Sylvari visually resemble humans on a surface level. Their skin is made of smooth plant matter or rough bark, with various leaves and sometimes even flowers adorning their body. A Sylvari's hair, if you may call it that, is typically made of leaves and in some cases twigs or even fungi.

Sylvari possess an innate bioluminescence, with patterns of faint light streaking across their bodies, including the iris of the eye and their hair. While typically dim, this light changes in luminescence according to the mood of the Sylvari. If a Sylvari is happy, they flare up. If they are deeply distraught, the light will fade.

Sylvari come in all colors of the rainbow, though shades of green, brown, yellow, orange and red are the most common. Their glow is typically a more vibrant color.