When you take your clothes off, there’s no doubt that you want to look good naked. Whether you're posing in front of your mirror or an art class or photographer, going skinny dipping, visiting a nude beach, or just baring all for a special someone, the most obvious way to look good naked is to get into the shape that you want to be in. However, that requires discipline. However, there are other ways to look good naked that don't involve hitting the gym or counting your calories.
Stand up straight. This is, by far, the most important step, because no one looks good naked when he or she is hunched over. Straighten your spine, throw your shoulders back, take a deep breath, and relax without letting your shoulders slump forward. Having good posture will make your shoulders look broader if you're a guy, and it will make your chest look perkier if you're a woman. Plus, when you elongate your torso, you stretch out any fat in your midsection (when you slump, the fat clumps together into rolls and folds).
Aim to stand on the diagonal, with a twist at the waist to the front instead of facing your viewer straight on- this will naturally cinch you in. Drop your shoulders down and subtly arch your back, this will flatten your belly and make your boobs appear perkier. Whether standing, walking or sitting down aim to keep one leg in front of the other, this slims the body. A quick trick when sitting is that if you want to elongate your legs, you should point your toes. Eye contact is crucial; it makes all the difference between being just a naked body, or somebody naked, so use it wisely.
Don't eat right before you strip. No one is going to look good naked with a stomach stuffed full of pasta. If you want to look good naked, make sure you eat in moderation before you take off your clothes! You should also stay away from foods that cause gas and bloating (beans, carbonated beverages, etc). If your stomach expands anyway, try to go for a walk or make a trip to the bathroom--both will help move things along, so to speak.
Take care of your skin. When you're naked, it's all you've got. First, exfoliate your skin (especially rough patches like elbows and knees) to remove dead skin cells and expose a fresh new (soft) layer of skin. You may also want to shave or wax any hair that you find unflattering. Just remember that waxing can cause irritation, so make sure you have enough time for any redness and swelling to subside. And with shaving, time it so that you're not dealing with a five o'clock shadow (stubble) just when you're about to take off your clothes. If you have the time, use self-tanner to even out your skin tone and mask any imperfections.
Update your hair. Your hair is the only fashion statement you'll be wearing so it needs to look current, soft, healthy and touchable (give the hairspray and sticky gel a miss, unless you really, really need it). Most important of all, you need a cut which suits the shape of your face and is in proportion to the size of your body. Find a good hairdresser and visit often for a regular trim and occasional restyle.
Don't forget your extremities. Jagged nails, white knuckles, and the smell of onions you cut for dinner stir-fry just aren't flattering. Clip your nails to an appropriate length, wash your hands and feet, and apply some lotion if they're dry. Additionally, you can get a professional manicure and pedicure or learn to do it yourself, if that's the look you're going for. Keep your hands relaxed and free, or place one on your hip to emphasize your curves. And whatever you do- don't fiddle.
Apply a bit of makeup, if it's your thing. (Men can wear makeup too.) A natural look will go best with your natural body, and besides, you don't want your face paint to come off on the bed cloths. Just a little bit of subtle makeup can work wonders to accentuate your good points and camouflage the points you're less than happy with. And you can also use a bit of body makeup to cover up flaws such as spider veins.
Smile. If you're not happy with the color of your smile, look into teeth whitening options. Most importantly of all, smile because it signals that you’re happy with your body, and will make you (and anyone else who’s present) feels comfortable with your nakedness. Plus it shows confidence!
Let your eyes sparkle! When your smile reaches your eyes, you want them to sparkle, not show the effects of too many nights burning the candle at both ends. Get plenty of beauty sleep before taking it all off, or as a last resort for a special occasion, use eye drops to give your eyes a special glint.
Smell good. Don't overpower the world with too much fragrance or use a whole selection of competing products - differently perfumed shampoo, deodorant, soap and body lotion can be a toxic combination. Lightly layered perfume from matching bath products and no more than a light spray of fragrance from the same range will leave you smelling good as well as looking good.
Adjust the lighting. Remember that no one looks their best under bright fluorescent light - soft lighting or candle light will improve the mood of the moment AND your body. It'll also make your pupils dilate, which creates a subconscious impression that you're more attractive!
Back lighting is great for smoothing out lumps and bumps so position yourself in front of the strongest light, or in front of a window if you are getting naked before nightfall. But don't forget, those outside will also be able to see in!
Feel good naked. In the end, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your own skin, and that you realize that your body isn't perfect--no one's is. If you've taken the steps above and you still dread seeing (or letting someone else see) what you look like when you are naked, dig a little deeper. Build your confidence from the inside out.
Get the room temperature right. Although the cold will make your breasts stand to attention, shivering with hunched shoulders isn't a sexy look. A glow is good, but sweating profusely is not.
Accessorize. Accentuate your nakedness with a prop or accessory. A necklace, scarf, or feather boa is great, but don't be afraid to go with something a little more unusual. This will give you something to work with if you are a little nervous, and also, tantalizingly, this emphasizes your natural state.
Get confident and get naked. No one else has a body like yours- so show it off in all its glory. If you usually shave your pubic hair, try waxing instead. Shaving can leave you an unsightly rash with ingrown hairs. If all else fails, you’ve eaten too much pasta, your jeans have popped the first two buttons, you’re bleary eyed, your make-up is smudged and you never did do your toning exercises, bear in mind you are still a beautiful person. And if you're married, the person you are getting naked with probably couldn’t care less - or at least they shouldn't!