It can feel awkward when someone compliments your look because you want to be gracious but aren’t sure how to respond without sounding rehearsed or dismissive. You might worry about drawing attention to yourself, minimizing the compliment, or saying something that doesn’t fit the tone of the moment.

Simple, clear wording reduces that pressure. Short, sincere replies let you accept the compliment respectfully and move the conversation forward. This article offers ready-to-use phrases and practical advice so you can respond comfortably in a range of social situations.

Why This Moment Matters

A compliment about your appearance often carries more than surface-level meaning: it can be a social signal of friendliness, admiration, or respect. How you respond affects the other person’s intention — acknowledging it affirms their gesture, while brushing it off can unintentionally dismiss their kindness.

Your response also shapes how you present yourself. A confident, polite reply helps maintain social ease and can strengthen a connection, whether the interaction is brief or the start of something deeper. Keeping your wording simple helps you stay authentic and in control of the exchange.

Useful Things to Say

Simple Responses

Thank you.
A brief, direct acknowledgement that accepts the compliment without adding pressure.

Thanks, I appreciate that.
Polite and slightly warmer, this both accepts the praise and recognizes the speaker’s kindness.

That means a lot, thanks.
Useful when the compliment feels personal or unexpected; it shows gratitude without oversharing.

Thanks — I’m glad you noticed.
Suits casual settings and keeps the tone light while affirming the speaker’s comment.

Thanks, I worked on it.
Acknowledge effort behind the look when appropriate; it can open a quick, honest exchange.

Oh, thank you — that made my day.
Short and positive, good for small social boosts without extending the interaction too long.

Supportive Responses

Thanks — you’ve got great style too.
Returns the goodwill and can build rapport by complimenting the other person back.

I’m glad you like it; I got it from [store/brand].
Adds practical information if someone seems genuinely interested and could lead to follow-up conversation.

I appreciate that — I felt like trying something new.
Shows you made a choice and invites friendly chat about style or experimentation.

Thanks, that’s kind of you to say.
Keeps the tone respectful and acknowledges the intention behind the compliment.

Thanks — I enjoy getting ready for occasions like this.
Signals that you value presentation and offers a gentle opening for more conversation.

Thanks, it was an easy pick for today.
Casual and conversational, this keeps things light while accepting the compliment.

Empathetic Responses

Thank you, I needed to hear that today.
Honest and human; appropriate when you feel comfortable sharing that the compliment had an effect.

Thanks — I’ve been feeling a bit unsure lately, so that helps.
Validates your own experience and invites empathy from someone you trust.

I appreciate that; it’s been a rough week and this is nice.
Briefly signals vulnerability in a controlled way, often deepening connection with a caring listener.

Thank you, that’s encouraging.
A simple way to acknowledge emotional impact without going into detail.

Thanks — that makes me feel more confident.
Expresses how the compliment influenced your mood while accepting the kindness.

I’m glad you think so; I’ve been working on feeling better about myself.
Gentle and honest, suitable when you want to be open without making the exchange too heavy.

Light, Warm Responses

Thanks — you’re sweet to say that.
Warm and friendly without being romantic, good for casual social settings.

Aw, thank you — you made me smile.
Conveys genuine appreciation and a pleasant emotional reaction.

Thanks, you always know how to make someone feel good.
Kind and slightly playful, appropriate with friends or familiar acquaintances.

Thanks — let’s grab a coffee sometime and catch up.
Uses the compliment as a bridge to suggest connection, useful if you want to extend the interaction.

What Not to Say

• Don’t deflect or insult yourself after a compliment, like “Oh this old thing,” because it dismisses the speaker’s kindness.
• Avoid making the moment about someone else, such as “Your outfit is better,” which redirects rather than accepts.
• Don’t give a long defensive explanation about your appearance; it can make the exchange awkward.
• Avoid turning the compliment into immediate flirting unless you intend that tone.
• Don’t ignore the compliment entirely; silence can come across as dismissive.
• Avoid abrupt or sarcastic replies that could be misinterpreted as rudeness.

Helpful Tips for Handling the Moment

• Tone: Keep your voice warm and steady; sincerity is more important than a perfect phrase.
• Timing: Respond promptly — a quick acknowledgement feels natural and respectful.
• Listening: Pay attention to the speaker’s tone and body language to match the level of formality.
• Body language: Smile briefly, make eye contact if comfortable, and nod to show you’ve heard the compliment.
• Boundaries: If you’re uncomfortable, a short “Thanks” is acceptable; you don’t owe a personal disclosure.
• Reciprocity: If you genuinely want to return the compliment, keep it specific and sincere to avoid sounding transactional.
• Context: Adjust your wording to fit the setting — professional, casual, or intimate — to keep the interaction appropriate.
• Practice: Rehearse a few short responses so you feel ready and less flustered in the moment.

Final Thought

You don’t need to craft a clever response to accept a compliment well. Simple, sincere wording usually does the job and respects both you and the person offering the praise. With a few go-to phrases and a calm approach, you can handle these moments with ease and authenticity.

Let us know in the comments if this has helped or if you’ve got suggestions we can include

About the Author

Helen Bach is a relationship expert and writer who helps people find the right words when it matters most. She studied English and English Literature at the University of Michigan, where she developed a passion for how language shapes love, conflict, and connection.

At whattosaywhen.net, Helen writes clear, down-to-earth advice on what to say in real-life situations—from first dates and tough conversations to breakups and makeups. Her goal is simple: to make talking about feelings less awkward and a lot more honest.