>>Yet another example: A friend’s boss once noticed aloud her new hair color. “I like the blonde!” Then, instantly, he backpedaled: “I mean, I liked it before! I mean, wear your hair however you want. I mean, your hair is up to you.” He clearly understood that it was inappropriate to comment on a female coworker’s appearance, for better or for worse, and bumbled through the awkwardness. He’s not a creep. He just said a dumb thing.
It can be quite alright for your boss to comment on your appearance “for worse” if you come in wearing wrinkled clothing, torn or otherwise ill worn clothing. Especially if you meet with the public, but even for appearances. Not every place has “casual Friday” rules all week but some people like to drop into an office in shorts and flip flops.
What’s wrong with saying “I like the blonde?” It’s EXACTLY what the blonde was going for! Political correctness is a scourge.