What does “Sexiest Man Alive” Patrick Dempsey have that the rest of us don’t? Here’s What Makes People Sexy, According to Experts

Sex and relationships

By Brooke Kato

Patrick Dempsey has won People magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ title, leaving envious men wondering if they can emulate the traits that make him so sexy.

But it turns out there’s nothing specific that makes a man – or woman – sexy.

“Sexiness is in the eye of the beholder,” body language expert Blanca Cobb told HuffPost, saying personal preference plays a big role.

For example, some people prefer blondes to brunettes. Others have a penchant for big noses, big ears, or deep voices.

At the same time, experts say cultural and generational trends also play a role in what people find attractive, despite the consensus and universality implied by titles such as “Sexiest Man Alive.”

Where Kate Moss’ slim figure was once the epitome of feminine beauty in the ’90s, Kim Kardashian’s voluptuous curves have come into fashion over the past decade, paving the way for a BBL frenzy – or Brazilian butt lifts. And as trends are recycled decades later, chunky ankle boots have fallen out of favor.

“There are many theories in terms of factors that can improve the level of attractiveness which are surrounded by cultural aspects, such as generational trends and ethnic differences in preferences, evolutionary factors such as the “curvature” of women , which indicate fertility, and proximity factors which indicate that we are attracted to what we see most and what we are exposed to around us,” said Florida-based psychologist Kelsey Latimer.

“This suggests that attraction has both biological and learned factors.”

Personality and charm can also make or break attractiveness, experts say.

“Consider this: Have you met someone who you might have considered average in physical appearance and then, after getting to know them, suddenly realized they had a great smile or beautiful eyes? » Latimer added.

” It is not a coincidence. Personality can absolutely change the initial feeling of attraction to positive or negative.

Cobb agrees, saying sexiness isn’t just about physical attributes.

“Warm, open, confident body language can be arousing,” she said.

That’s why Pete Davidson’s BDE is so captivating for A-list models and stars: That confidence and charisma, or “rizz” as the kids say, is magnetic, according to the expert. Kindness can also create an emotional connection, she added.

Thus, there simply is no unanimous agreement on what is universally sexy, given personal preferences and beauty standards that vary by age, time, and place.

“The reality is that if something was ‘naturally’ attractive or unattractive, then trends would never change over time and ‘natural selection’ would have reduced us all to looking the same,” Latimer said.

“There are many variations as to what is attractive. »