Great night girl watching!

[Lana Mae]

I went to the grocery store! It must have been girls night out! There were all sizes and shapes! It was great to see what they all were wearing! I saw one wearing stockings(pantyhose?) with a cute below the knee red flowered skirt! One in a Maxi dress and mid calf boots! Another in some light tan dress pants! One in a midi dress with boots and leg warmers! Oh, I thought I was in heaven for a while! I was able to come away with some dressing ideas anyway! Do you do the same? Girl watch for dressing ideas? Hugs Lana Mae

[RADER]

Yes:
I attended a Funeral service last weekend. Some of the girls wore the normal L.B.D.
There where two, about 20 something, a size 2, and a black dress well above the knee.
And low cut front and rear. O' How it would be to be young and slim again.
Rader

[Tracii G]

Lana Mae the grocery is a great place to get outfit ideas especially around 5:30 6:00 pm as the ladies are headed home from work.
Some are office casual and some rather dressy.
Glad you got some ideas.

[Pat]

I generally check out folks wherever I am, trying to figure out if something would look good on me. I don't really check out the 20-year-olds -- what's the point? That will only make me suicidal. I generally pay attention to the older women with pale complexions, so-so figures and thin hair. They're my peeps! ;)

[Leelou]

Absolutely, Lana Mae! I think that's one of the best ways, if not the best, to get a fashion sense for what women are wearing now. You know that's what they're doing--looking at the other ladies to see what they're wearing. Like you mention, it makes going out on routines like going to the grocery store so much more fun.

And on a somewhat related note, I'll look at the styles I already own and see how women are wearing them and how they should look when they fit right. A recent example was a really cute pair of dark brown knee high boots that I recently bought. I wasn't sure if they fit right because there was a little extra room around my jeans at the top when I wear them tucked in. So I started looking at women with similar boots, and no that's how some of them fit. Kinda silly I know, but made me feel better.

[DIANEF]

I often take a stroll around my local city center. Lunchtime is great when all the office workers are out shopping, so many lovely fashion items on show. Gives me a head full of ideas.

[Lana Mae]

Rader-Yes even at funerals we can get fashion ideas!
Tracii-Yes this particular grocery is the one I go to most often and there is a wide diversity of fashion sense here!
Pat-That is so funny! I felt that way about the 20 something with the leg warmers! The lady with the light tan dress pants was also in that range! Their looks were to die for! No the cute little lady with the flower skirt was more my speed or the one with the jeans and pancake hat! LOL
Leelou-Girl watching helps in so many ways! I know that would make me feel better!
Diane-That is exactly what happened tonight! I posted the thread because it was like a magical happening tonight as it all came together! LOL
Thanks all for responding!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Tracii G]

My grocery is in a poshy neighborhood and the women generally are well dressed.
Its less that a 1/4 mile down the street so its convenient for me.
As a matter of fact the outfit I have on in my avatar I saw a lady wearing in that grocery one fall day.
I complimented her on the outfit and she said she got it at Chico's.
I said Oh really I just got their sale book yesterday but haven't looked at it yet.
She said there are so many cute outfits in that store I could shop there for hours.
I said I know I love Chico's too.
Needless to say I went the next day and bought it and a maroon blazer.

[JoanneB]

Yes-I do check out the women to see what they are wearing. Sometimes I wish that I was young again and be able to dress like that. I also wish that women would go back to wearing dresses/skirts with pantyhose.

[Dana44]

I agree that you can get fashion ideas at a grocery store. Always nice girls there and wearing nice clothes.

[Amy Lynn3]

Lana, every time I am out in public I do the same. I love to look at the women and their cloths at church. They dress for comfort, but with a touch of class. Laura and I talked about the attire the ladies were wearing at the airport, while having lunch. Girl watching is the bomb.

[Teresa]

Lana,
I'm checking out GGs more when out walking the dog,as I'll be doing this soon myself dressed , what they put together to look feminine and still keep warm , also how much makeup they wear and how they style their hair . Most have usually pulled on some comfy clothes , given their hair a quick flick and maybe a little foundation . Achieving the understated look is as hard as doing the full works, we can look good then but doing minimum is a tricky one to pull off for a CDer .

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Lana Mae :hugs:, Over the years I have got a lot of great ideas from watching,

When I see a particular attractive lady I make a mental picture and make a mental note
and dissect the look and try to copy the look in my next dressing session.>Orchid...:daydreaming:...

