How to Compliment a Woman's Body

When she looks amazing and you want to make a great impression, body compliments can be so tempting. But body talk is complicated—and you'll impress her way more with a flattering, effective compliment on her general appearance instead. We've compiled a thorough list of every compliment she secretly wants to hear. With our expert-backed tips and tricks, you'll capture her heart (without offending her in the process!). Read on for more.

This article is based on an interview with our dating coach, John Keegan. Check out the full interview here.

1

Steer clear of body-specific compliments.

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Even if your intentions are good, your comment may hurt her. Body talk is tricky, and an individual's relationship with their own body may not always be what'd you expect. To avoid hurting her (and ruining your date!) stop giving body-specific compliments altogether. If you like the way that she looks and you want her to know, that’s understandable. Just stick to these rules:^{[1]XResearch source}
- As a rule of thumb, keep your compliments general and vague. Admire things like her style, essence, or confidence.
- If you want to compliment her looks, stick to nonsexual, body-unspecific flattery.
- If you want to compliment her body, hold off until you’ve established a relationship. Or, wait until she's complimented your body first.
- To make the best impression though, compliment her personality, intelligence, and skills over her looks.
- In work or formal settings, avoid appearance-based compliments altogether.

2

Compliment her outfit.

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She probably put time and effort into her fit, so she’ll love if you notice. By commenting on her dress, her shoes, or her fashion choices overall, you’ll impress your date with a thoughtful compliment. She’ll feel appreciated, and you’ll come off as a positive, considerate person.^{[2]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- “Wow, look at those shoes! They're great. Where’d you get them?”
- Pay attention to what you like specifically about her clothes. Then, comment on that: “I love that dress. The embroidered pattern is so nice.”
- Compare her fit to a classic style icon, “That suit is amazing. I feel like that’s something Zendaya would wear.”

3

Comment on the color she’s wearing.

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By focusing on her clothes' hue, you’ll be flattering but non-threatening. Compliment the color of her clothes to make her feel special—like in this shade, she looks even better than usual. Let her know that the color is your favorite, it matches her eyes, or it’s just all-around lovely. She’ll feel touched by your compliment, but she’ll also feel completely comfortable, too.^{[3]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- “Wow, that sea-green purse is literally my favorite color. I love it!”
- “Aw, wow. That light blue headband totally matches your eyes. It looks really nice.”
- “That hot pink jacket is so cool. I’d wear that shade myself, actually.”

4

Say that you like her style.

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Compliment her clothes' vibe, and she’ll feel special and understood. In a positive voice, let her know that you love her personal style. Maybe her brand is trendy, quirky, or classic. Either way, she'll feel totally floored by your unique compliment. If you don’t feel comfortable describing her style, stay general and follow up with a friendly question.^{[4]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- “I’ve gotta say it—there’s something so amazing about your style. How would you describe it?”
- “I love the way you dress. You have such a fashionable, bold style. It’s so fun!”
- “Your vibe is just awesome. Your clothes are so cool but also, so individual to you!”

5

Say that her confidence shines through.

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Self-assuredness is hot, so she’ll love that you see that quality in her. Deliver this compliment with a friendly tone, smile, and eye contact. Confidence is directly tied to looks because it's known to make people more attractive. So choose this compliment, and you’re basically saying she’s hot—but in the most considerate way possible. She’ll feel amazing, and she’ll adore you!^{[5]XResearch source}
- “To me, you come off as really sure of yourself. I love that.”
- “You’ve got this natural charm and confidence. It’s amazing.”
- “It’s so refreshing speaking with someone who has such a strong sense of self. It really emanates!”

6

Let her know that she has great energy.

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Express admiration for her “vibe” or “energy,” and it’ll stick with her. This is the perfect unspecific compliment that will really make an impression. Though it’s not totally specific to her appearance, her “vibe” is sort of all-encompassing. For this one, pick a feeling or aura that you think she creates in a room. Then, let her know. This is a major compliment, so she'll feel appreciated.^{[6]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- “I feel like you put out such a positive vibe. You’re boosting my energy while we talk.”
- “You’ve got such a naturally playful energy. I love how much you smile in conversation. You’re, like, insanely fun to talk to.”
- “I think you’ve got this really understanding, open vibe. It’s hard to describe, but lovely to be around.”

7

Tell her she’s glowing.

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Compliment her indescribable radiance, and you'll melt her heart. Some people just seem to shine. Say that you believe she’s one of those people. Explain that you don’t know what it is exactly, but that she just lights up the room. This is actually a lot like calling her attractive, but it’s in the sweetest, most respectful way imaginable.^{[7]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- “There’s something about you. You just really shine!”
- “I don’t know what it is exactly, but you’re just sort of luminescent.”
- “You’re seriously, like, beaming. Do people tell you that a lot or are you just especially radiant tonight?”

8

Compliment her laugh.

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Her laugh is personal but not body-related—so it's the perfect subject. If you want to focus more on her appearance, emphasize the way she looks when she laughs. Explain that you like how she closes her eyes, tosses her head back, or covers her mouth with her hands. Otherwise, simply say that her giggle is infectious or sweet-sounding. She’ll find your compliment (and you!) refreshing.^{[8]XResearch source}
- “I love how you laugh. You don’t hold back—it’s so amazing.”
- “Your laugh is so cute. It totally puts a smile on my face!”
- “I love the way you throw your head back when you laugh. It’s so sweet.”

9

Compliment her smile.

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Openly admire her smile, and she’ll be inspired to use it even more. Her smile probably isn’t complimented as often as you’d think. Others might go straight for body or figure compliments—but not you. Look at her with a warm expression, give a soft smile, and tell her that you love the way she beams at you. She’ll be impressed by your respectful, flattering compliment.
- “You have such a warm smile. I love it.”
- “Your smile is amazing. I feel like I’m in a trance! Has anyone ever told you that before?”
- “Wow, look at that smile. It’s magical!”

10

Admire her eyes.

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If you compliment her piercing gaze, she’ll feel powerful and adored. Let her know that she has gorgeous eyes. Mention this at a surprising moment—like when you’ve just finished talking. This will send the message that her eyes are so beautiful, they’re distracting to you. After all, you jumped straight from a story about your dog to an authentic, heartfelt compliment. She'll be touched!^{[9]XExpert SourceJohn Keegan
Dating CoachExpert Interview. 5 November 2019.}
- “Your eyes are this amazing shade of brown. Sorry, I keep getting lost in them.”
- “Your eyes are seriously intoxicating. I’m having a hard time focusing.”
- “Wow. Before I keep talking, I have to say that your eyes are dazzling.”

11

Tell her she’s beautiful.

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A compliment on her looks could work well, as long as it's wholesome. For this one, wait until you've connected through physical contact or until she's complimented your body first. Avoid zeroing in on her figure specifically and getting sexual. Leave words like “hot,” “sexy,” and even “stunning” out of it. Stick with “beautiful” instead. It’s flattering, sweet, and respectful. Perfect!^{[10]XResearch source}
- Look her in the eyes and use a warm tone: “I hope I’m not being too forward. I just wanted to tell you that I think you’re really beautiful.”
- After she laughs or tells a silly joke, look at her with a smile: “You’re really beautiful, Grace.”
- At the end of the night, throw your compliment in with your goodbye: “Hey, also…I think you’re really beautiful, Ziwe. Okay, that’s it. Good night!"