Looking at people with new eyes

I've found that since I've been reading YLF and other style blogs that I am now people-watching much differently.

Before, I really noticed people who weren't well-dressed. The sloppy dressers seemed to just leap out of the crowd.

Now, I notice the nicely-dressed ones, and I find myself watching them to figure out why they're well dressed (usually has something to do with accessories and shoes, surprise, surprise).

And I'm moving on into separating the nicely dressed into different categories. Yesterday we were at a restaurant, and a large party of people came in. It was a mixed group of men and women, and it became clear (yes, I'm a shameless eavesdropper) that it was a business dinner and that two of the women were Canadian (probably Quebecois) and the other three women were local (Colorado). Everyone was very nicely dressed.

The American women (in general) had a lot going on with the hair (fluffy, teased, elaborate) and with the make up. The clothes tended to have more pattern.

The Canadian women had sort of a sleeker look - hair pulled back, classic rather than eclectic jewelry.

The woman I admired the most was apparently the guest of honor. Her dark hair was pulled back in a bun with a tortoiseshell clip (barrette, not claw). She wore small gold earrrings. She had on a very formfitting sleeveless black dress (and she was not super-thin), a thin white patent belt, and beautiful python pattern stiletto pumps. The only flaws I saw were that she had a very dark tan (which I don't particularly like, per Mac's 3 style/beauty trends thread) and that her bra strap occasionally made an appearance. But she looked so comfortable in her body and her closely fitting clothes! It was neat to be able to observe her and the others, and people in general with new eyes.

15 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Sounds fab! I love people watching for the same reason. People at my work run the gammet from super trendy, to business formal, to casual dress, depending on the area. Makes for good people watching...(-:

Louise

I also love people watching though I'm usually drawn to the bad dressers with thoughts like you really need a dress not a top over those leggings! x

Sharon

I have to admit to doing this too, when I go out. However, I've now started telling people if I think they look great. (I don't go over and interupt them, but if they are standing next to me at the shops, or in the same area at a party I'll mention it to them)

Katiepea

I actually love that you are now increasingly noticing well dressed people - what a lovely way to look at the world!

Tara

I'm totally with you on that one Katja. Like you, I am a HUGE people-watcher (my boyfriend often giggles at my people watching habits). I love to sit in really busy places just observing every person that passes.

I am starting to appreciate more eclectic forms of dressing, and also appreciating a person's style regardless of what age they are. Instead of only looking at young people, I can look at a well-dressed or funky older lady and really appreciate them too. The other week I saw a lady at the service station who was really well dressed, and totally unique. She would have been in her 50s and you guessed it, it was her shoes and accessories that made her outfit.

I'm also more likely to compliment someone now on what they're wearing or their appearance in general as I learn to appreciate different styles and also discover how good positive feedback makes me feel when I receive it!

Lisa

I also love to people watch. I find it very interesting that some are stating they are complimenting more just because they have learned to identify and appreciate other styles. That's a really interesting trend! I admit I will often notice someone who I consider to be well put together but unable to figure out why. Perhaps it's all in the accessories.

Kristine

I notice things more too. People who used to intimidate me aren't so intimidating, I find them more inspirational now. But I'm sorry to say I notice sloppy people more too, more in the sense of "she would look great with a more structured shirt". (eye roll at myself)

Refugee

Oh yes, I'm a people watcher too. I notice I've focused more on what people are wearing in a positive way. I'm much more likely (since YLF) to compliment someone on what they're wearing or to strike up a conversation with another shopper when I'm out.

Theresa

I'm another shameless people watcher!! Your lunch the other day sounds like it was a fabulous opportunity for watching!

I too have really started to notice the well dressed people more since joining YLF, and trying to work out what it is that sets them apart.

But, I must admit I have started to notice the outfits that are not so flash more as well... and I often have an urge to tell teenage girls that they are absolutely worth respecting themselves more and to put some clothes on... Not quite brave enough to actually do it though.

firefly

Active Member

I'm still quite new to YLF but I've started people-watching with new eyes already. I also went up to someone a few weeks ago to compliment her on her look - not something I would ever have done before.

Kristen

Sharon, I compliment strangers all the time if they are wearing something unique or if they look amazing in it. Makes them light up like a Christmas tree!

taylor

I also love to compliment others.

However, I do find that I study people and their style as I people watch and try to figure out what makes it work or NOT.
And knowing this PPL now, as I have said before I don't know if it is a blessing or a curse...it drives me crazy how many people are walking around ruining the entire outfit with too short pants!!! A crime I myself was guilty of prior YLF!!

MNsara

I love the idea of noticing what makes someone's style GOOD! I am too quickly drawn to notice BAD style.

I need to work on noticing the 'good' AND what makes it 'good'.

Excellent insights

stringy

Me too! Previously I wouldn't have noticed what anyone was wearing unless they'd got their shoes on their head or something truly bizarre. Now I pay attention to even small details, and it makes waiting in line for things much more enjoyable to have something to look out for.

Scarlet

I really enjoyed reading your description of this dinner. I felt like I was there. I have always been a people-watcher. I think possibly even as a toddler it was one of my main hobbies. I always notice people with great style but often feel I need more time to drink it in than can be done in a socially-acceptable time-frame of looking at a stranger. Actually Germans (where I live now) are big starers, and it creeps me out. People stare at me all the time, but I still don't do it myself to others.

Actually I have to say that since participating on the forum I have a bit of a kinder eye toward style here. When I read about the appalling way my fellow countrymen dress, pjs, crocs, visible panties, etc., I have to give the people here credit. They may not look Killer, but at least they are wearing clothes that are appropriate, vaguely fit, and go together. Most of them anyway. Yeah, but I don't mean the chick at work wearing hot pants. I am pretty sure that was just wrong.

bj1111

LOL...sporting non-ppl pants may be a misdemeanor. sporting non-ppl short shorts...that's a crime, especially if i can see some cheek action.

babs

Good point Babs!!!

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