Janine Gutierrez's Not-So-Secret Tip For Feeling Sexy Is Something You Already Have

Red carpets, bold glam, and that undeniable presence usually come to mind with a title like "Sexiest Woman Alive." Janine Gutierrez delivers on all fronts, but her definition of sexiness is way more grounded, and honestly, way more relatable.

Fresh off being named Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Philippines—a title the publication hasn't awarded in seven years—Janine is redefining confidence in a way that feels personal, not performative. (PSA: We fully agree, Janine is lookin' hawt. You earned that crown!)

"I'm so grateful and kilig that you guys chose to have me as your 'Sexiest Woman Alive,'" she shared during the unveiling of the magazine's three-cover feature. The recognition came as a surprise, but it was an easy yes.

In her Esquire Philippines' Sexiest Woman Alive 2026 cover story interview with Chuck Smith, Janine described sexiness as "more a state of mind than anything. It comes from within, in the things you believe in, in how you act, in how you interact with other people, and the energy that you bring out into the world."

In an exclusive chat with Cosmo, Janine spilled the little rituals that help her tap into that "sexy state of mind." Fashion tops the list, but not in the usual "glam-it-up-for-Instagram" way.

"Fashion is always something that helps me feel confident and sexy," she shared. "Parang it's an extra layer, the way you present yourself and enhance your personality without having to speak."

She's not talking about flashy trends or designer labels. The secret is dressing in a way that feels true to you. "Taking the extra effort to dress up—whether that's your favorite white T-shirt or kung saan ka talaga komportable—that's something that always helps me feel more confident, especially if you want to feel sexy."

Janine also pointed out that confidence goes beyond clothes. Women she admires—such as Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach—show her that brains, kindness, and poise are just as important. "It's okay to make mistakes as long as you keep growing. Being kind to the people around you, uplifting others… that's a huge confidence booster," she said.

The small gestures matter just as much as the big ones, too. Complimenting a friend, supporting a fellow woman, or celebrating small wins can all reinforce that inner confidence. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Let all the little quirks about you shine because that really makes you special," she added.

Self-expression, authenticity, and kindness are at the heart of Janine's version of sexiness. Sometimes, that even starts with something as simple as your favorite white tee.