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I tend to go with only compliment things that you can change. Body parts, can't change them so they're off limits. Outfit you can change (and they will have actively chosen themselves) so go wild.

Just you know, don't be weird.

If anyone is wondering what the rules are, I think it boils down to:

- They are expecting people to notice it.

- It's not a trait they were randomly born with, but rather is something they decided to do.

What's creepy about complimenting someone's belt, that is not creepy about complimenting their watch?

You have to look at this from the perspective of someone who's jumpy, maybe socially anxious, and concerned about unexpected things. Belts are less noticeable than watches, and less advertised as personality statements, so this possibly nervous stranger would be more prepared to hear something about their watch than their belt.

The point here is that you don't know if they're a loud-and-in-charge extrovert or a shy high-anxiety introvert until you talk to them.