sequencing of adjectives

[ram]

I have trouble sequencing adjectives when they seem to be all qualities. Can you give me a general guideline. Thank you.
example:
military, high-ranking, uniformed officer
five, homeless, young children (I wrote the words in this sequence and got an x)
loose, multicolored attire
RAM

[Mister Micawber]

Personally, I think it just takes experience; adjective order is a slippery business. This is how I would array them:

high-ranking uniformed military officer.
five young homeless children ('homeless person' has become a common collocation).
loose multicolored attire.

[Dandelion]

Try googling The Royal Order of Adjectives.

[Tdol]

Here's a scheme for the order of adjectives:
http://www.usingenglish.com/articles...djectives.html

[ram]

Dear Mr Micawber, Dandelion and Tdol,
Thank you so much.
RAM

[Tdol]

You're welcome.

[Dandelion]

You're welcome.

[shif68]

the rule for sequencing adjectives is as follows:

1. opinion
2. size
3. shape
4. age
5. color
6. material

put adjectives in that order -- note, however, that english speakers rarely use more than three descriptive adjectives in front of a noun.

example: It's a small circular red button. (size, shape, color)
example: It's a beautiful old stone house. (opinion, age, material)