How to Compliment Your Girlfriend on Her Clothes

Co-authored by Louie Felix and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: March 5, 2023 References

If your girlfriend is into fashion or dressing well, she’ll probably appreciate you complimenting her outfits. If you don’t know much about clothing, it can be tough to figure out what to say in the moment. We’ve compiled a list of a few ways you can give your girlfriend a complement and make her feel really good.

1

Use her name to sound genuine.

It sounds simple, but it can really make a difference. Let her know that you really care about her and that your compliment is genuine by throwing her name in there. It’s even better if you say something like, “Wow, Elizabeth.”^{[1]
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Expert Source

Louie Felix
Dating Coach & Matchmaker
Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.}
- Using her name implies that she’s worth your time and worth knowing.

2

Point out something specific.

What’s one part of her outfit you really like? Name that thing in particular so your compliment is stronger. Instead of just saying, “Nice outfit,” try something like, “I really like that sweater.” It will sound more meaningful and heartfelt the more specific it is.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Louie Felix
Dating Coach & Matchmaker
Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.}
- You could also try something like, “That necklace is beautiful” or, “Those pants look really good on you.”

3

Compare her to a celebrity she likes.

If you know her style icon, you can flatter her. Tell her an outfit looks just like something Zendaya would wear (or Rihanna, or Audrey Hepburn, etc.). If that’s what she was going for, she’ll be super glad that you noticed!^{[3]
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- Say something like, “You look like Rihanna!” or, “That looks just like something Rihanna would wear.”

4

Tell her something bright brings out her eyes.

If she’s wearing something in her eye color, point that out. It’s likely she chose it on purpose to make her eyes pop. Pay attention to what color your girlfriend’s eyes are, then compliment her on anything she chooses in that color. For instance:
- “That dress is beautiful. The color really brings out your eyes.”
- “I love that blue sweater on you. It really makes your eyes pop.”

5

Compliment her overall style for a more general comment.

Get specific about it so she knows you’re genuine. If she has a sporty style, you might say, “You always look so athletic and put-together.” If she’s more of the girly type, you could say, “Your style is so chic yet casual.”
- If she has a streetwear vibe, you might say, “You always look so laid-back and cool.”
- If she’s more of a business casual type person, you could say, “Your style is so sophisticated.”

6

Ask her where she got something.

Show interest in a specific item. If your girlfriend is into fashion, she might appreciate the opportunity to tell you where she got something. Plus, it shows that your compliment was genuine, and you weren’t saying it just to get brownie points.^{[4]
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- Try something like, “Wow, I love those shoes! Where’d you get them?”

7

Compliment her confidence to praise her personality.

Confident people aren’t afraid to wear what they want. If your girlfriend is constantly trying out new styles or being bold with her appearance, you might tell her you admire her confidence. Say something like, “You’re so confident in your own skin. I really admire that about you.”^{[5]
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- Just stay away from anything like, “Wow, you’re so brave to wear that in public!” That’s not really a compliment, and you might offend your girlfriend.

8

Keep it genuine.

If you don’t like something, don’t compliment it. You don’t have to tell her that you don’t like it (after all, it’s her outfit, not yours), but you don’t need to fake it, either. If you don’t actually like something and you say you do, your girlfriend will probably notice.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Louie Felix
Dating Coach & Matchmaker
Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.}
- If she asks you about something in particular, you can be honest, but you don’t have to be rude. Say something like, “I’m glad that you like that skirt! It’s not my absolute favorite, but if you like it, that’s all that matters.”

9

Avoid talking about her body.

Anything too specific could make her feel self-conscious. Unless she asks you about something in particular, don’t point out parts of her body that you like. Stick to her overall look or the pieces of clothing instead.^{[7]
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- Even when you have good intentions, pointing out someone’s body can make them feel uncomfortable.

Expert Q&A

Question

Are there any tricks to giving good compliments?

Louie Felix
Dating Coach & Matchmaker
Louie Felix is a Dating Coach and Matchmaker, and the founder and CEO of Matchmaking VIP, a company which provides concierge-level matchmaking services to clients around the world. He is also the COO of Agape Matchmaking based in New York City. With almost 16 years of professional matchmaking and dating coaching experience, Louie has served as CEO for the United States' two largest matchmaking companies serving over 50,000 clients. He has been featured as an expert matchmaker for shows on E! Entertainment Television, WeTV and the CW. He was also recently acknowledged as a top 5 worldwide matchmaker by both the International Dating Conference and the Matchmakers Alliance. Louie was also selected as one of America's top 10 Relationship Experts for the Great Love Debate National Tour.

Louie Felix

Dating Coach & Matchmaker

Expert Answer

Honesty is always the best policy. If your compliment isn't genuine, it's going to fall flat. So, if you really want to give a good compliment, say something that's true. If you like their eyes, compliment their eyes. If you like their outfit, focus on that!