10 Surprising Items That Make Women More Attractive To Men

Red clothes and red lipstick

There are more than a few songs about women in red, for good reason. A 2008 study found that men were more attracted to women who wore red. Additional studies have shown that men approach women at bars more often and more quickly if the woman is wearing red lipstick, and that women who wear red in their online dating profiles get contacted by men more often. Studies have also found that people rate their own attractiveness higher when they wear red, so it could be that men are subconsciously drawn to the confidence they perceive from women in red.

A little black dress

A 2012 poll by The Express Tribune found that men love it when women wear a little black dress. Form-fitting dresses that accentuate curves are very alluring. And black appears to be the silhouette of choice. In another study, over half of those interviewed thought the color black means “confidence.” And as mentioned before, confidence can be very attractive. In fact, a 2010 study found that men find women in black as attractive as women in red.

Sleeveless and strapless dresses

Here’s another thing men find attractive: sleeveless and strapless dresses. Showing off slender arms is an attractive trait to men. Not to mention the fact that men prefer women wearing dresses to pants anyway. Sundresses provide a kind of girl-next-door vibe that men find attractive. But there is such a thing as too thin; studies show men prefer toned arms to thin ones.

High heels

This is the big one. Studies show time and again that men prefer women in heels rather than flats. High heels may be bad for your feet but do wonders for your walk. In fact, one study resulted in men finding women in heels to be “significantly more attractive” than those in flats, even though they were the same women. So, if you’ve got a big first date and want to dress to impress, throw on some heels for a step up!

Perfume

Scent is a very important catalyst for attractiveness. The perfume industry brought in over $31 billion worldwide in 2018 and the market just gets bigger every year. The reason is that perfume works. Not only do studies show men find perfume attractive, they conclude that men prefer luscious fruit fragrances to floral or musky scents.

Natural-looking makeup

This is pretty much a no brainer, but the science backs up the observation. A 2013 study says men find women wearing minimal, natural looking makeup more attractive than either women with no makeup or women with dramatic, contoured makeup. Apparently the trick is to apply makeup that makes you look like you’re not wearing makeup.

Rimless glasses

“Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses” is an old saying that should be fired into the sun. But there is a grain of truth to it. A 2013 study found that men find women who wear full-rim glasses less attractive. However, there is a certain style of glasses that men find attractive. The same study says men find women who wear rimless glasses are just as attractive as women who don’t wear glasses at all. As a bonus, rimless glasses also made viewers think women look more trustworthy and more intelligent. This is something to take into account the next time you get your eye prescription changed.

Hair accessories

Men prefer long hair to short hair, that’s a given. But does it matter how the long hair is worn? Sometimes. Men seem to not like ponytails, but loose braids or a low bun worn down by the neck are considered very attractive. So while men may not actually care about the accessory itself, whether a clip or a hair tie, they care about the results. The key is to try hairstyles that make you look inviting, like a low bun, or easygoing, like a tousled braid.

Books

We’re getting into shallow waters, but it’s true. Books make anyone look attractive. One great reason is that your choice of books allows for some insight into your personality. Whether you’re into romance or true crime, fantasy or thrillers, it’s a great entry to conversation and shows you have a curious mind. But don’t just put random books on a shelf and think it’ll make you more attractive. You may have chosen one of your date’s favorites and the last thing you need is a pop quiz!

Golf clubs

This may be the most surprising item on the list: another accessory you would do well to invest in is a set of golf clubs. According to a survey by online dating site Coffee Meets Bagel, men prefer women who golf or follow golf overwhelmingly over those who do not. Remember that bit about toned arms and sundresses? This ties into that aesthetic. Even if you only play mini-golf or shoot on the driving range, you’re sure to make a good impression.