MANILA, Philippines?Time to bare a little skin by donning eye-catching pieces with sexy cutouts that are bold, brave and perfect for the upcoming hot summer months. Now?s your chance to show off your best-kept secret ? a smooth back, perhaps, a trim waist, or creamy shoulders.

Just a little caveat, though: This look can easily cross the line from subtly sexy to plain tarty. Showing too much skin is not necessarily sexy or seductive. When attempting to wear pieces that are cut down to there or slashed to the highest heavens, it?s always best to go for a less blatant, subtler version.

You can create balance, for example, by choosing a knee-length dress that?s bare in the back as opposed to a micro-mini, backless piece.

It?s also important to remember that this particular look is not appropriate for certain occasions and venues. Please don?t show up in the workplace dressed in a hot little backless number. It?s downright inappropriate and unprofessional.

Save your sexy little pieces for nights out in town or weekend jaunts to some exotic locale or happening resort.

As always, comfort is key. Make sure that your outfit fits well so you don?t expose more than what you want to show, or constantly fidget and make adjustments.

You?ll know you?ve got the look down pat when you slip on your outfit and feel like a cross between Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Angelina Jolie. The goal, after all, is to create that perfect mix of effortless elegance with just a bit of the naughty bombshell, bad-girl vibe.

E-mail the author at afashion@inquirer.com.ph