Learning to talk about clothing and sizes helps students shop and understand fashion talk. For ESL teachers, teaching talking about clothing and sizes means guiding students through clothing vocabulary and common phrases.
ESL students often mix up clothing names and sizes, making it hard to chat about fashion easily.
How can ESL teachers help students talk about clothing and sizes without confusion?
This post offers 15 conversations to practice, helping students improve their conversational skills and fluency. With these formal and informal conversations in different contexts, students learn to talk about fashion clearly and confidently in English while teachers can use them to give guided practice to students in their ESL classes.
Table of Contents
Shopping for a New Shirt (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends shopping at a clothing store.
Linda: Hey, Mark! Do you like this blue shirt?
Mark: Yes, it looks nice on you.
Linda: What size do you wear?
Mark: I wear medium, thanks.
Linda: Let’s check the rack over there.
Mark: Okay, sounds good.
Linda: Do you need a fitting room?
Mark: Yes, please.
Linda: Here’s a key. It’s over there.
Mark: Thank you, Linda.
Asking About Shoe Sizes (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A customer inquiring about shoe sizes at a shoe store.
Mr. Brown: Excuse me, do you have size nine?
Salesperson: Yes, we do. What color would you like?
Mr. Brown: I prefer black.
Salesperson: Here are the black ones.
Mr. Brown: Can I try them on?
Salesperson: Certainly. The fitting room is over there.
Mr. Brown: Thank you.
Salesperson: You’re welcome.
Mr. Brown: They fit well.
Salesperson: Great! Anything else?
Picking Out a Dress (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two sisters shopping for a dress.
Sophia: Anna, how about this dress?
Anna: It’s pretty. What do you think?
Sophia: I like the color.
Anna: What size is it?
Sophia: It’s a small.
Anna: Let me try it on.
Sophia: Sure, go ahead.
Anna: It fits perfectly.
Sophia: You should get it.
Asking About Return Policy (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A customer asking about the return policy at a clothing store.
Mrs. Johnson: Excuse me, can I return this?
Salesperson: Of course, within 30 days with receipt.
Mrs. Johnson: What if I lost the receipt?
Salesperson: We can look it up with your ID.
Mrs. Johnson: That’s convenient.
Salesperson: Yes, we try to make it easy.
Mrs. Johnson: Thank you.
Salesperson: You’re welcome.
Mrs. Johnson: Have a nice day.
Comparing Outfit Choices (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends deciding what to wear for an event.
Carlos: Jenny, which outfit looks better?
Jenny: I like the blue one.
Carlos: This one?
Jenny: Yes, it’s stylish.
Carlos: What size is it?
Jenny: It’s a large.
Carlos: Let me try it on.
Jenny: Okay, go ahead.
Carlos: It feels comfortable.
Jenny: Great choice!
Choosing a Formal Outfit for an Interview (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing outfit choices for an upcoming job interview.
Emma: Hi, James. I have an interview next week.
James: That’s great! What are you planning to wear?
Emma: I’m thinking of a black suit.
James: Classic choice. Do you have matching shoes?
Emma: Yes, black heels.
James: Good. Accessories?
Emma: Just a simple necklace.
James: Perfect. You’ll look professional.
Emma: I hope to make a good impression.
James: You will. Confidence is key.
Emma: Thanks for the advice, James.
Shopping for a Vacation Wardrobe (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two sisters planning outfits for a beach vacation.
Sophie: Hey, Ella! Can you help me shop for vacation clothes?
Ella: Of course! What are you looking for?
Sophie: Shorts, tank tops, and maybe a sundress.
Ella: Sounds fun! What about swimwear?
Sophie: I need a new swimsuit too.
Ella: Great! Let’s start at the swimsuit section.
Sophie: Thanks, Ella. You’re the best.
Ella: No problem! Let’s find you some cute outfits.
Sophie: I can’t wait for the vacation!
Discussing Fashion Trends (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends chatting about current fashion trends.
Liam: Hey, Olivia! Have you noticed any new fashion trends?
Olivia: Yes, oversized shirts are popular now.
Liam: Really? I have a few of those.
Olivia: Lucky you! Also, wide-leg pants are in.
Liam: I’ve seen those too. What about colors?
Olivia: Earthy tones and pastels are trending.
Liam: Interesting. I’ll keep that in mind.
Olivia: Definitely. It’s always fun to try new styles.
Liam: Thanks for the update, Olivia.
Returning a Defective Item (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A customer returning a defective clothing item to a store.
Mr. Patel: Hello, I bought this shirt last week.
Salesperson: How can I assist you, sir?
Mr. Patel: It has a tear in the sleeve.
Salesperson: I apologize for the inconvenience.
Mr. Patel: Can I exchange it for a new one?
Salesperson: Certainly, do you have the receipt?
Mr. Patel: Yes, here it is.
