You could say that a femme fatale has a certain “je ne sais quoi”—that’s just another fun French phrase that roughly translates to “I don’t know what it is (about her)!” Here’s a clue: most are so drawn to the femme fatale because she has a quiet confidence and is always elegant. When she slinks into the room, she’s impeccably dressed and looks sure of herself. Classic femmes fatales include actresses in noir films, like Ava Gardner. In comics, Black Widow and Catwoman qualify as femmes fatales. A great example of a modern femme fatale is Angelina Jolie in Mr. and Mrs. Smith or any current Bond woman.
For example, if someone you’re dating wants to have a spontaneous dinner out, but you’d prefer to pull an all-nighter to work on a project that will impress your colleagues, say, “I really can’t—duty calls. Marketing, you know? How about this weekend?” Remember, it’s not selfish to make yourself your number one priority. If anything, loving yourself makes you an empowering icon to look up to.
You can form meaningful relationships with people, but you remember—even if you’re dating the lover of your dreams, it’s best if you act like you don’t need them. Let your SOs know your philosophy about enjoying lovers but not depending on them with a remark like, “I really appreciate and value your company. It’s a great bonus to have you in my life. "
If you notice that everyone is looking at you, don’t doubt yourself. Congratulate yourself. You’ve single-handedly managed to steal the show just by walking in. When you see someone you want to befriend or win over, give yourself an inner pep talk like, “Of course they’ll fall for me and all I have to offer. Everyone does! I just have to be myself. "
Ask for your “signature drink” with conviction because you know what you want and expect it. For example, instead of waiting for a bartender’s attention, announce, “I’ll have a Dark and Stormy—thank you. " Play hard to get and give everyone the sense that your schedule is booked because you’re so sought after. Casually make a remark like, “Well, this has been fun, and maybe we’ll run into each other again. " Unavailability can be really sexy. For example, if a man reaches out and asks to catch up, but you want to get him to chase you, tell him, “I’m all booked up. Check in with me next week. "
Show that you’re kind to other women. When you express interest in them instead of upstaging or ignoring them, you’ll demonstrate the strength of your character. For example, say, “It’s nice to see you again, Susan. How is your graduate program going? It sounds fascinating!” Avoid consuming too much alcohol while you’re out—just one drink should be enough if you want to enjoy yourself a bit.
Don’t be afraid to challenge people. State your ideas and back them up with evidence. You’re smart enough to do it. Start off with a remark like, “Interesting perspective. I have to disagree, however. Here’s what I’ve noticed. . . " Be a sparkling conversationalist. Femmes fatales have charming personalities that are endlessly fascinating. To be the woman everyone talks about, discuss what you’ve learned with lots of enthusiasm. For instance, bring up a subject you’ve been immersed in—“I’ve recently gotten into a bit of Egyptology, and there’s just been a new discovery about how the pyramids have been built. . . "
Some of the greatest femmes fatales are known for their funny and incisive comments, such as Ingrid Bergman’s words, “Happiness is good health and a naughty memory. " If someone makes a little joke to you like, “Sorry! When I get carried away, I splash two-dollar words all over the place,” laugh and be ready with your own stellar quip: “A two-dollar word?! Don’t undersell yourself. That’s worth at least ten. "
If you’ve always been flirtatious, show off your more serious nature. You might wish to discuss important matters like politics or psychology. Have you held your cards close to your chest? Suddenly, be a little more vulnerable and soft. Put your hand on someone’s shoulder and show them some empathy.
Pick places with dim lighting to help maintain your dark, mysterious image. You can find a place you like, but mix up your haunts so you don’t become a regular and you do keep people guessing. For example, skip your morning coffee for a brunch two cities away.
Try out sumptuous evening wear, like silk cocktail dresses. Also make sure to have the perfect red dress for your complexion. If you prefer jeans over dresses, grab a great pair of leather pants. For vintage sophistication, wear a pair of high-waisted jeans. Experiment with fun and chic accessories—wear bedazzled fishnet tights or slip into a fur coat. Pair your look with high heels, but make sure you know how to walk in them to pull it off.
Ultimately, a femme fatale wears whatever makes her feel fabulous. When she’s pleased with her ensemble, she walks around with unmistakable confidence.
Femmes fatales don’t need to wear extra risqué clothes because the way they carry themselves do that work for them. Having a naturally sexy, mysterious, and seductive personality is what draws people in. In the words of the great Bette Davis, “I often think that a slightly exposed shoulder emerging from a long satin nightgown packs more sex than two naked bodies in bed. ” If you’re wearing a more revealing top, then wear a more conservative skirt with it, and vice versa.
As inspiration, think of your “femme fatale” alter ego. Does she prefer to come across as sweet and charming, or is she richly seductive?
Try not to reveal your entire face. Let your curls or waves fall over the side of your face to keep some of your features shrouded and mysterious. Try an A-line cut for a bold and enticing look. If you want to model yourself off of a vintage femme fatale, stick to true, bold hair colors, like platinum blonde, dark brown, black, or auburn.
Since red lipstick is the signature part of the classic femme fatale look, you can keep the rest of your makeup minimal if you prefer that. To maintain your sense of mystery, remember to reapply your lipstick in the restroom, where other people can’t see you.
Avoid wearing glittery or shimmery makeup if you want to be a femme fatale. That may look too young and playful if you’re going for a mature and mysterious persona. You can also play around with false eyelashes, or “falsies,” for an added touch.
1940s sunglasses Black satin gloves Fascinators Fur collars Clutch purses Classic diamond or pearl earrings
