dressy

[ dres-ee ]

adjective

, dress·i·er, dress·i·est.

1. appropriate to somewhat formal occasions:

   an outfit that's a little too dressy for office wear.

2. showy in dress; stylish:

   a rather dressy reception.

dressy

/ ˈdrɛsɪ /

adjective

1. (of clothes) elegant
2. (of persons) dressing stylishly
3. over-elegant

Derived Forms

• ˈdressily, adverb
• ˈdressiness, noun

Other Words From

• dressi·ly adverb
• dressi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dressy¹

First recorded in 1760–70; dress + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“I tend to maybe throw in a necklace,” Ms. Frommer said, which she wears on top of her day clothing “to make it look more dressy.”

From New York Times

I could sense the urgency of a group of women behind me and stepped aside to let them pass; one remarked under her breath that my baseball cap wasn’t dressy enough for the occasion.

From Slate

I could sense the urgency of a group of women behind me and stepped aside to let them pass; one remarked under her breath that my baseball cap wasn’t dressy enough for the occasion.

From Slate

Glenn, a longtime baseball writer and prince of a man, offered two pieces of advice when I took over as Giants beat writer — make sure you take naps when you get a chance so you don’t get worn down, and buy yourself a navy blue blazer — it works casual and dressy.

From Seattle Times

On Wednesday, with dressy shoes, smart jackets and children's things lying on the ground around the remains of the wedding hall, and most people around town wearing the black of mourning, Francis' visit felt deep in the past.

From Reuters

Related Words

• chic
• classy
• elegant
• stylish