PICTURE FRAME
Why ‘sexual framing’ is ultimate ‘power play’ for stars like Helen Flanagan & Kylie Jenner & how to copy the ‘coy cutie’
Watch Judi James explain the meaning of the poses in the video above
WITH hands placed suggestively on the hips and their fingers splayed, these celebs aren’t just doing any old pouting pose.
In fact they’re all using ‘sexual framing body language’ in a new Instagram trend that experts have dubbed the ‘female man-splaying’.
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Stars such as Helen Flanagan, Khloe Kardashian, Olivia Attwood and Megan Thee Stallion have all jumped on board the craze, which sees them use their hands to draw attention to sexy parts of their body.
But according to body language expert Judi James, this seemingly simple movement carries huge significance.
“Framing is a body language technique where the hands are used to draw attention to sexual areas of the body, most commonly the groin and pelvis, to make them a statement feature,” Judi explains.
“This is done by forming a ‘frame’ with the hands. This might just look like flirting but it has other psychological implications that can link to factors like confidence and projected power.”
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Judi says this pose is one men have been doing for years - and now women are making it their own.
“Men have used framing techniques for decades,” she says.
“Man-splaying is a common power ritual, where the guy sits with his knees as far apart as possible in a cocky ‘alpha male’ statement of superiority.
“But there is also the sexual ‘thumbs hooked into the jean pockets’ pose where the fingers frame the crotch; the forward finger-steepling in front of the crotch that politicians are often seen using.
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“Now female celebrities are making the pose their own - and what looks like a sensual, thirst-trap form of posing that will attract a viewer to the photo will also have those similar undercurrents of projected confidence and power.”
Here, Judi looks at the ladies posing up a storm to find out what this framing technique really tells us about them…
Khloe Kardashian - Naughty but nice
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For Khloe, 40, throwing a provocative pose is all part and parcel of life as a Kardashian.
And, as she seductively covers her crotch while pretending to giggle, Judi thinks the star is actually masking confidence and control under the guise of being bashful and cute.
That stare makes this a power-dare look rather than anything flirty
Judi James
“Khloe’s closed eyes and the way she hides her giggly smile behind her hand suggests she is shocked by her own naughtiness here,” Judi explains.
“As the left hand is somehow fully splayed and positioned in the perfect spot to frame her pelvis, it actually suggests high levels of control and confidence behind the playful façade.”
Megan Thee Stallion - power play
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Looking stunning at the recent VMA awards in a strapless corset and see through skirt, rapper Megan, 29, was pulling no punches when it came to the red carpet.
Looking feisty and sexy all at once, her hands resting by her pelvis, Judi says this deliberate pose proves she means business - and she’s not just there to flirt with the cameras.
“Megan’s engaged eyes and squared shoulders form what looks like a direct challenge here - and her framing gesture adds to that projection of strength, confidence and power,” Judi explains.
“She has both hands on her upper thighs in a very deliberate act of positioning while that stare makes this a power-dare look rather than anything flirty.”
Zara McDermott - Drama queen
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When former Strictly star Zara, 27, stepped out at the National Television Awards looking stunning in a skin tight fishtailed little black dress, she upped the ante, choosing to use the sexual framing manoeuvre to draw attention to her fab figure.
Judi reckons that Zara, who dates King of the Jungle Sam Thompson, has brought drama and elegance to the table with her pose.
That cute pink outfit might mask a more dominant personality
Judi James
“Framing is always most powerful against a tight black dress like the one Zara is wearing, it makes the hands more visible and the framing more dramatic,” she says.
“This is a classy, sensual look but with the hands placed apart to feature the entire hip and pelvis area in a very elegant, sophisticated way.”
Olivia Attwood - Don’t be fooled
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Looking very cute in her pink Chanel two piece, Olivia, who was famously feisty when she appeared on Love Island in 2017, could be mistaken for being all girly and submissive with this pose.
However Judi reckons Liv, 33, who now fronts her own podcast and appears regularly on Loose Women, knows full well what she’s doing.
She says: “Olivia’s pose makes her look helpless and passive here, with her toes pointed inward and a sweet smile on her face, but both hands are placed close, in what is almost the most emphatic framing gesture of them all - suggesting that cute pink outfit might mask a more dominant personality.”