Salesperson: Thank you, let me process the exchange.
Mr. Patel: I appreciate your help.
Salesperson: You’re welcome, Mr. Patel.
Planning Outfits for a Trip (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing outfits for a weekend trip.
Nina: Hi, Jake! Are you packed for our trip?
Jake: Almost. What are you bringing?
Nina: Casual clothes for sightseeing and one dressy outfit.
Jake: Sounds practical. I’m packing light too.
Nina: Don’t forget a jacket. It might get chilly.
Jake: Good point. Thanks for reminding me.
Nina: No problem! Ready for a fun weekend?
Jake: Absolutely! It’ll be a blast.
Nina: Can’t wait! Safe travels, Jake.
Discussing Sustainable Fashion Choices (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A panel discussion on sustainable fashion and its impact on the environment.
Dr. Patel: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’ll discuss sustainable fashion choices.
Jane: It’s an important topic given the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.
Dr. Patel: Absolutely. The fast fashion cycle contributes to waste and pollution.
John: What are some sustainable alternatives consumers can opt for?
Dr. Patel: Well, buying fewer, high-quality items and supporting eco-friendly brands is a start.
Jane: Vintage and second-hand shopping can also reduce environmental impact.
Dr. Patel: True. Plus, recycling and upcycling old clothes can extend their lifespan.
John: It seems awareness and education play crucial roles.
Dr. Patel: Indeed. Consumers need to make informed decisions for a sustainable future.
Jane: Thank you, Dr. Patel, for shedding light on this important issue.
Negotiating a Partnership with a Fashion Brand (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A business meeting discussing a potential collaboration between a fashion influencer and a clothing brand.
Sophia: Good morning, Ms. Martinez. Thank you for considering a partnership with our brand.
Ms. Martinez: Good morning, Sophia. I’m intrigued. How can we collaborate effectively?
Sophia: Our influencer can showcase your eco-friendly collection on her platform.
Ms. Martinez: That aligns with our brand values. What are the terms?
Sophia: A six-month contract with monthly posts and exclusive discounts for her followers.
Ms. Martinez: That sounds reasonable. Can we discuss compensation?
Sophia: We propose a commission-based model with performance bonuses.
Ms. Martinez: Let’s review the numbers and finalize the agreement next week.
Sophia: Agreed. I’ll prepare the details and send them over.
Ms. Martinez: Thank you, Sophia. I look forward to our collaboration.
Exploring Fashion Trends in Different Cultures (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two friends discussing fashion trends from various cultures.
Aisha: Hey, Max! Have you noticed the influence of global fashion trends?
Max: Absolutely, Aisha. It’s fascinating how cultures influence each other.
Aisha: I recently read about the rise of Japanese minimalism in Western fashion.
Max: Yes, and African prints have gained popularity too.
Aisha: It’s wonderful to see diversity celebrated in fashion.
Max: Definitely. It creates a richer, more inclusive fashion landscape.
Aisha: Agreed. It also encourages creativity and innovation.
Max: Fashion truly transcends borders and bridges cultures.
Aisha: Couldn’t agree more, Max. Fashion is a universal language.
Analyzing Fashion’s Role in Identity Expression (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: An academic conference discussing the role of fashion in expressing individual and cultural identities.
Professor Lee: Welcome, everyone. Today, we’ll delve into how fashion shapes identity.
Dr. Williams: Fashion serves as a visual language, reflecting personal and cultural identities.
Professor Lee: Indeed, clothing choices often convey social status, beliefs, and affiliations.
Dr. Gupta: Fashion also allows individuals to express creativity and assert agency.
Professor Lee: Absolutely, it’s a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment.
Dr. Williams: However, it can also perpetuate stereotypes and societal norms.
Dr. Gupta: True, the fashion industry needs to promote diversity and inclusivity.
Professor Lee: Agreed. Education and awareness can drive positive change.
Dr. Williams: Thank you, Professor Lee. This discussion is enlightening.
Planning a Fashion Show for Charity (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two event organizers planning a charity fashion show to raise funds for a local cause.
Isabella: Hi, Ethan! Are you ready to plan our charity fashion show?
Ethan: Absolutely, Isabella. It’s for a great cause.
Isabella: I’ve secured a venue and some designers. We need a theme.
Ethan: How about “Fashion for a Future” highlighting sustainable fashion?
Isabella: Love it! We can also feature local artisans.
Ethan: Great idea! It’ll showcase talent and support the community.
Isabella: We should also organize a silent auction.
Ethan: Yes, with items donated by designers and local businesses.
Isabella: Perfect! It’ll boost fundraising efforts.
Ethan: I’m excited, Isabella. Let’s make it a memorable event.
Conclusion
Using these conversations, students can practice and improve their English skills related to clothing and sizes. With regular practice, they’ll gain confidence and fluency in real-life fashion discussions.
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