Seeking Styling Advice
The customer is trying on an item and asks the sales associate for advice on how to style it or what accessories would go well with it.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
style
To style something means to choose how to wear or match clothes or accessories to create a certain look. In the dialogue, Sarah says 'how to style it' when asking for outfit ideas.
suits
Suits means 'looks good on' or 'matches well with'. Emma says 'the color really suits your skin tone' to compliment how the dress color matches Sarah's complexion.
casually
Casually means in a relaxed, informal way. It's used when talking about everyday outfits, like Emma asking if Sarah wants to wear the dress 'casually'.
formal
Formal means for serious or official occasions, like parties or events. Emma contrasts it with casual by saying 'something more formal'.
accessories
Accessories are extra items like jewelry, bags, or belts that complete an outfit. Sarah asks for 'suggestions for accessories' to match the dress.
versatile
Versatile means useful in many different ways or situations. Emma recommends a 'versatile' belt that can work for both casual and formal looks.
elevate
Elevate means to make something better or more impressive. Emma says a clutch bag would 'elevate the outfit' for formal events.
silhouette
Silhouette refers to the outline or shape of your body in clothes. Emma explains that a belt can 'define your silhouette' to make the dress more structured.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
What do you think of this dress on me? I'm trying to figure out how to style it.
This sentence asks for an opinion on how clothes look and seeks advice on matching them. It's useful when trying on items in a store. 'Figure out' is an informal way to say 'decide or understand'. Use it to start a conversation about fashion advice.
It looks lovely on you! The color really suits your skin tone.
This is a polite compliment on appearance. 'Looks lovely on you' means it flatters your body, and 'suits your skin tone' means the color matches well. Great for giving positive feedback in shopping situations. The structure uses 'it looks + adjective + on you' pattern.
Are you thinking of wearing it casually or for something more formal?
This question clarifies the occasion for wearing clothes. It's useful for sales staff to give better advice. 'Thinking of' means considering, and it contrasts 'casually' (informal) with 'formal' (official). Use questions like this to understand customer needs.
I was hoping to be able to dress it up and down, if possible.
This expresses wanting versatility in outfits. 'Dress up' means make formal, 'dress down' means make casual. 'Was hoping to' is a polite way to state a desire. Useful for customers explaining their style preferences.
Do you have any suggestions for accessories that would work for both?
This asks for recommendations on items that match multiple styles. 'Work for both' means suitable for two situations. It's a practical question in stores; use 'any suggestions for' to politely request ideas.
For a casual look, a pair of white sneakers and a denim jacket would be perfect.
This gives specific styling advice for informal wear. 'Would be perfect' suggests an ideal choice. Useful for recommending outfits; the conditional 'would' softens the suggestion, making it polite.
A thin belt could really cinch the waist and define your silhouette.
This explains how an accessory improves the outfit's shape. 'Could' indicates possibility, and 'really' emphasizes the effect. 'Cinch the waist' is an idiom for tightening. Use this to describe how items enhance appearance.
You're very welcome! Let me know if you need anything else.
This is a standard polite response to thanks, offering more help. 'Let me know' means tell me if needed. Essential for customer service; use it to end interactions positively and keep the door open for more questions.