Who's sexy, anyway?

Part of trying to become 'sexy' in 2008 is establishing just what 'sexy' is. I've already listed some of the attributes that women think make men sexy. How about getting some role models for myself, now?

By the fact that I'm trying to model my ideal weight after fictional crime-fighter The Saint, it's a fair guess that my rugged role models are 'old school.' The well dressed, well mannered men who were as charming as they were handsome.

If Operation Sexy is to be a success, I'll need to emulate these gentlemen:

The original Saint. Roger Moore is a true inspiration of mine. Suave, cool, charming and gentlemanly, he rocked the screen as both James Bond and Simon Templar. Oh, sure, Sean Connery was the 'Bond' we all love - but that's because Roger Moore never plays anybody other than himself.

This shot, taken in about 1970, pretty much sums up what sexy is to me. Sharp suit, square jaw, reckless smile and not a hair out of place. And the best thing?

Not sounded too ridiculous, but I think I can pull this off. Roger and I share the same cereal-box features.

But it's his kindness, charm and effortless confidence that's really inspirational. Watch Roger in Live and Let Die and you'll see an English gentleman at his finest - unfazed by anything.

The 'Chairman of the Board,' Frank Sinatra, must rate as one of the most talented and stylish entertainers of the 20th century.

He was always immaculately dressed and filled with charm and confidence. Women flocked to him and men admired him for his enormous talent and oodles of attitude.

It's a fair comment that he could be a bit of a bastard - but there's that streak of confidence and excitement about him that is the very dictionary definition of what women found sexy. Plus, the man was a cultural icon in the way he dressed, sang and spoke.

Life's always sexier with a soundtrack by Sinatra.

Cary Grant was the original action hero - when you wore a two piece suit rather than a sweaty vest. Charming, handsome, debonair and dangerous, he was magnificent in North by Northwest, Charade and To Catch a Thief.

It's his effortless charm and confidence that make him such a 'sexy' gent. Apparently, women weren't his passion. More's the pity - since he's everything they claim is sexy in a man.

This is actor Toby Stevens. In Die Another Day, he faced off against James Bond and rocked the screen as the cruel, arrogant Gustaf Graves.

Those stylish clothes and that cocky sneer gave him awesome onscreen presence. He had an air of danger about him that women must have adored. I'd take Gustaf Graves over James Bond any day of the week.

And last, but not least, it's the star of The Avengers, John Steed - played by Patrick MacNee. always immaculately dressed, perfectly poised and confidently charming, MacNee was the epitome of the English gentleman - and deadly to boot.

It was his smile - he was always smiling - that makes me think John Steed's just a fantastic role model for Operation Sexy. Women claim that 'sexy' requires confidence and a sense of humour. Those are attributes John Steed had in abundance.

In Conclusion

Maybe the suits and ties are a bit much, but these are the men I'm trying to emulate. I'm not trying to be hip, or fashionable. I'm trying to be 'sexy' and these men seem to represent everything that women claim they find attractive in a man.

But what exactly do they all have in common?

Confidence - From the way they walk into a room, to the firm handshake and unwavering gaze. These are men who are utterly sure of themselves and not afraid to show it. Not cocky. Not arrogant. Just quietly confident.

Sense of Humour - These gentlemen smile at the drop of a hat. Witticisms, jokes and charming one-liners litter their refined speech. They know a smile and a laugh can be the most disarming weapon of all.

Intelligence - From James Bond's knowledge of fine wine, to Frank Sinatra's flawless voice, these men highlight how sexy a bit of knowledge can be.

Status - They might not have flashy 'bling,' but the way these men dress and act suggests that they move confidently in upmarket circles. They value the finer things and that is revealed in every aspect of how they live their lives.

Style - need I say anything at all? Just look at them. Style oozes from everything they wear. These men are effortlessly stylish - which probably takes an awful lot of effort to become.

Exciting - So we have a super-spy, a jewel thief/rogue, a Mafia-connected superstar and a super villain - notice how many 'supers' we're getting here. In any event, these men are dynamic and dangerous - and that's what gets the ladies moist, to put it bluntly.