[Sallee]

Girl watching is one of my favorite things. I am usually looking to see if I could make their outfit work. BUt sometimes I think it is just my male self checking out women. Like admiring a fine piece of art.

[Lana Mae]

Tracii-I go in guy mode so I do not ask where they got this or that, but it still gives me ideas!
Joanne-One lady was in a flowery skirt and had on sort of toast colored pantyhose not tights! I also saw two dresses but could not tell about hosiery!
Dana-This store is such a melting pot! All races and cultures! Rich and poor! It is just great to watch it all go on!
Amy-We ate outside and the group of women were behind me so I could not see what they were wearing! Maybe I should have sat on the opposite side! LOL
Teresa-At work,I noticed today that the office manager wears mostly eye makeup with some light foundation! A Hospice nurse that visits from time to time had on heavier eye make up and a lot of mascara, her eyes were popping! Most of the CNAs wear very little to no make up! My wife seldom wore make up!
Thanks all for your responses!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Alice Torn]

I often feel sad, when i see many pretty women, because i never got to court and marry one, and i will die alone, never having a mate.

[IleneD]

I've always been a girl watcher, and yes at one time I engaged in a little lustful gazing. But most often I was checking out what the women wore, how they carried themselves, their hair (always loved great hair).
I've told this to the wife. If I was in a group of 5 men and a beautiful woman passed by, 4 of the men would be expressing carnal interest or wishing for something physical. I was the sole one quietly saying to myself "God, I'd look great in that dress.", or, "Oh I wish I looked like that."

Now it seems I am constantly scoping out women for what they wear, how they wear it, their mannerisms. It's more like a learning expedition.

[Aunt Kelly]

Lana Mae,
You're scarin' me now. I was just at the grocery store earlier tonight doing the exact same thing. LOL.

[Becky Blue]

Love love love girl watching... love noting what they are wearing, how they move, talk, accessorise... its one of my favourite pastimes...

[Tina Davis]

When my office was in downtown Boston, I always went out at lunch for a walk and spent a lot of time looking at the various outfits the women were wearing. Some dresses with hose, some bare legged, not a lot of heels, but all very informative. Usually I'd find at least one where I would think how I'd look in her clothes and/or shoes!

[Aunty_Hazel]

I work in an office in a large company, and I love some of the ladies' smart, corporate outfits.
I am disappointed how many wear trouser suits nowadays, though.

I always get warning when Hazel is surfacing because I catch myself focusing on their shoes and ankles!

[Stephanie47]

In my area I have found the best place for woman watching in after Sunday church at Costco. I don't know why families troop off to Costco after Sunday services. Is it the $1.50 hot dog and soda? Anyway, the women must be of the mind that Sunday best is a dress, hosiery and heels. The business/financial center of town is another great place for watching well dressed women. The neighborhood grocery stores are a big zero. Target is not too bad. There are plenty of women grabbing something to take to work after dropping the kids off at school.

And, yes, sometimes I wish I could ask one of those women where she bought her dress.

[JustJoni]

Funnily enough, I try not to girl-watch too much unless my wife is with me...for some reason I am intimidating in male mode, and make others uncomfortable, even when I am trying not to. My wife calls it the 'cop-factor' even though I am not in law enforcement. If she's with me, that factor seems to be lessened.

It's pretty fun when she catches me at it, and knows I am scoping the outfit or shoes. :battingeyelashes:

[Michelle Crossfire]

I don't specifically go out to watch, but when I am out in public in either mode, I have noticed what they are wearing and thought to myself, that is an interesting outfit or ensemble, and took it as some inspiration. My wife also helps out with her fashion advice, so I get it on both ends.

[Julie Denier]

Attended a formal work event last night (en dude), where the women's attire ranged from cocktail dresses to floor-length gowns, with a full range of legwear represented, from tights to bare legs.

[Laura912]

Would not necessarily call it girl watching but real time learning! Perhaps real time You Tube.

[Pat]

The term "girl watching" doesn't seem right in this context. To me that carries a sense of seeking a mate. I think of it more as "looking for inspiration" (or "Competitive analysis" ;) ) I'm looking for people who are like me in some way (height, small boobs, square face, etc.) who present well and help me understand how I can improve my own look. When I was playing guy in the business world, I'd see the same behavior amongst men checking out the other men's suits, shoes, etc. trying to find looks that put them across better. I was just never interested in looking like them. So in that regard, I think this is probably more a human behavior than a gendered one.

