Los Angeles
portrait of Rose Apodaca
Rose Apodaca
— Fashion Journalist: Harper's, W, Glamour, Elle
Author and co-founder of design source A+R

Rose Apodaca offers some retro-but-relevant tips on dressing for success in the dating realm.

As a seasoned writer and editor in the fashion world, Rose knows the ins and outs of the cat-walk crowd. Datebook wondered if some of her expertise could translate to the dating scene.

"Absolutely," says Rose–always eager to lend a helping hand. "Some of these ideas seem almost retro–but they are in no way counter feminist," she promises.

And, they aren't ideas just for those dressing to impress a first date. "These are things you can do to great effect well into a relationship. Often we become so comfortable we lose our sense of looking good. Dressing well still matters and it's easy to forget we need to keep fostering that attraction years on."

Rose's Guide to Women's Wear Done Right

#1. Wearing a dress, even if you don't often, makes a big difference. A dress makes you carry yourself differently and walk and sit in a sexy, flirty way.

#2 Find something that highlights your best aspect. If you have great legs, wear a short skirt. If you like your waist, cinch it with a cute belt. It is important to wear something that will make you feel sexy and confident, because that is what you will project to others.

#3 Accessorize to flirt. Wear you accessories where they can become suggestive props. If you are wearing a necklace, hook your finger in it while you listen intently. Earrings are great for touching lightly as you talk.

#4 A good scent draws men and can also be a conversation point. A fragrance you spent good money on says a lot about who you are. Pay attention to scents you have been complimented on in the past and use them to your advantage.

#5 Don'ts. Don't wear shoes you can't walk in or that hurt your feet so much you have to take them off. There's nothing less sexy than a girl complaining about her feet. And don't carry a huge purse--it seems like you are arriving with major baggage.

Rose's Musts for Men

#1 A man who looks like he has made an effort is a very sexy thing. Just like showing up on time shows you care, so does putting time into your appearance. Dress codes are so casual these days making an effort will really stand out. And a woman loves to be with a guy who stands out.

#2 Wear a little something that reflects your personality like red socks, cufflinks or a nice scarf. Scarves are great because you can use them to flirt--put one around your date's waist and pull her in tight or around her neck when you are nose to nose.

#3 Keep the PDA at bay (not public displays of affection). The hand held device is one accessory that needs to be put away and not used if at all possible. Put your focus on your date.

#4 Don'ts. Three things that one should look at when sizing up another person are their nails, their shoes and their hair. And hair includes nose hair. Trim it fellas and avoid this hirsute folly. And don't pull out a bulging wallet–this is the male version of the giant purse (i.e. indicative of baggage).

Those are great tips for the outside, but we've been told it's what's inside that really counts. Or should we say underneath?

Even if you don't plan on removing your clothes, wearing lingerie only you know about is like a secret luxury and contributes to your outward sexiness. So ditch the granny panties–and guys, steer clear of your old holey socks.

And the best beauty trick of all? Smile.

Read more of Rose's fashion insights on her blog La Vie en Rose at www.roseapodaca.com or in her book, The New York Times bestselling guide to the glamorous life for superstylist Rachel Zoe, Style A to ZOE. Rose's next project is a beauty how-to for neo-burlesque icon, Dita Von Teese.

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