q: the other day, i was on the street and saw a girl walking in front of me. she was dressed for an office job, but her skirt was so short that i could clearly see the control tops (ugh) of her shiny nude pantyhose (double ugh) when the back of her skirt flipped up with every step. i can’t imagine she would want anyone seeing this at her work - let alone everyone on the street - and she probably doesn’t even know because she can’t see herself from behind. it was not a flattering view.
is it ever okay to tell a stranger about their wardrobe malfunction, or would this just be incredibly creepy, even from another girl? if it was me, i would want to know!
- dressed to impress
a: there is a huge difference between letting someone know they have spinach in their teeth (do it, always), and offering up an unsolicited critical remark on someone’s appearance (don’t do it, ever). this seems like it falls a little closer to spinach in the teeth than “girl, you look gross!” so as long as you do it gently, politely, and quickly, go ahead.
for example: “excuse me? i was just noticing how nice your butt looks in that skirt, but did you know i can see the tops of your pantyhose! just wanted you to know in case you didn’t. have a nice day!” or SOMETHING. don’t say anything extra, don’t let her know you’re judging her choice of undergarments or skirt, and don’t stay long enough to embarrass her. do your business, get on with your day, and let her do the same. maybe she really wants the world to see those shiny control tops, but it was nice of you to try to help.
can we reiterate a point we made in the first paragraph - about how this kind of thing is a fine line? because that’s the really important thing we want you to take away from this. unless it’s complimentary, or someone asks, or you’re close enough to know it’s okay, or it’s food on their face, keep your thoughts about how someone looks to yourself.
