How do you like this dress/these pants/this whatever” would be someone giving an opportunity to compliment them.
I am 42 years old, married for 15 years, together with my wife for >23 years. And this is the first time I realize that she doesn't really mean the clothing but is fishing for a compliment. It never occurred to me, and it seriously is blowing my mind.
Edit: rotfl, all the occasions she asked me this kind of question suddenly make sense. Damn, I think I have to apologize.
Ich kenn den Typen nicht, aber ich würde ihn einer Nazi-Braut (das ist die Frau nämlich) jederzeit vorziehen