The cap of Phlegmacium subolivascens varies in color from purplish to grayish when young, and often becomes more brownish as the mushroom getsolder. It starts out convex and sometimes becomes flat. The stipe is about 4.5-7centimeters long and 0.8-1 centimeters wide. It can be cream, olive, or grayish in color. A cortina is present. The gills range in color from pale brown to buff, and the spore print is rustybrown.