Men who wear a hat, usually a baseball cap, at the table in a restaurant. Or worse, a cowboy hat! I also hate those string ties with a rock clamped on it—bola tie, I was informed when I wrote a column on this once. They even have a society out here in AZ dedicated to this thing. I think it’s a chance to drink beer with a rock tied to your neck. (Oh, save the cards and letters—they already raked me over the coals!)

The first thing I notice is if the person is trying too hard. I like people who are comfortable enough in their own skin that they don’t need to be shouting designer labels to feel accepted. The second thing I notice is if they have a cellphone or blackberry fused to their hand. No one needs that much information, all the time. It is an affectation. Most of the people I have known who do this are actually quite miserable—needing to prove something. I know very successful business folk who just naturally tone down every aspect of their appearance and are impeccable looking because they know who they are inside.

Uniqueness and color. I’m fascinated by people who have their own look, who combine unlikely textures and colors and make them look just right. They have the kind of gumption I lack. Mostly, though, it’s a smile or a laugh that gets my attention.

I’ve really enjoyed reading these. I love how much diversity there is in what people like. What a great opportunity to take a look at how truly subjective everyone’s views are. And funnier even that each person thinks what turns THEM off is abhorent in general. I can’t really say that any way that any person dresses totally turns me off. I usually just think “well I wouldn’t wear it”. And many of the things mentioned on here are things that I like. Cowboy hats for one… love the cowboy hat trend. find it very do able… lol. Not that anyone actually thinks these guys are cowboys. I do agree however that if you’re interviewing for a job you’d better be dressed for the culture of that company when you interview. looking for a job isn’t about personal expression it’s about getting a job!

I attended a social gathering a few years ago with a friend. We were separated for 20 minutes when my friend returned and asked if I had met a woman writer who was also attending the affair. I asked, “What was she wearing?” My friend replied, “I don’t remember. She was so fascinating, I didn’t pay much attention to what she was wearing.” I think it’s quite wonderful that a person’s personally is what you remember most, rather than what they are wearing.

I notice colors first. I love color and the brighter the better. Don’t jump to conclusions, I also notice if the color(s) the person is wearing are good on them. I am not like some primary grade child who just uses all the brightest crayons in the box — I pay attention to the combination, intensity and appropriateness of color. I notice the color of the person’s makeup if they are wearing any and judge if it looks correct with the color(s) of the clothing the person is wearing. Same for hair and skin color. Sometimes I want to walk up to someone and tell them their skin or hair color is amazing. What colors a person chooses in clothing affect and are affected by skin and hair color. I remember a woman who dressed as a geisha for Halloween. She was about as blond as a person can naturally be without being classified albino and that very black wig and brightly colored kimono, & etc looked silly on her. In fact she looked ill because she did not match her make up with those hard edged colors — she wore the same ‘face’ she did for everyday and it did not work at all. It’s all about color for the whole package and it all has to mesh.

When their clothes are too tight! Why do women feel like they have to dress like they are in a rap video!