To visualize this point, consider two attraction strategies. Both strategies employ phenomena that are (almost) universally attractive, but the blue strategy aims to maximize the frequency of somewhat positive responses while the red strategy aims to maximize the frequency of highly positive responses. The red strategy (e.g. using mainstream fashion) increases one’s mean attractiveness, while the blue strategy (e.g. using alternative fashion) increases one’s attractiveness variance
CharlieSheen comments on Rational Romantic Relationships, Part 1: Relationship Styles and Attraction Basics