We all want to put our best foot forward—and that's especially true when it comes to the people we're trying to attract. Whether you're out on a date or looking for your next match at a bar, you're probably hoping you look your absolute best. As it turns out, there are some real, science-backed tips to turn up your appeal and woo the masses. We've compiled several studies that show how you can make others want to get to know you better. Read on to discover five research-based ways to appear more attractive instantly.
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1 | Wear the color black.
iStockIf you're trying to dress to impress, the color of the outfit you pick out could be important. A 2021 study published in the Color Research & Application journal looked to determine what people find to be the most attractive color someone can wear.
The researchers for this study selected 14 Pantone colors to evaluate based on colors most frequently mentioned in previous studies, and gathered 146 respondents to complete an online questionnaire concerning the attractiveness and unattractiveness of others when wearing each color.
The study found that the most attractive color someone can wear is black. As Ashley Grader, a beauty expert who manages a beauty school directory website, previously explained to Best Life, this color can make people appear as if they have certain desirable traits or qualities.
"Black is associated with power and authority. Wearing black may subconsciously give the impression to others that you are someone who is strong and in charge," Grader said. "And people who are in positions of power and authority are often considered to be more attractive than those who are not."
2 | Smile more.
ShutterstockShowing off those pearly whites may also help you find a mate, according to a 2013 study from Switzerland's University of Bern.
The Swiss researchers conducted two experienced to investigate the "interrelationship between attractiveness and happiness," publishing their findings in the Cognition and Emotion journal. According to the study, a bigger smile can make anyone appear more attractive.
"Evaluation of attractiveness is strongly influenced by the intensity of a smile expressed on a face," the researchers wrote. "A happy facial expression could even compensate for relative unattractiveness."
READ THIS NEXT: People With This Eye Color Are the Most Attractive, New Study Says.
3 | Engage in more generous behavior.
iStockGenerosity can make you appear more attractive, too. A 2020 study published in the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly sought to "examine the relationship between physical attractiveness and giving behaviors."
The researchers examined three past studies where attractiveness was rated independently of giving behaviors and found "remarkable consistency" across all of them: People appear more attractive when they are giving and generous.
"Poets and philosophers have suggested the link between moral and physical beauty for centuries. This study confirms that people who are perceived as more attractive are more likely to give, and givers are seen as more attractive," study co-author Sara Konrath, PhD, associate professor of philanthropic studies at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, said in a statement. "Our findings suggest that beauty products and procedures may not be the only way to enhance an individual’s attractiveness. Perhaps being generous could be the next beauty trend."
4 | Change the way you speak during a conversation.
iStockIf you want to come across as more attractive, try a subtle change the next time you're talking to someone you're interested in.
A 2021 study published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America sought to examine how people's perceived attractiveness changes based on their speech. To do so, a team of researchers recorded the voices of 42 subjects while they performed various vocal exercises, then had separate groups of people listen to the tapes and rank each for attractiveness.
According to the study, men were consider to be more attractive to the opposite sex when they had "less clear speech," or in other words, were mumbling. The researchers theorized that the brain may interpret mumbling as a "more masculine" quality—increasing the attractiveness of a male with this trait.
On the other hand, the results showed that the opposite may be true for females. The researchers said precise enunciation may make women appear more attractive to the opposite sex, as this vocal trait is interpreted as more "feminine."
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5 | Mirror someone's body language.
iStockIf you find yourself in a conversation with someone you're interested in, you can also try mirroring their body language.
A 2009 study published in the Social Influence journal reported on the findings of an experiment where speed daters were selected to mimic some verbal expressions and nonverbal behaviors of their partner. According to the study, participants received a higher score of attractiveness when they were mirroring the other person more.
"Mimicry appears to influence perceptions of physical attributes in addition to personal and social attributes," the researchers confirmed.
