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  1. Home
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  3. Look Sexier in an Instant!

Look Sexier in an Instant!

By Instyle Updated May 20, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
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Throw on a Leather Jacket
Credit: ANG/Fame Pictures, Neilson Barnard/WireImage for Saks

Look Sexier in an Instant!

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Undo a Button

Undo a Button
Credit: MAVRIXONLINE.COM, Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

It doesn't get any easier than this simple move: Loosen up a button-down just enough to reveal a delicate collarbone, like Elle MacPherson, or draw even more attention to your decolletage by wearing a statement necklace like Eva Mendes.

1 of 9

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Wear Red

Wear Red
Credit: Fernando Allende / Broadimage, Richard Young/startraksphoto.com

Slip on this bold, look-at-me shade, and get ready to stop traffic. Find a sheer red sheath, like Diane Kruger's, that still leaves something to the imagination, or follow Penelope Cruz's lead by going head-to-toe scarlet in tailored-but-relaxed separates.

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Sport a Pencil Skirt

Sport a Pencil Skirt
Credit: Johns PkI / Splash News, ERIK C. PENDZICH / Rex USA

A single episode of Mad Men is enough to illustrate the usefulness of this sexy staple: Modern women like Kate Bosworth should try textured leather for an edgier take on the silhouette (add a soft, feminine top and pumps to make it office appropriate), or dress your skirt down, like Jessica Biel with a loose silk tank and platform sandals.

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Show Some Leg

Show Some Leg
Credit: AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM, MAXA /Landov

Look beyond cut-offs: Short-shorts can be surprisingly polished. Take your inspiration from Kate Walsh and wear strappy metallic sandals with a tailored (but still sexy) pair, or lengthen your legs with playful heels like Rihanna's.

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Wear Skinny Ankle-Length Jeans

Wear Skinny Ankle-Length Jeans
Credit: ANG/ Fame Pictures, Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

Anyone who's seen Grease knows that a pair of cropped skinny jeans can be the key to going from all-American sweetie to sexy siren. Gwyneth Paltrow's super-fitted light indigo pair emphasized her curves and played up her strong-shouldered blazer while Cameron Diaz's darker dungarees highlighted her sassy peep-toed sandals.

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Try Sparkles

Try Sparkles
Credit: Eamonn McCormack/WireImage, INFevents.com

Shimmer all summer with small hits of sequins or shining beads—a little dose of sparkle is an easy way to draw some eyes. At night, go full-on glittery like Jennifer Aniston in a luminous minidress and strappy metallic heels; or tone it down for day like Alicia Keys by choosing simple separates with just a hint of shine.

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Bare Your Shoulders

Bare Your Shoulders
Credit: Johns PkI / Splash News, Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

This summer, shapely shoulders are begging to be shown off. Turn heads in a romantic, asymmetrical dress (like Camilla Belle) or follow Ashley Greene's sexy example by baring both sides in a sexy off-the-shoulder look.

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Add a Dash of Leopard

Add a Dash of Leopard
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Even a hint of this distinctive animal print can pack a punch. Avoid going too wild by breaking up the pattern with solid accessories and separates like Vanessa Hudgens, or consider Kate Moss's combo: Wear a leopard-spotted shoe with a loose-fitting dress for an unexpectedly sexy look.

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Throw on a Leather Jacket

Throw on a Leather Jacket
Credit: ANG/Fame Pictures, Neilson Barnard/WireImage for Saks

Of late, the leather jacket has graduated from rebellious extra to wardrobe essential, but it still looks sassy when paired leg-baring separates. Choose a streamlined style similar to Beyonce's blazer if you want to rock the jacket with a pretty mini or opt for Blake Lively's sporty, motorcycle cut if you love the look with shorts.

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    1 of 9 Undo a Button
    2 of 9 Wear Red
    3 of 9 Sport a Pencil Skirt
    4 of 9 Show Some Leg
    5 of 9 Wear Skinny Ankle-Length Jeans
    6 of 9 Try Sparkles
    7 of 9 Bare Your Shoulders
    8 of 9 Add a Dash of Leopard
    9 of 9 Throw on a Leather Jacket

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