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How observant of others' clothes are you?

8.9K views 51 replies 46 participants last post by  The Gabba Goul  
#1 ·
I think I am very observant. I have always been a people watcher. My wife and I go to Atlanta's "best" mall nearly every Saturday morning and linger there through lunch. The typical dress there seems to be getting worse and worse. I am not sure whether I average seeing 800 or 1,500 people per trip, but I have started to count things like those wearing nice shoes (probably average less than one per visit, not including the salespeople and, of course excluding all sneakers, flips, and rubber soles). I also sometimes try to judge the percentage of patrons in flips, caps or shorts, etc. (usually maybe 50-60% in each category).
On the other hand, I notice that many people on the clothing forums seem more self-centered than I am. They say that they either do not notice nor care about the dress or grooming of those at the next table at a nice restaurant, etc. I am not sure about this, among people in a CLOTHING forum. It makes no sense to me. However, I have known a few people who are so into themselves (and are usually such excessive talkers) that when I dine with them, I notice that they chatter non-stop and seem completely unaware of nearly everything around them. They barely even notice what they are eating. They are sort of like multi-tasking cell-phone users, who sometimes are barely conscious that they are driving a vehicle.
I guess there is a big varience as to people being aware of things going on around them.
 
#2 ·
I am pretty much on the same page as you, Mr. Pollock. I do notice how others are dressed almost constantly. If a man is in slobwear, I might cast a quick glance in his direction to ascertain that fact, and then look elsewhere. If a man is making an effort to be well dressed, I will give his attire a more critical scrutiny. By "critical scrutiny," I don't just mean looking to find fault, rather to assess it overall. On rare occasions, I may feel pure admiration, but these are very rare indeed here in Slovenly California.

I also agree that how others are dressed around me markedly affects the quality of a dining experience. The other night my wife and I were in a pleasant little Japanese restaurant, and the quality of the dining experience was mightily detracted from by repulsive sight of the hairy male legs and feet of the patrons at an adjacent table. That they were (unsurprisingly) loud and boisterous louts didn't help matters either
 
#3 ·
I enjoy people watching and especially check out men's clothing (unless there is a beautiful lady near by!!:devil: ).

I do an overall appearance check, then the shoes, then details like a tie dimple, shoes and belt match, etc.

Also notice bad clothing combinations and inappropriate clothes.

It's a great hobby (people watching) and if you ever get to feeling sorry for yourself and you place in life, just go to the airport and sit around for a while!! :icon_smile_big:
 
#7 ·
I especially notice shoes. My sweetie has informed me that I may not go around asking people about their shoes. That's just one of those disappointments one lives with.

I skirted the rule at work last week, when I complimented someone on their AE Graysons. Apparently, not just everyone recognizes them, I guess, as the owner was surprised that I knew what they were..

..Mark
 
#10 ·
I've never been distracted by men's legs or feet, but to each his own. I have found it is best to ignore what others are wearing, otherwise you'll start to become conscious of what you yourself are wearing and then you'll start to feel haughty or proud, which guarantees you will lose that the air of self-confidence which is so essential to looking good and stylish.

DocD
 
#12 ·
I also sometimes try to judge the percentage of patrons in flips, caps or shorts, etc. (usually maybe 50-60% in each category).
Flip flops, caps, shorts, dark, tight distressed jeans, big sunglasses, etc is what is in style right now, at least for clothing that you would wear to a mall.

I love people watching as well and observing other's clothing. In a mall, or a somewhere similar, I think you need to take into consideration the current trends and fashion to determine if somebody is well dressed. It's not as easy to say if somebodies outfit "works", or at least not compared to how you can in the city, or looking at people in formal wear. It's pretty common for me and my girlfriend to disagree if we like somebody else's style or not, and it doesn't mean either of us are right or wrong. There arnt as many "belt matches shoes" type of rules in "mall wear"
 
#20 ·
Unofortunately, I don't have a gift for people watching. Some of my close friends have remarked that I am more gifted at staring. That got me into trouble on one occasion a few years back.

Just can't seem to make myself natural enough and they don't teach this kind of things anywhere. I am now reduced to hiding behind a pair of very dark shades. :(
 
#21 ·
I always take note of what people are wearing, it can be a great way to learn continuosly about style.

I was told back at college that Jean Paul Gaultier often comes to Soho, London to see what people are wearing for inspiration.


I always find telelvision great for this aswell, for instance, I used to love Frasier, always thought he had great style.

Also Oceans 11, George and Brad looked fantastic I think in their suits.
 
#24 ·
My wife and I tend to check out the watches that people wear quite often. We have this sort of "game"...if she notices someone wearing a Rolex before I do, she always gives me a hard time... :pic12337:

She recently struck up a conversation with her doctor and commented on his Anniversary LV Submariner...he was shocked that she knew what it was, to say the least. That's my girl. :icon_smile_big: :teacha: