look the part
To look like one specifically fits a particular role, occupation, etc. You can be an amazing actor, but to land a role, you also have to look the part. It turns out he's a hugely successful financial investor, but with those cargo shorts, he really doesn't look the part.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
look the part
COMMON If someone looks the part, they dress or behave in the way that is characteristic of a particular kind of person. You look the part of an English gentleman, so people trust you. Friends say he was in the Foreign Legion. He certainly looks the part: his hair is cut very short and he has a deep wound above his left eye. Note: This probably comes from the idea of an actor wearing a costume that suited the role or part that they were playing.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
look the part
have an appearance or style of dress appropriate to a particular role or situation (even if not being actually very well suited to it). 2005 Scotland on Sunday Sharapova meanwhile was having problems of her own. Dressed to kill in a gold trimmed dress with gold trimmed and spangly shoes, she looked the part even if her game did not let her act it.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
look/dress the ˈpart
have an appearance or wear clothes that are suitable for a particular job, position, etc: I think Tim Evans should play Robin Hood. He really looks the part. ♢ He’s a funny kind of bank manager; he doesn’t dress the part at all.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017