I think it is how you say it.

If someone changes their hair, I try to mention it. Women seem paranoid about their hair. (Sorry for the generalization.)

Obviously some body parts are off limits. I think you can say nice nails, but most other things are out. Clothing compliments should be ok, as long as the compliment isn't "oooh that's a tight sweater!" Or, "I loooove that short skirt. You definitely have the legs for it!"

And don't do it daily to the same person!

OK, got it. Good luck. HR will probably not accept this note as evidence during your harassment grievance.

Dudes complimenting dudes: nice kicks. New?
You get a your hair did? Looking sharp!
Digging the shirt, dude!

Perhaps it is just me. I used to hold back and not say anything to people. I now tell people what ever I want whenever. I will explain. Two days ago I was walking into a local large store (Fred Meyer) and there were Girl Scouts there selling cookies. I asked on the way in if they were going to be there fora half-hour or so and they said they would. I found what I wanted and on the way out I stopped and talked to first the woman who was with her daughter I would think. I asked about the cookies and got the information I needed started to pick out some and for some reason I found out the woman was a nurse. Not a big deal, however I almost died last year and the doctors and especially the nurses treated me more than well. I would say that the reason the world is in such a shitty mess is because all the angels are nurses, but then That is just a comment. Anyway I bought cookies and walked out to my car. I brought back the cart to the store and put it away. Passed by the Girl Scouts again stopped and said, "Your a nurse, correct." She said "Yes." I told her about my experience and the fact that the nurses were great to me and I thanked her for being a nurse, I reached out my hand, she shook it and I said Thanks". Smiled and went on my way. I have experiences like this all the time. I once heard that it is improper to tell a woman she is pretty. This hit me as just wrong. I was going to my credit union and when there said to one of the tellers, "I have a question, you do not really know me but would you find it offensive if I were to tell you I thought you were pretty." I was talking in general and gave it no more thought that my comment would be about her. She replied that she would not and thanked me for the comment. I walked away. I am married but do not wear a wedding ring, I know I am married and I once almost tore my finger off by hooking the ring on some work. All of the instances I do not make a point of trying to make the person uneasy. I am truly complimenting them and I think they find it pleasant. There is no way I would do anything I thought was offensive to anyone who did not deserve it. I do not want to get hit and I do want people to find me a pleasant human being.