Carter's appearance is described as quite poor, emphasizing that he has never attended a proper school. His clothing choices, which include khaki trousers and a button-down shirt, give him an odd, professor-like look rather than a trendy one. Despite his unkempt style, he possesses some attractive features, like being tall and fit with decent hair. He shares physical traits with their father, including his eyes.

The narrator's friends have suggested that Carter is attractive based on his picture, but the narrator takes these compliments lightly, feeling that their opinions may be exaggerated or biased. Overall, they believe Carter lacks an understanding of what looks good in fashion, indicating a disconnect between his image and typical youth style.