Author

Kerri Bridgman

Date

April 30, 2025

Where it all began…

For many of us, the first step into the fashion industry begins on the retail floor. That’s where I started — at the same company I interned for and eventually joined full-time (skipping graduation day for a meeting-thank you family for understanding).

Retail taught me what school couldn’t: how to read a room, understand a brand from the inside, and connect with people in a way that builds trust. Some of those early customer conversations turned into real opportunities later — clients, collaborators, and future mentors. The conversations I had on the retail floor taught me to overcome the fear of talking to anyone and everyone.

If you’re in that phase now, every interaction is a chance to leave a mark. Here are 50 opening lines to help you create genuine connections the moment someone walks in the door.

1. “You’ve got great style—what inspired your look today?”
2. “That outfit’s so good. How’s your day going so far?”
3. “Hi there—love your vibe. What’s been lighting you up recently?”
4. “Those accessories are on point. How are you feeling today?”
5. “You’re pulling that off effortlessly. Got anything fun planned?”
6. “You look great— what do you have going on?”
7. “That color is so your color. What’s been the best part of your week?”
8. “Those shoes are saying something. How’s the day treating you?”
9. “You’ve got such a unique vibe—what’s been inspiring you lately?”
10. “Loving this look. How’s your day going?”
11. “You’re styled to perfection. Been up to anything fun lately?”
12. “That jacket’s a great pick. How are you doing today?”
13. “Your hair looks amazing. Has anything made you smile today?”
14. “You’ve got a great eye. Do you have something in mind to add to your wardrobe today?”
15. “Obsessed with that bag—what made you choose it?” (Or if you don’t recognize the brand you can say “Who is it buy?” - people love to explain what they’re wearing)
16. “You look amazing—any plans for the rest of the day?”
17. “Loving your style. What’s been the best part of your day so far?”
18. “This outfit is a whole mood. What inspired it today?”
19. “Ohh, very well done—are you having a good day so far?”
20. “Hey there—those colors look great on you. What’s on your mind for shopping today?”
21. “You’re looking super polished today. How’s everything going?”
22. “You’ve got a quiet confidence—I love it. What’s brought you so much energy today?”
23. “Hey! Your style’s saying something today—what’s on your mind?”
24. “You’re looking sharp! Anything interesting happen so far today?”
25. “Fashion game is strong. How are you feeling today?”
26. “That outfit is put together perfectly. How’s the day treating you?”
27. “You look great—had any good moments this week?”
28. “I like how you styled that. What’s been lighting you up lately?”
29. “You’ve got fresh energy today. How’s your week going?”
30. “This look suits you—hope today’s been good to you.”
31. “You’ve clearly got an eye for detail. What’s been inspiring you recently?”
32. “Welcome in! Your style’s saying a lot—what’s been keeping you busy?”
33. “That’s a solid choice for today. How are things going?”
34. “You’re looking very put-together. Any fun plans ahead?”
35. “Love your look. How’s everything in your world today?”
36. “That outfit’s a statement—in the best way. What’s made your week lately?”
37. “You’ve got a strong sense of self in your style. What’s been good today?”
38. “This vibe is warm and inviting. How’s your day unfolding?”
39. “Hi there—those pants look amazing. What’s made you smile today?”
40. “You’ve got a standout look. What’s been inspiring you lately?”
41. “Very well-coordinated. How’s your week going so far?”
42. “Looking good today. What’s been a bright spot for you?”
43. “I can tell you’ve got a strong style point of view. What’s been the best part of today?”
44. “You look confident—how’s your day been flowing?”
45. “This outfit feels very ‘you.’ Had anything exciting going on lately?”
46. “Hey! You’re looking polished. What’s something you’re looking forward to today?”
47. “That whole look is working. How’s the day going so far?”
48. “You’ve got inspiring style—what’s been keeping you motivated lately?”
49. “That outfit’s a winner. What’s been the best moment of your week?”
50. “Hi! You look amazing—anything fun you’re looking forward to today?”

As you tailor these to your tone of voice keep 1 major thing in mind-end with a question! This continues the conversation beyond your first sentence.

Disclaimer: Not every question is going to resinate with every customer. You have about 3 seconds to determine what to say, don’t worry your brain works this fast. Not every intro will land, take it as a learning experience and keep going.

Last Note: Outside of these phrases the most important thing I learned was you have no idea what someone is willing to buy or not buy. Give them options but listen to their words and their body language. When your customer trusts you they com back over and over again, sometimes even refusing to work with someone other than you. These skills translate outside of the store day after day.

Retail was just the beginning — follow along as the path expands to production and tech. 🪡