Originally Posted by D

If you have time to relax in the sun, it's symbolic of having leisurely life... ergo, a successful life... ergo, you appear more successful... ergo, you're more "attractive"... ergo, you're "sexier."

That's in contrast to how it was a couple hundred years ago and earlier when a pale white complexion was what was considered "sexy" for the same reasons, as it meant you could afford a lifestyle where you never had to spend much time outside.