You look great
A very direct and common way to say someone looks handsome (guapo) or beautiful (guapa). Use the ending that matches the person's gender.
An emphatic alternative, like saying 'How great you look!'. It adds a bit more excitement.
Uses the verb 'lucir' (to look/to shine). It sounds a bit more stylish, like saying 'You look incredible'.
Hi, Ana! I haven't seen you in a while. You look great.
Thanks for inviting me to the party. You all look great.
That dress is new, right? You look so great!
Carlos, you look very handsome in that new suit.
Director, you look very well this morning. (Formal 'usted' version)
'Te ves muy bien' is understood everywhere. 'Estás muy guapo/guapa' is also extremely common.
'Te ves muy bien' and 'estás muy guapo/guapa' are the standard phrases. 'Chulo' (for men) and 'chula' (for women) are common, friendly alternatives to 'guapo/guapa', as in 'Qué chula te ves'.
It's very common to use 'lindo/linda' (pretty/lovely) instead of 'guapo/guapa'. For example, 'Estás muy linda hoy'.
Argentinians often use the intensifier 're', as in 'Estás re lindo/linda'. 'Fachero/fachera' is a popular slang term for someone who is stylish or good-looking.
'Estás muy guapo/guapa' is the most frequent compliment. While 'te ves bien' is used, the 'estar + adjective' construction is more common for this specific compliment.
Using 'mirar' for 'to look' — English speakers often translate 'look' to 'mirar'. 'Miras bien' means 'You see well' (your eyesight is good). The correct verb for appearance is 'verse'. Incorrect: 'Miras muy bien'. Correct: 'Te ves muy bien'.
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar' or 'verse' — 'Ser' describes a permanent characteristic. 'Eres guapa' means 'You are a beautiful person' (in general). To compliment someone's current appearance, use 'estar' or 'verse'. Incorrect: 'Eres muy guapa con ese vestido'. Correct: 'Estás muy guapa con ese vestido'.
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'te' — The verb is 'verse', not just 'ver'. 'Ves bien' means 'You see well'. You must include the reflexive pronoun 'te' (for 'tú') or 'se' (for 'usted') to mean 'you look'. Incorrect: 'Ves muy bien'. Correct: 'Te ves muy bien'.