17 Ways to Describe Appearance

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Describing someone’s appearance is a common need in everyday conversation, whether you’re trying to identify someone or simply describing a person you met. Learning these 17 ways to describe appearance will help you talk about physical characteristics clearly and respectfully in English.

Common Ways to Describe Physical Characteristics

Height & Build

1. They’re quite tall/short. Basic descriptions of height. “You’ll recognize him – he’s quite tall, about six foot two.”
2. They have a slender build. Describes a thin, graceful physique. “The dancer had a slender build and moved very gracefully.”
3. They’re of average height/build. Useful when someone doesn’t stand out in size. “She’s of average height with a medium build.”
4. They have a athletic build. Indicates a fit, muscular physique. “The personal trainer had an athletic build from years of exercise.”
5. They’re stocky. Describes someone who is broad and solidly built. “The football player was stocky and very strong.”

Hair & Facial Features

1. They have shoulder-length hair. Specific description of hair length. “She has shoulder-length brown hair that she usually wears down.”
2. They have distinctive glasses. Notes noticeable eyewear. “He wears distinctive round glasses that make him easy to spot.”
3. They have a bright smile. Describes an attractive or noticeable smile. “Everyone remembers her bright smile and friendly demeanor.”
4. They have striking eyes. For particularly noticeable eye color or shape. “He has striking blue eyes that you notice immediately.”
5. They have a beard/mustache. Specific facial hair descriptions. “He’s the one with the neatly trimmed beard.”

Clothing & Overall Impression

1. They’re well-dressed. Indicates someone who dresses stylishly or professionally. “She’s always well-dressed in business attire.”
2. They often wear [color/item]. Notes clothing habits. “He often wears bright-colored ties to work.”
3. They have a casual style. Describes relaxed, informal clothing choices. “His casual style usually includes jeans and t-shirts.”
4. They look very professional. Comments on overall business-like appearance. “She looks very professional in her suit and briefcase.”
5. They have a youthful appearance. Describes someone who looks younger than they are. “Despite being in his forties, he has a youthful appearance.”

General Descriptions

1. They have a friendly face. Describes approachable facial features. “The receptionist has such a friendly face that you feel welcome immediately.”
2. They carry themselves well. Comments on posture and demeanor. “She carries herself well with excellent posture and confidence.”
3. They have a memorable appearance. For someone who stands out visually. “With his bright red hair, he has a very memorable appearance.”

Real-Life Dialogues

Friend A: Can you describe the person you’re meeting?
Friend B: She’s of average height with shoulder-length blonde hair. She usually dresses very professionally.
Friend A: And how will I recognize you?
Friend B: I’m quite tall and I’ll be wearing a red jacket.

Colleague A: Which candidate are you referring to?
Colleague B: The one with the athletic build and striking green eyes. He was well-dressed in a blue suit.
Colleague A: Oh yes, I remember him. He had a very professional appearance.

Quick Tips: Describing Appearance

Why This Matters

• Being able to describe appearance clearly helps with identification and communication in many everyday situations.
• Using appropriate, respectful language when describing people shows consideration and social awareness.
• Knowing these 17 ways to describe appearance enhances your ability to communicate visual information accurately and effectively.

Describing appearance is a practical skill that’s useful in many contexts, from casual conversations to more formal situations. With these phrases, you can communicate about physical characteristics clearly and respectfully. Happy learning! 😊

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