What she says: “I’m single and looking. Can I give you my phone number in case anyone’s interested?” Shab Hariri, 34, interior designer
What our panel says:
“Her outfit tells the world she’s super-sexy and not afraid to show it, but she might not realize she’s overexposed.”
“If those are natural, she’s really a goddess. They don’t look natural.”
“God bless her, she’s clearly been working on her body and wants to show it off.”
“She’s not going to pick up a nice boy, and if she does, he’s only going to be in it for one thing.”
BEACHGOER Shab Hariri says she’s single and looking – but her super-sexy bikini may attract the wrong kind of man.
A real estate agent on the following page is married – but her hot pink peek-a-boo swimsuit screams “wild and crazy.”
Another beach belle dons a sheer pair of low-rise cover-ups that show off her rockhard abs – but leave a panel of image experts wondering what she’s hiding in the rear. What does your seaside style say about you? More than you may realize.
So says Danit Ran Schreiber, spokesperson for the Association of Image Consultants International.
“People will judge you based on how you look, period,” says Schreiber.
And when you’re relaxing on the sand, “no matter what kind of shape you’re in, if you feel comfortable, you will be perceived as more confident, which is, in turn, more attractive.”
We asked a group of judges to analyze the looks sported by a handful of New Yorkers at Shelter Island’s chic
Crescent Beach over the weekend.
Weighing in were:
* Peter Andersen, Ph.D., professor and author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Body Language”;
* Stacy London, fashion expert from The Learning Channel’s “What Not to Wear”;
* Laurie Sandell, articles editor at Glamour magazine;
* Stan Williams, fashion director at Maxim magazine.
Whether you agree or disagree, we promise you’ll never pack for a beach weekend the same way again.
—
Simone Sanchez
31, hairstylist, single
She says: “There’s no particular reason I chose this outfit. It’s just really simple and comfortable.”
Andersen: Her pants are kind of strange. Maybe she’s trying to conceal something like flabby thighs. A lot of guys would approach her based on the twinkle in her eye and her mischievous grin. Maybe she’s an aerobics instructor.
London: From a fashion point of view, I hate the pants. I’m going to say she’s single, definitely looking – maybe for someone sporty. She’s not a society person, but more natural.
Williams: She has such a cute face. I suspect she’s probably conscious of her hips but she has a great torso, a great body. She looks like someone who works in finance because she’s very modest. She probably has a boyfriend.
*
Stacey Bendet
26, fashion designer, single
She says: “I love color.”
Andersen: Most men would find her attractive, but she seems spindly and fragile. Her body angle is not very approachable. She has a former Soviet state kind of look about her. I think she’s married and her husband could be an ex-communist entrepreneur.
London: She’s a socialite or a socialite wannabe. She’s been starving herself all year to get into that swimsuit but she forgot to tan. The outfit is very France. The cardigan is a little bit highbrow.
Williams: She looks like a Russian model fresh off the boat. She’s very skinny and pale, and her outfit doesn’t quite go together.
*
Jared Richardson
27, graphic designer, single
He says: “Kid Rock is my idol. I’m a taller, cooler Kid Rock.”
Andersen: “Macho party guy” is written all over him. He has abrasions and bandages all over his hand, possibly from a sports injury. His stance definitely says, “Here I am. Don’t mess with me unless you’re a woman.”
London: He’s trying a little too hard. Personally, I think if you’re going to cut the sleeves off your shirt, you need to cut them shorter than that. Basically, all he’s done is given himself a cap sleeve.
Sandell: He’s Alpha and social and wants to hook up with his female housemates. His look screams, “I’m as cool as Kevin Federline and I’m in love with Britney Spears.”
*
Barbara Bloch
real estate agent, married
She says: “I chose this outfit because color is in this season. And I love pink.”
Andersen: This woman is sending out all kinds of 40-something status cues. Her unusual suit says, “I’m still young and sexy.” Her posture, hair and bathing suit are all very feminine. She’s probably a housewife and her husband is probably loaded.
London: This woman is like the new Suzanne Somers. She’s definitely married and works out a lot. She’s got a lot to prove here. Her outfit’s saying, “Look at what great shape I’m in for my age.”
Williams: I think she’s probably looked at a lot of images of Pamela Anderson and Anna Nicole Smith because her swimsuit screams, “Look at me! Look at me!” She looks like a wild and crazy gal – up for anything, and been around the block a couple of times. The swimsuit is porn-star chic.
*
Stephanie Van Duren
27, attorney, single
She says: “Right now, I’m really into colors and cute little skirts.”
London: She looks quite sweet and not about giving a free show. She probably doesn’t like her tush because she’s covering up with a miniskirt. If she’s single, guys will respond to her and not just her body.
Sandell: She’s a nice, single Midwestern girl who works on Wall Street and is dating up a storm on Match.com. She might be looking for a summer fling that will segue into a full-fledged relationship.
Williams: She probably wears black to work (in finance or p.r.) every day. She looks very serious, very smart and really put together. Her image is, “I’m in control.” She’s someone you could have an interesting conversation with.
*
Charlotte Wray
mid-30s, managing director of public relations firm, married
She says: “I’m wearing this suit to work on my tan.”
London: This woman could be a fashion editor and she’s probably engaged. She’s made smart choices about her outfit. It fits well, it looks effortless and it’s all right.
Sandell: She’s probably a socialite-type – reserved and pleasant. Her look is effortless and perfect.
Williams: She’s got a great figure and she knows how to put an outfit together. She doesn’t want to draw attention to herself, but isn’t afraid of people looking at her.
*
Jimmy Contreras
21, construction worker, single, has a girlfriend
He says: “My girlfriend picked my outfit. It’s a great day for looking good.”
London: This is a very heterosexual look. He’s single and looking. I would guess he has a blue-collar job and has translated his street style to beach gear.
Sandell: He looks like a single, serious guy. He’s sexy and he knows it. He’s very buff and takes care of his appearance, so he’s probably interested in meeting someone. I think he’s either a tattoo artist or he builds motorcycles.
Williams: This guy knows he looks good. His clothes say, “I’m a cool dude. I’m fun to hang out with.” Either he’s a real ladies’ man, or he’s married and devoted to some sexy mama.