Edit: d'oh! :doh: Laura got in ahead of me and said the same thing more succinctly.

[Traci H]

I too like watching women to gauge there styles, clothing, accessories, etc. I often look for ones that are my height, age and build to see how they pull it off. I have on occasion noted the height of a taller woman to some nearby marker, and then walked up to it to see how I compare. I am always worried a bit about my height if I were to dress on the outside. I also seem to go from obsession to obsession. For a while I might be fascinated by shoes, then it may switch to glasses or hairstyles. I am always happy to see a woman that resembles me in many aspects and pulls it off beautifully.

[Bobbi46]

I do frequently and think did they look in a mirror before going out because I see so many huge fashion mistakes made by GG either wrong coulors or most often I look at a woman and think no that does nothing for you at all, maybe we have a more critical view/outlook on fashion because we always want to look the best.

[Beverley Sims]

Dressed as a guy I can survey the women walking by and I rarely earn a glance.

A relatively anonymous occupation I think.

Shopping for lingerie, I am a little self conscious.

Dressed as a girl I look at women, survey them and acknowledge smiles returned after eye contact.

Must be careful that I am not seen casting a critical eye over them.

Shopping for lingerie?

Do it with impunity, it's great to be dressed. :-)

[Pat]

I do frequently and think did they look in a mirror before going out because I see so many huge fashion mistakes made by GG either wrong coulors or most often I look at a woman and think no that does nothing for you at all, maybe we have a more critical view/outlook on fashion because we always want to look the best.

Bobbi -- I think there you've gone from inspiration to judging. Perhaps they are dressing to their own standard that is different than yours. Maybe they like those colors together. To me it's OK to think "I'd have done that differently" but not to think "You did that wrong." Maybe it's the residual hippie in me. ;)

Personally, I don't want to look "the best" I want to look reasonable for what I'm doing. I'm perfectly happy having someone else look the best. I'm introvert and don't want the attention.

[Jaylyn]

You bet I love walking down the isle pushing the shopping cart as my wife shops for groceries. I just follow her around like a little puppy dog and eyeing all the women and how they dress. It's so funny that some almost if not for the makeup or maybe one a purse you'd think they were men. Then there are those over the top dressers nice dress heels and perfect nails and makeup. Usually depending on the store there will be some GG that are just slouchy dressed and I think oh you don't know what your missing by not wearing this or that type of dresses or tops. I guess we sometimes are looked at by the FTMs and they think how lucky we are to wear what we are wearing. I know I do think just the opposite about the MTF. Good post Lana

[Lana Mae]

Alice-Sorry did not mean to make you sad!
Ilene-Yes, I have had an experience where I had to determine lust or fashion!
Aunt Kelly-Sorry did not mean to scare you! LOL
Becky-Oh, yeah!
Tina-Isn't it fun?
Aunt Hazel-There were a lot of boots in this sample!
Stephanie-This place is interesting as I once saw a young lady in above the knee dress with 5-6" heels going to WalMart! (She was having no problems either!)
Joni-That is funny, I must have the grand dad factor as many of the ladies smile at me when I smile at them! (Most are way too young for me! LOL)
Michelle-This was not planned and usually is not! Just enjoying the sights! LOL
Julie-Yes here it was the whole range! Pantyhose, tights, leggings, bare legs and everything else you can imagine! I just like to look and enjoy!
Laura-You are just changing the labels! LOL It is still just old fashioned girl watching! LOL
Pat-I have not looked to men for any fashion sense! It is more fun to call it girl watching even if it is not quite the correct terminology! LOL
Traci-I have noted that tall women do not appear self-conscious of it! Stand tall and get your girl on!
Bobbi-Yes some do look like a train wreck but that just might be their style! Running or yoga pants with a sloppy tee shirt or tunic top! Some just go for that very casual look!
Beverly-I try not to look critical of anyone! Yes I get eye contact and smiles when in male mode! Not out enough en femme to tell yet!
Pat-Yes I am also an introvert and want to blend into the background! Although, sometimes... Hmmmm
Jaylyn-Thanks! I shop alone as the wife passed away two years ago, but I enjoy myself! I saw a young lady the other day in Walmart, she had on a way too tight skirt and high heeled boots! I had a back view and all you could see was her wiggling backside! I am not sure if I wanted to be her or felt sorry for her! And she was walking so fast-she needed to slow down and enjoy herself!
Thanks everyone!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Kandi Robbins]

Yes and no. Given that I have lived with 3 sisters and then a wife and 2 daughters, no real need. But, alas, I still take mental notes when I see an outfit I like.

