What do you notice first about another person's appearance?

[LittleOyster]

I'm trying to improve my appearance and have been wondering where it would be most effective to focus my efforts: getting great hair, losing weight, trying to be less grumpy looking, learning to apply make-up...? Want the biggest possible bang for my buck!

So, what do you notice first about another person's appearance? What elements of their appearance have the biggest effect on how you perceived them?

Oh God, all the people saying teeth! I'm OK-looking but have terrible gappy teeth. I only have 2 incisors at the top and 3 at the bottom, and those teeth are evenly spaced out - I can fit my tongue in the gaps they're so wide. But I've always had these teeth and I made my peace with them long ago - most of the time. Sometimes I look at pictures and think 'gah!!!, but then I think maybe people don't really notice. But clearly they do!!!

I'm with you Tizzy about basing my opinions of people on their behaviour rather than superficial things about their appearance. For sure.

I'm not sure that teeth can be the first thing to be noticeable in every situation. Someone would have to be talking or smiling or have their mouth wide open!! Same with nails. How can we notice someone hands before their face? Surely the first thing that we notice is their size, height, hair colour, facial expression, and anything that is obvious about them like bright make up, zany hair, a stand out piece of clothing. The rest is then what we particularly look for / have an interest in. Or maybe I'm over thinking this!!

Smile and if they look me in the eye and general clean appearance. Not bothered about anything else tbh.

n0ne, I'd only react badly to someone's teeth if they were dirty/smelly. The sort of teeth you describe I wouldn't pay much attention to, or if I did I'd think they were cute or characterful.

Glad so many said teeth as I'm in the process of having my front 4 teeth veneered. My front teeth were chipped when I was younger and I've always hated them, hoping the results are good for the money they are costing me!

I think people tend to notice features that they are conscious of themselves. As a teenager, I hated my large feet (they're only size 7 for goodness sake, but I desperately wanted to be a 5 or a 6). As a consequence, I went around noticing everyone's feet. I knew the style of shoe worn by every girl in my school. My best friend J was concerned about her own (slight) facial hair. She walked around staring at chins and upper lips to find fellow sufferers.

First thing, whether they look nice and friendly.

Then whether they look clean, tidy and put together.

Haha, I'm a total scruffbag, so I do notice hair and nails etc, but only in a slightly terrified/in awe way - I feel like I have zero time right now for my appearance, and I'm always curious how others make it all work.

Anyhow, the question did make me stop and think, because no matter what, you are constantly looking and judging on some level. And I guess really, the first thing I notice is "are they like me?". I've just moved to a new area, so in the playground or toddler groups I guess I'm subconsciously scouting for similar people. But also friendly looking people. And I've definitely got bitchy resting face or whatever, so I'm making conscious efforts to look happier and more friendly. Maybe I should have a think about my dirty shoes and poorly manicured nails too

Hair and facial expression (eg smiley.....fakey smiley.....arse faced.......pissing on nettles etc)

Size/weight/shape first, then clothes probably. Then body language, then face/smile and if they are friendly or not.

Definitely their smile and how genuine they are.

I also always notice when people have lovely styled hair, but that's because I'm rubbish at hair and completely in awe of those who can do theirs!

Teeth

My weakest points are big boobs and belly so I am very aware of people with lovely shapely proportionate boobs and tum.

Unless there's something out of the ordinary about them, like a huge nose or gorgeous hair, then I think it's their size (height and width) and clothes.

Smile.

If they are smiley and chatty ('hello ' will do!). Superficially, I always clock a Barbour waxed jacket/Joules field coat (or any nice field coat!) and a pair of Dubarry boots (Country living!). Love all these items and always admire them on others!

Another one glad to be seeing so many people saying teeth! I've been having wobble about the expense of having braces, so thank you!

I probably notice someone's smell first, but then I'm a smoker so I'm hyper aware of my own smell.

Other than that, it would be makeup (but only bad makeup), clothes (fitting rather than expense), and bag- hate to say it but I do form opinions on women based upon their bag (usually envy- I carry a John Lewis tote).

I agree with Molly- you notice whatever you're hung up about in yourself. If I'm feeling overdue for a haircut, I'm very conscious of how shapely, swishy and rootless other people's hair is. If my skin is ropey, clear skin leaps out at me. If I need to lose a couple of pounds, everyone else has a washboard stomach. Etc.

Teeth, eyes, brows, hands.

I notice bag and clothes first!!

Hair, teeth, skin then clothes

Their teeth, both lovely and manky.

If there's a spark behind the eyes. Then probably overall height/weight and how they carry themselves (and if their bra fits properly!).

But as far as fashion appearance goes and what might impress me it's always haircut first. A good quality cut always looks classy. Then what they are wearing including shoes. Love shoes. Don't like makeup so not fussed about that.