Is there a correlation between clothing style and panhandling?

Could be that. Or you might come across as a very closed person, such as not ever smiling at strangers or giving anyone eye contact.

But most panhandlers don’t approach people one on one, they try to appear open to anything from anyone.

Unlikely. Panhandlers generally don’t target specific people. That makes it look like they’re just trying scam money instead of sincerely needing charity.

I don’t know about those generalizations. Sure, a lot of people stay put in their spot and hold signs. But I’ve been approached directly many times, I mean by someone walking up to me, making eye contact, and making a request for money. I sure don’t dress like an affluent person, and I’m not one, but I guess I must look approachable.

On a trip to England way back when we passed a panhandler in one of the underground staircases asking for money. A few hours later we went back down the same staircase and my son noticed and pointed out to us that, while the dirty sleeping bag, backpack and dish were the same, the person occupying them was not. The first was a ginger wearing a plaid shirt while the second had stringy black hair and was dressed in a t-shirt.
I guess their job was panhandling and we just happened to pass by the second time
after the shift change. ]

Bad thing is that I am sure there are people out there who are really in need and have to resort to panhandling to live but experiences like this make me reluctant to give.

If you manage to look destitute, maybe. Otherwise I think it probably has more to do with how you behave, particularly your manner, bearing, body language and eye contact. If you seem open and approachable, you tend to get approached, and if you seem closed and/or off-putting, not so much.

Where I live, most of the panhandlers are “professional” and as mentioned above they work in shifts. They just stand there with a sign. Frequently with a dog.

The rest of them generally have mental illness, including drug and alcohol induced psychosis. They pretty much say and do anything to anybody, including people who aren’t even there.

I go along with @Zaku . Body language is important. If you are in a hurry or look upset, you are less likely to be approached. If you walk casually and seem to be in a good mood, you are more approachable.