When are you sexiest? Are you sure?

In the past two days, two men have approached me, which normally doesn't happen. And the weirdest thing? I looked awful both of those times.

Coincidence or is there something there? I think there just might be a lesson!

The first time, I'd just finished a 5 mile-ish loop around Central Park. I was sweaty, wearing a t-shirt cut at the neck Flashdance style and ugly knee-length shorts, hair in a pony tail. And these two Spanish guys asked me directions, then things began getting a little friendly-flirty.

The second time was yesterday afternoon. I was PMSing and stressed out by friend stuff, by family stuff, by work stuff, by life stuff. You know how it is. It was one of those days where things just built and built and built and, after one frustrating moment, I knew I was going to cry.

So instead of running into the bathroom, locking myself into the handicapped stall, and just letting it go, I went outside, walked to Starbucks, and, yeah, allowed myself to break down a bit. And then, the guy behind me offered to pay for my iced coffee! "Looks like you're having a bad day and thought you could use a smile," he said.

So nice! And it did make me feel 100% better.

And, while neither of these encounters led to anything, I have to wonder: what about me was different than other times?

And I realized: both times, I looked approachable, I looked real, I was myself. And so often I go around with my sunglasses, makeup, an outfit I've spent awhile thinking about-and I wonder if sometimes that leads to seeming standoffish, aloof, not approachable?

Surveys seem to confirm this. When REDBOOK did a survey of 100 men about what they loved women to wear, here's what they said:

56% loved girls in a tank top and jeans

79% loved a girly sundress

64% loved the girl next door look

67% love bed head

Unfortunately, they didn't ask the gentlemen what they thought about ladies who were crying in line at Starbucks or still wheezing from running, but the takeaway I get from it all is that men like women who seem real.

What do you think? Do you have any power outfits that make men swoon? Or are there any times you feel gross, but a guy thinks you look great?

RELATED ARTICLES FROM REDBOOK MAGAZINE:
When Is Not So Sexy Oh So Sexy?
Sex Moves that Make Men Really Happy
Sexy Skivvies
51 Secrets to a Sexier Marriage
Get More on Love, Family & Fashion - Subscribe to Redbook & Save up to 82%!