Learning how to describe clothes is essential for speaking about fashion and style. So, in this lesson, we’ll explore the correct order of adjectives when describing clothing and practice using this rule effectively.

In this post I will include:

• vocabulary related to materials and patterns
• adjectives to relate to styles
• word order related to adjectives

First of all, I want to begin this lesson with an oldie. This is a song that talks about that feeling you have when you put on your favorite clothing. It’s a really catchy song released in 1976 (Now that goes back, doesn’t it?). The song, ‘Jeans On,’ is by David Dundas, an English singer-songwriter and actor. The song became an instant hit in several countries.

Play the video and let me know if you have a favourite piece of clothing that makes you feel great.

I bet you’re thinking that music from the 70s was really wierd! Well, before being too judgmental about it, try to imagine what some people from those times would think about some of the music we listen to nowadays.

So, let’s speak about this song.

Why do you think jeans are such a popular and timeless piece of clothing?

Do you have a favourite outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident?

Now, we’re going to move on to styles. Yes, I suppose there are plenty of things we can talk about, so here’s a wordcloud with adjectives that you can use when speaking about style at this level.

I’ve included a vocabulary quiz with these words. Read and complete the sentences. You have the first letter of the missing word as a clue, but write the full word in the blank.

Created by blogdeserena

B2 Adjectives for describing clothes and style

In this activity you must complete the sentences with a word from the wordcloud.

 

Activity by Serena

His _____look always impresses everyone at the office. First letter 's'.

Check

On weekends, I like to wear _______ clothes when I go out with friends. First letter 'c'.

Check

I find ____ clothing to be very useful for daily tasks and chores. First letter 'p'.

Check

She is always __________, no matter the occasion. First letter 'w'

Check

Her _____ and bright scarf brightened up an otherwise dull outfit. First letter 'c'.

Check

Some people still enjoy wearing _________ clothes for fun. They usually get them from their parents' boxes of old stuff.

Check

A ______ black suit is always appropriate for formal events. First letter C.

Check

I prefer ______ clothing during the summer months for added comfort. First letter 'l'.

Check

His_____ jeans were very comfortable, but they did not look good for the occasion. First letter 'b'.

Check

He bought a _____ jacket that suits him. First letter 'f'

Check

Her_____ style always stands out, whether she is at a business meeting or a dinner party. First letter 's'.

Check

Jane has a shower everyday, but after she puts on those ____, old jeans she loves so much. First letter 's'.

Check

She wore an _____ dress to the wedding that captivated everyone at the reception. First letter 'e'.

Check

Your score is

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Now you’ve practised, you can speak about the people in the pictures below. What would you say about their style? Try to use as many adjectives as possible.

Next up!

How would you speak about these styles in English? You’d probably need some vocabulary related to types of material, patterns and so on. Below you have a flipping card activity I posted a couple of years ago. All you need to do is place the mouse over the image. Then, you will discover the name of this material or pattern.

denim- A denim jacket

velvet- A velvet dress

silk- A silk scarf

fur- A fur coat

wool - A woolly jumper

crochet - A crochet top

striped - A striped suit

checked - A checked shirt

see-through- A see-through skirt

spotted - A spotted blouse

leather - A leather jacket

tartan- A tartan skirt

flowered- A flowered dress

psychedelic - A psychedelic T-shirt

satin- A satin blouse

Adjective order

Now we’re going to move on to adjective order. This is a challenging issue, because getting it right is the difference between sounding okay or sounding completely weird.

To help you get this right, I’m posting a cheat sheet with some basic rules.

Now here you have a short quiz so that you can practise word order.

Created by blogdeserena

B2 Adjective order for describing clothes

In this activity you must select the correct adjective word order.

 

Activity by Serena

A new, short, denim, stylish jacket.

A stylish, short, new denim jacket.

A warm, black leather coat.

A black, leather, warm coat.

A large, old, striped woolly sweater.

An old, large, woolly, striped sweater.

A blue and white, smart, pinstriped suit.

A smart, blue and white, pinstriped suit.

Long, black, old-fashioned, bell-bottom trousers.

Old-fashioned, long, black, bell-bottom trousers.

Three smart, long, black silk dresses.

Three long, black, smart silk dresses.

Your score is

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Now that you have flexed your muscles on the quiz, you can challenge yourself by telling me about yourself. This is what I’m going to ask my students to write.

• What type of style best defines you?
• Do you enjoy dressing up for special occasions? What do you usually wear?
• Do you spend a lot of money on clothes?
• What’s your favourite piece of clothing? Why? Where did you buy it?