Is there a safe way to casually compliment women on their general appearance without creeping them out?

[tbm1986]

I went out with work last night for drinks and then a meal. For the meal, we had two tables. As I sat down, a female colleague shed her outer layer and said she was hot. I piped up, "Yes, we know." A mistimed symphony of gasps went round. I offered to move tables, met no resistance and proceeded to do so. Hopefully needless to say, I don't like or intend to creep anyone out. Advice from women?

[Anonymous]

I think there’s a time and place and of course it depends on your relationship with said woman (if there is any).
Your comment to your coworker may have come as a surprise considering the way you phrased it (essentially calling her hot) and I’m not sure what the dynamic between you guys is but the way it sounds is that the compliment wasn’t really appropriate or welcomed.

It’s easy to compliment a woman casually, it’s the same way you’d compliment anyone? Just don’t sexualise or objectify or make anyone feel uncomfortable in that sense.

[Anonymous]

But you are creepy so not surprised tbh