Avril Lavigne says she is older, and wiser, but judging from her new Maxim magazine photo shoot she can still play the hot young thing — with a new more feminine twist.
Lavigne, 26, has had her share of ups and downs. But she seems pretty anchored from her upbringing in a small town. “I’m older and more comfortable with my femininity,” she tells the lad mag.
That’s saying a lot given her early tomboy skater persona. She says “attitude and confidence” make her sexy.
“I got here on my own. I came from a small town and grew up in a regular home. I know what I’ve worked hard for. I’ve seen a lot of people who have gone a little crazy and who are really into the Hollywood scene. I don’t really like to hang out with people like that,” she said.
The cover is Lavigne’s third for the magazine.

Avril Lavigne in Maxim
“The first time I was about 19 and was very nervous. I was more of a tomboy, I guess. I’ve always had a great time shooting with Maxim. I feel like it gives me my freedom. It’s an edgy magazine, so it’s coo,” she says.
Conspicuously absent from the article is much talk about her seismic split from hubbie Deryck Whibley.
She’s rumored to be dating reality star Brody Jenner, 27, and offers some dating advice.
“I like a classy man, a gentleman who opens the door and gives flowers and always puts the lady first. I’m a little old-fashioned like that,” she said.
She might provide some clues about her feelings, however, in her next album, due out next year.
“I’ve lived a lot, gone through a lot, and put a lot into my songwriting,” she says. “This album is the first that is not boy-bashing. Is it inspired by my personal relationships? Yes.”