[Traci H]

Lana Mae, I was just to the grocery store this evening. Despite the rather chilly temps, I couldn’t help but notice a nice woman wearing wedge sandals (way too cold for those), nicely fitted jeans and a beautiful hanging asymmetrical hemmed sweater. I wanted to be wearing everything she had. I had to hang around the deli a little more just to continue viewing her well put together outfit.

[Charlotte7]

I enjoy looking at women and what they are wearing. It's good for ideas and also (as if I need this) often reminds me of why I like doing it so much.

[Lana Mae]

Kandi-I was an only child! Mom was sort of girly! My wife and daughter were/are more tomboyish! Girl watching-yeah!
Traci-I know that feeling and have had it many times!
Charlotte-Yes that is a plus!
Thanks for your responses!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Teresa]

Lana,
There is often another angle to some threads , while you talk about , " Girl watching !" for whatever reason , when out dressed we are the ones being watched and as I found discussed at times , if you recall my thread about a couple debating what gender I was while having my tea in a hotel lounge area .

[DIANEF]

In a similar vein to Teresa, I sometimes see women who may have slightly manly features, and wonder, maybe.....

[Celee]

Whenever I go out in drab I'm always looking at women just to see what they are wearing so I can get ideas about what I should wear at my age. I'm always looking at women to see how they do their makeup

[Kate Simmons]

These days for the most part I just happen to notice when I'm out shopping with my GF or whatever. I look also to see what both my TG and GG friends are currently wearing on Facebook. :)

[Krisi]

"Girl watching" is fun and can be educational as far as fashion goes, but you have to be careful that you don't come off as so creepy old guy following women around in a store. There's a fine line between seeing a woman and staring at a woman and that line is in the woman's mind so it's hard for us to know where it is.

If I'm shopping, it's often with my wife. I may notice a woman for various reasons. My wife will notice her also and then grin at me.

[Lana Mae]

Teresa-That could very well be! We are not the only ones out there! LOL
Diane-I see those manly women! It just makes me feel it is OK to be out there! Most I see are actually women!
Celee-That is girl watching in this community!
Kate-I am out and about a lot! Doing everyday things!
Krisi-I do not follow them around but do a broad survey type thing and then glance at those of special interest! I try extremely hard not to stare!
Thanks for your responses!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Rayleen]

Lana , Very interesting watching girls at the market, shopping in the mall...It has been my hobby for years.

Specially my age to see their hair , earings, clothing and their behaviour .

[Lana Mae]

Rayleen-Yes it is good for our presentation!
Thanks for you response!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Krisi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22PoWMIWn7E

[phylis anne]

I enjoy going to one of the big malls near seattle, I make a day of it, I dress tomboy/girl as usual and watch the many women there ,figures clothes etc, the one thing I have noticed is women seldom do themselves up anymore to go shopping ,so I get a good variety of fashion and a lot at figures too wondering how I would look with their figure

[Molly Wells]

I totally relate... My wife and I were at a function at the university the other day. A special day for the students and most all the girls were dressed to impress! I couldn't help but dream a little about how nice it would be to have such a figure and wear some of the dresses they were wearing. Mostly short, like really short... but very pretty. And the shoes... Oh, to dream..
Molly

[sometimes_miss]

My favorite spots are the benches in the park areas between office buildings during lunchtime. Oh, and in any common area during rush hour in mass transit terminals, they're loaded with cute women commuters. Food courts at the malls, get a seat near the entrances to the inside of the mall, the girls have to walk right past to get in and out, and if you're on the edges, you can watch those who are just walking past without eating, too.
Did I mention the boardwalk during the summer? Ohhhh, heaven.

You don't have to be creepy about it. Don't stare for any length of time, but following a beautiful woman with your eyes as she walks past is certainly no crime. Despite the remarks to the contrary, they dress that way for a reason: https://youtu.be/I_eJTQblH-E?t=28m59s In one minute, Eliza explains why it's impossible for a man to know whether a woman wants him to look at her, or will think it's offensive, because WE cannot know which category she will put us into. Watching (without making any lewd remarks or gestures) is harmless.

[Kayliedaskope]

I work on a college campus - I get to girl-watch every day and get paid for it!