal. A traditionally masculine fabric, it has evolved into a genderless indicator of one’s edgy coolness. And in 2021, you can take that edgy coolness anywhere. Our vegan leather Chloe dress is definitely an homage to the 1960s mini-dress, but it’s not quite as short or tight as they used to make them. This is the confidence-boosting dress you wear to the final interview, the important second date, or on a red-eye to Milan. Pro-tip: It also looks very cool with a turtleneck underneath.

Just Go For It

Look, sometimes you’ve got no choice but to pull out all the stops and wear the leather pants. And to really feel like a million bucks, you’re going to want to choose additional pieces that are luxurious and purposeful. When paired with our vegan leather Harrington leggings, a turtleneck and blazer combo gives the vibe of a famous French interior designer, or just someone who never orders what’s on the menu (you know exactly the kind of woman I’m talking about).

Finally—and we don’t recommend this look unless you’ve recently checked all the smoke detectors in your house—we have a head-to-toe “Bad Sandy” ensemble, should the occasion call for it. It’s the silk jersey Dae top, tucked into the Harrington leggings, with the Beebe belt cinched at the waist. Honestly, this outfit should come with a caution sign, because you’ll be strutting so confidently, people will need to get out of your way.

Written By

Caitlin Abber

Caitlin Abber is the Brand Editor at M.M. LaFleur, and an award-winning writer and content creator. Over the last decade she has held senior editorial positions at MTV, Women's Health, Public Radio International, and Bustle, and has bylines at InStyle and OprahMag.com.

See more of Caitlin's articles

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