Sometimes more is less; you usually hear this saying the other way around, but when I moved to Madrid at 18 years old, my idea of style — and what it meant to be sexy — changed completely. Growing up in The Netherlands, I thought sexiness was all about showing skin, highlighting curves, and wearing tight or revealing clothes.
But in Madrid, I started to notice something different. Over the past two years, I’ve seen that Spanish women have mastered the art of being sexy without revealing much at all.
Instead, they often express it through layers, loose silhouettes, and outfits that are more covered — yet somehow even more captivating.
When I walk around Madrid, I see this effortless style everywhere. Of course, “effortless” is never truly effortless — but that’s the point. To me, effortless means not obsessing over every detail: letting patterns clash a little, mixing unexpected colors, or not worrying if the accessories match perfectly.
Image from whatwomenwear_madrid (an amazing account that captures outfits in Madrid - a must to follow)
Take a look at the photo above, for example. Personally, I would hesitate to pair a black bag and shoes with a white-and-red blouse, worrying the contrast would feel too harsh. But she pulls it off beautifully. That, to me, is sexy. Because real sexiness isn’t about skin or clothes — it’s about confidence. It’s about wearing what you like and not second-guessing yourself.
However, who really decides sexiness? Because we all know that the weather, culture and societal expectations have a major influence on how we dress and also how sexiness can be defined. Because even when I was in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, I saw the most beautiful and sexy women who were covered from head to toe. And when I lived in the Netherlands and had to dress up covered for the rain or cold weather I could still feel sexy without showing my skin, or curves.
All in all, seeing these differences is fun. Observing is always a good thing and makes you release and think about things around you. When you're interested in fashion, these details seek your attention and in my case I tend to (I don't know if this is good) follow the trends and normalities I see. So since I have been living in Madrid I, without realising, started dressing more modestly sometimes. Wearing more covered clothes and tops. More chic materials. Sometimes it almost feels like dressing more maturely. But I love it and I think it makes me feel more comfortable without feeling super aware of what I am wearing – like almost trying less to be sexy but still feeling sexy as you do it. This might be super vague, just like the title of ‘Sometimes More is Less’ but whatever.
Yesterday I went out on the streets to find outfits from women in Madrid, who in my opinion, exude this concept I have been talking about. Even though it was 33 degrees yesterday in Madrid these women were wearing the most elegant outfits with no necessity of showing too much skin or curves. Just straight up fashion and an awesome attitude. I love to see it and I still have so much to learn from this.
Gorgeous matching suit with matching little heels... Im obsessed.
Shot in Justicia, Madrid 19th of September
A shopping lady with this amazing boho long puffy dress that are worn with the coolest little pink Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sneakers.
Shot at Gran Vía, Madrid 19th of September
This for me is also a very good example of an outfit that I think is beautifull. It might be a little short and not as covered as I was talking about earlier, but still very classy due to the shapes, fabrics and colours. And what a shot! I did not expect her to turn to my camera but wow she looks like she is straight out of a magazine.
This is a picture of me after living in Madrid for a year. I started wearing these long skirts, of which I honestly had never choose one before. But now I think they are so sexy and make me feel very confident.
I hope you liked this perspective on fashion and sexiness. And I do want to end this blog by saying I honestly think everyone is sexy and beautiful in everything. This difference in Madrid I have just witnessed, and I love it, but it does certainly not exclude the fact that I love wearing and seeing other people in short, revealing and tight clothes. I always say you have to show what yo momma gave ya.
Have a great day and enjoy your Saturday!
Love, Lola