I'm a 61 yr old male, she was not a sex symbol, I'll agree with wholesome.
But really, it's whatever does it for you.
A women that sticks with me, and I don't consider her a beautiful woman, but
she exuded sex appeal, was Tina Turner.
And the 'Money Honey' Maria Bartiromo has been high on my list for 20 years.
Well, enough about me :-)