You’re asking for the impossible, Hareem. Where do you live? If you don’t feel comfortable answering this question, that’s totally fine (I understand). If you are living in a predominantly Muslim country…where many wear abaya/niqab, you will not stand out that much. Unless you’re in Pakistan, and then they’ll look at you even if you were a female bakri trotting the streets in dupatta and high heels. Sheehs, even the desi people in Dubai don’t stare at you as much (or hardly at all) compared to the ones in Pak, I noticed. However…if you’re living in a country where the Muslims are the minority (the US or Europe, for example)…then wearing a niqab will naturally bring MORE attention to you because you would be dressing contrary to the predominant culture…AND the negative stereotypes about Muslims will make them look as well.
So, much depends upon location. Apart from that…people can look at you for various reason. A Muslim woman might look at you (if she covers herself) and admire the style of of your burqa or hijab…or admire you for covering like her. Or if she doesn’t cover herself, she might be wondering how you’re able to handle it.
Guys could be looking at your face and admiring your beauty…or perhaps their gaze just happened to fall on you…or they think you’re some sort of threat because of the stereotypes. Your gaze can just (without thinking) fall on some random stranger and it’s not out of lust or even out curiosity…it just falls. It also depends on the situation. If you’re buying goods at a store and the cashier is male…he’ll have to look at you a bit. Or maybe somebody is looking at you because they think they recognize you from somewhere or perhaps you remind them of someone.
***You cannot control or stop everyone, as it’s not possible (even the Prophets/Messengers couldn’t do that). So, just do the best you can do and be the best you can be…and do it with good and sincere and humble intentions. That’s it.