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Age-Appropriate Fashion That Gets You Noticed

Never fear—you don't need to rely on clichés like short hemlines and skintight fabric to turn heads. We've found sultry staples that are both captivating and flattering. A bare shoulder here and a touch of lace there make for looks that are playful and provocative, but never over-the-top.

By Tara Stewart

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Retro Chic

This blouse multitasks: The neck tie is romantic (and office-appropriate) when knotted in a feminine bow, but for a bit of va-voom, leave them loose to reveal a racier neckline. Loose, fluttering sleeves give it a relaxed '70s vibe.

 

 

Diane Von Furstenberg Whitman top, $245; dvf.com
 

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Image Courtesy of Diane Von Furstenberg

Take the Plunge

Yes, that's quite the neckline, but the muted olive hue and clean lines balance it out. Plus, extra cinching at the waist is a surefire figure-flatterer.

 

 

Lenny Swim Deep V one-piece, $179; saksfifthavenue.com
 

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Image Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Blue Valentine

Lace and satin are boudoir staples, but the royal blue color is a pretty update from the typical black.

 

 

Victoria’s Secret Lace Appliqué satin slip, $48; victoriassecret.com
 

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Image Courtesy of Victoria's Secret

Ooh La La Lace

The cut is business-casual, but lace dresses it up. It's a go-anywhere number that can take you from a day at the office to a romantic dinner.

 

 

Josie Natori Dragon lace dress, $450; natori.com
 

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Image Courtesy of Natori

Curves Ahead

The wide neckline and belted waist of this wrap dress create an hourglass figure; the bright tangerine shade complements any skin tone.

 

 

LOFT Crossover belted dress, $50; loft.com
 

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Image Courtesy of LOFT

Short Story

These shorts are a playful yet polished take on the summer staple. Ready for a night out? Throw on a blazer and heels for a sexier look.

 

 

J. Crew Chino short, $32.50; jcrew.com
 

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Image Courtesy of J.Crew

Toughen Up

A shrunken leather jacket adds edginess, and sexiness, to just about any ensemble.

 

 

Madewell Leather moto jacket, $395; madewell.com
 

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Image Courtesy of Madewell

Flirty Florals

The shift dress gets a romantic reinvention with a draped neckline, bow-tied waist and floral print. A pair of heels and festive jewelry are all you need to take this from day to night.

 

 

Banana Republic Lily print dress, $130; bananarepublic.com
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Image Courtesy of Banana Republic

Back to the 70s

Cure your Saturday night fever with a retro silhouette. A slimming dark wash keeps these jeans up-to-date, while the high waist flatters every body type.

 

 

Tucker High-waisted denim jeans, $325; tucker.com
 
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Image Courtesy of Tucker

A Little Leather

How do you take an office staple and make it sexy? One word: leather. 

 

 

Tibi Leather skirt, $620; tibi.com
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Image Courtesy of Tibi

The Boys Club

An boyish blazer gets a feminine spin in ruby-red sateen. It's a sharp alternative to the usual cardigan and adds sophistication to even a casual pair of jeans.

 

 

Talbots Sateen Eton jacket, $149; talbots.com
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Image Courtesy of Talbots

On the Wild Side

Want to look polished without trying too hard? In the form of a breezy tunic, leopard print is both elegant and relaxed—ideal for the weekend.

 

Chico’s Luxurious leopard top, $79; chicos.com
 
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Image Courtesy of Chico's

Isn't It Romantic

With the black and red floral print and a sheer hemline, this dress is all about sensual, feminine touches. Just add some candlelight to make for the perfect date night look.

 

 

White House|Black Market Tulip wrap dress, $128; whitehouseblackmarket.com
 
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Image Courtesy of White House Black Market

Maximum Style

Long hemlines do not equal frumpy: a discreet slit adds a little femme fatale to this oversized maxi skirt. Dress up the versatile piece with a crisp white blouse or get casual with a simple tank.

 

 

BCBGeneration side slit maxi skirt, $118; bcbg.com
 
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Image Courtesy of BCBG

Sing the Blues

Form-fitting but stretchy, these jeans are a foolproof way to get in on the colored denim trend. A bright shade of blue is a modern update from classic indigo and pops against a white blouse. 

 

 

American Apparel Four-way stretch jeans, $78; americanapparel.com
 
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Image Courtesy of American Apparel

Royal Treatment

Channel your inner goddess in a flowing dress. The sheer overlay and subtle draping have a sensual effect that makes it ideal for an evening out.

 

 

Rachel Rachel Roy Angelina dress, $149; rachelroy.com
 
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Image Courtesy of Rachel Roy

Vamp It Up

With elegant lace and just the right amount of skin, a flirty take on the LBD pairs perfectly with a swipe of red lipstick and black heels.

 

 

Maggy London One shoulder lace dress, $148; nordstrom.com
 
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Image Courtesy of Nordstrom

Long and Lean

It's easy to flaunt your figure with this swimsuit's flattering trick of perception. Black disguises any problem areas, while the cleverly-cut panels create the illusion of a slender shape.

 

 

Long Tall Sally Panelled active suit, $35; longtallsally.com
 
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Image Courtesy of Long Tall Sally

Rose Red

Though the black and red pairing gives this pencil skirt a burlesque vibe, the leather waistband is what puts it on the edgier side of office-wear.

 

 

Topshop Pencil skirt, $60; topshop.com
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Image Courtesy of Topshop

Dress to Impress

A one-shoulder silhouette is the style equivalent of a wink, but it's the cascade of ruffles down the side that makes this flirtatious number really stand out. Take this one for a spin on the dance floor.

 

 

Lauren Ralph Lauren Hayward jersey ruffle dress, $160; ralphlauren.com
 

 

 

 

 

Get a little more sizzle with our picks for sexy, French-inspired lingerie.

 

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Image Courtesy of Ralph Lauren
First Published July 15, 2011

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