Helen Flanagan - The coy cutie
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Posing with her hands by her bits in a gorgeous belly baring two piece, Celebs Go Dating star Helen, 34, is an old pro at posing.
Living it up on a recent sunshine break, the actress captioned this pic, “When I was on holiday and didn’t look like a sloth”.
Laura’s cheesy smile and legs crossed at the ankles hint at low confidence and shyness
Judi James
But Judi reckons Helen’s self deprecating humour simply highlights her sexy confidence, enhanced by the framing technique. No wonder new love Robbie Talbot is smitten.
“Helen’s top half is all about coy head tilting and pouting but the framing gesture on the bottom half sees her thumbs acting like directional arrows, as her hips tilt to stretch the satin skirt tighter around her hips,” Judi explains.
“It’s a sexy power move.”
Laura Anderson - Hot mama
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For feisty Love Island alum Laura Anderson, 35, the sexual framing move is used to show a shy, girlie, flirty side from the neck up, while from the hips down, it’s a very different story.
The single mum of one looked gorgeous at a Capital FM event in a skin tight lycra ensemble, proving she’s still as sexy and confident as ever - and isn’t afraid for men to see it.
“In her Lycra trousers. Laura’s cheesy smile and legs crossed at the ankles hint at low confidence and shyness,” Judi explains.
“But her framing ritual makes a more emphatic and bold statement, suggesting she shouldn’t be seen as any push-over.
Moves like this show women throwing down the gauntlet to men, to remind them who’s really boss.”
Kylie Jenner - The challenger
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As the youngest - and richest - of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters, Kylie has proven she’s no pushover when it comes to business, or indeed the business of posing.
Like an old pro, she models her Ayo active wear to perfection, but proves she’s not to be messed with in the process, as Judi explains.
That bent wrist and finger splay makes it a formal, elegant and slightly superior gesture
Judi James
“The way Kylie’s eyes are angled down and to the side make the pose look like one of intimate reflection,” she says.
“But then there’s the one hand thrown into the pocket of the shorts while both thumbs perform what looks like sat-nav directional framing of the lower pelvis, suggesting she’s happy to challenge or pull rank when necessary.”
Marnie Simpson - Boss lady
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Celebrity SAS contestant Marnie, who has two children with former X Factor star Casey Johnson, looks like butter wouldn’t melt in her floral dress, but the hands splayed against her hips show superiority, according to Judi.
Marnie, 32, looks like she could be doing this as a show of power.
“Marnie’s pose is subtler than the others’, with only one hand doing the framing while the other clutches a phone,” says Judi.
“But that bent wrist and finger splay makes it a formal, elegant and slightly superior gesture.
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"Some women perform framing like this as a dare, others use it as a show of power, by leading or instigating the sexual ritual and appearing to throw out a challenge to the men.
"It can be a fight-back gesture, suggesting they are the ones in control of the action - while the males do all the peacocking.”
How to take a selfie like a celeb
By Joseph Hagan, Celebrity publicist and owner of
- Lighting Is Everything: Try to go for soft, natural lighting to create a flattering effect.
Sunlight streaming through a window can provide a beautiful, natural glow, while a selfie light can help to evenly illuminate your face and body.
Avoid harsh overhead lighting, as it can create unflattering shadows and highlight imperfections.
If you're looking to set a mood, coloured lighting can be effective— red lighting can add a sultry, warm tone, while blue lighting creates a cooler, more artistic vibe.
The key is to choose lighting that enhances your natural beauty and sets the right atmosphere for the image. - Focus on Suggestion, Rather Than Exposure: Emphasise what’s left to the imagination.
Using creative angles, shadows, or partially covered poses can make your image more artistic and less overt.
Self-timers can be helpful for achieving the right angle, allowing you to experiment with different poses without the need to hold the phone.
For a more controlled shot, using a mirror can add depth and allow for unique perspectives, but make sure to keep the focus on your form rather than the reflection itself.
The goal is to capture a moment that feels intimate and empowered, rather than explicit. - Background Matters: Choose a clean, uncluttered background to ensure the focus remains on you.
A messy or chaotic setting can distract from the elegance of the photo.
Outdoor shots, such as on a beach or in a secluded natural area, can add an element of sophistication and serenity to your image. - Confidence Over Provocation: Your confidence should shine through without crossing into overly provocative territory.
A relaxed, comfortable pose will always appear more sophisticated.
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