Revealed! How anyone can be sexy

Being sexy may not be an exact science, but one New York City fashion designer insists he has a no-fail formula no matter your measurements. The secret is symmetry.

Bradley Bayou, author of "The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System That Works for Every Shape and Size" (available at Amazon), insists that balance, not body type is the key to fashion and physical attraction. "What we are attracted to, what we find sexy, are things that are symmetrical. Research backs that up," Bayou told The Associated Press. "Women try to force their figures into fads and trends, even if they're not flattering to them, because they think they're 'sexy.' But it's really all about balancing the body."

Bayou knows of what he speaks. A former creative director at Halston, he has created red carpet gowns for celebrities with very different body types, including Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, Salma Hayek and Eva Longoria. "All these women are sexy, and they're all different. The one thing in common, though, is that they're not emaciated," Bayou explained to AP. "If that's what magazines say is sexy, they're wrong."

Bayou has identified 12 distinct body types and determined the best clothing for each. For example:

• Short hourglass shapes should wear jackets that fit snugly at the waist and skirts that are semicircles or A-lines.
• Tall, boyish shapes should wear tops with a V or scoop neckline with a pleated skirt or straight-leg pants that have angled pockets.

Bayou acknowledges that while you can't change your body, you can change the way you dress. "Everywhere you look in nature, it's always balanced. A tree is balanced, even looking, even though it's not exactly the same on both sides," he told AP. "Yes, you'll have imperfections, but if you pull it all together, they'll be balanced."

This theory is backed up by University of New Mexico biologist Randy Thornhill who has studied the link between symmetry and physical attraction. In nature, optimal developmental health is typically based on bilateral symmetry. He says this signals to others that the individual would be a strong and healthy mate capable of producing strong and health offspring. Although Thornhill's research focuses on facial symmetry, he says the same rules apply to breasts, buttocks and thighs.

"With women, bodily symmetry is conveyed in the face but also how she mobilizes--how she walks, a more attractive gait," Thornhill told AP. "When dancing, symmetrical people are more attractive when they dance. It comes out in the grace and movement."

What is the one thing that looks good on any body shape? Bayou says that would be a wrap dress. As well as the ultimate accessories: pride and a sense of humor.
--From the Editors at Netscape

Given that we agree with Bayou: we all should have a pinch of pride and a zing of sense of humor, how can we help? This is a selection of our favorites under $100 wrap dresses:


Nic+Zoe - Wrap Soft Dress (Black Onyx) - Apparel
Feel sexy and confident in the essential 'Wrap Soft Dress' from Nic + Zoe. Faux wrap silhouette accentuates feminine curves. Tea-length dress in a sumptuous rayon blend glides over the body in style. V-neck plunge in front and back flashes just the right amount of skin. Shoulder straps are wide enough to keep undergarments at bay. 42 length. 95% rayon, 5% spandex. Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry. Get it at Zappos: link

Stretch-Velvet Faux Wrap Dress is so flattering and easy in supple stretch velvet that drapes beautifully without a bit of cling. Styled with stitched-down surplice neckline, shaping darts and seaming at the waist for a graceful fit, three-quarter sleeves. Poly/spandex. Machine wash/dry. Imported. S-XL; 30'' from waist. Get it at Appleseeds': link

Pure & Simple Stretch Jersey Short-Sleeved Wrap Dress
Get all wrapped up in this flattering stretch jersey wrap dress from Pure & Simple. Get it at Macy's: link

Wrap Dress with Self Tie
Northern's Wrap Dress is a timeless, versatile piece that is a wardrobe staple and flatters all shapes and sizes. This dress is sure to hug you in all the right places and drape elegantly in the others. Get it at Northern Reflections: link

Tiana B Faux Wrap Belted Dress
Marled knit dress has long sleeves, crossover v-neckline, wrap styling with side ruching, a half inch wide belt, and to the knee full skirt. 94% Polyester/6% Spandex. Machine wash. Available in Purple. Sizes S-L. Get it at Boscovs: link

Michelle Michelle Wrap Front Dress
The subtle sheen of this satiny-soft fabric on this dress will give you a look that will make you shine. A faux-wrap design offers a delicate V-neck with flattering ruching, while the contoured waist falls into a clean A-line skirt. Cap-sleeves. V-neck. Falls to the knee. Back-zip closure. Polyester blend. Hand washable. Imported. Get it at Sears: link

Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Wrap Dress
* Fit to Flatter, You'll Love this Matte Jersey Wrap Dress
* Cute Cap Sleeve, V-Neck
* Hidden Button Closure, Tie Closure
* Made of 100% Polyester; Tumble Dry Low, Machine Wash Cold
Get it at Target: link