Designer's sexy selections, stylists' suggestions, and actress Peta Wilson on making it work. "Women make fashion sexy with their attitude and personal style," says designer Isaac Mizrahi. Finding that personal style becomes easier once you have the basic down - the essentials for a sexy wardrobe, the fundamental principles of being provocative (without overstepping the bounds of good taste).

So we've asked more than a dozen of the world's leading fashion designers, stylists, and pundits for their advice on the art of dressing to thrill. Their suggestions, along with the hot picks for what's hot this fall - modeled by television's Peta Wilson - will help you make the most of what you already own, as well as guide you when adding to your wardrobe.

Cynthia Rowley favors strapless tops and dresses in "stretchy fabrics, especially if you're not well endowed, because stretch fabrics hug the curves and show off whatever you have." Silk knits are a hit with Heidi Weisel, as is the color brown in all its assorted shades. "It's so beautiful on so many skin tones. Brown is an unexpected color, which makes it sexy." Valentino weighs in with a call for bare shoulders and short hemlines (which quickly became one of Wilson's favorite looks).

Five-feet 10-inches tall with a blond mane, Wilson has strong fashion preferences. "A woman wearing a man's suit is sexy," she says. "I love buttons instead of zippers on my trousers. And if it's a vintage suit, then it's very sexy. But I also love Audrey Hepburn - style clothes, soft and classic."

Makeup, too, sends a powerful message. For Wilson, a healthy glow plus sparkle ("I used to use glitter I bought at the art store") creates the most interest. She brushes bronzing powder everywhere, coats her lashes with Lancome for Tendrecils Sensitive Eyes Mascara, and adores Red Earth lip gloss in Strawberry. "I love it because it's all natural and delicious. I'm sure it's quite an experience to be kissed by a woman wearing it. It tastes like candy," she adds. But her best advice on getting that sexy look is becoming "comfortable in your own skin. If you like your shoulders, your ankles, your toes, then go ahead and show them."

Rene Chun