dressy

American  

[dres-ee] / ˈdrɛs i /

adjective

dressier, dressiest

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.

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dressy British  

/ ˈdrɛsɪ /

adjective

1. (of clothes) elegant

2. (of persons) dressing stylishly

3. over-elegant

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Other Word Forms

• dressily adverb
• dressiness noun

Etymology

Origin of dressy

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

Explanation

Something that's dressy is characterized by elegant, expensive, or fancy clothes. You look dressy when you wear a ball gown, high heels, and a tiara on your head. A person can be dressy, and you can also describe the person's outfit as dressy — if it's a tuxedo with a bow tie and cummerbund — or an event as dressy, if it requires you to wear such an outfit. A dressy wedding calls for formal clothing, so you probably shouldn't wear a fisherman's sweater and sandals. Dressy was first used in the 18th century, from dress.

Example Sentences

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 • Nov. 21, 2023

The collection, which included looks for men and women, featured slouchy trousers and dressy jackets, lightweight overcoats and cotton trousers with elastic waists.

From Reuters • Jun. 23, 2023

On the more dressy end, roomy Bermuda’s shorts in cream paired with a camel jacket and ochre zipper back, with the cutout bucket hat.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 18, 2022

The dressy crowd, many of whom may well have been drawn by Lang Lang’s celebrity, sat in inspirational silence.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2022

They look dressy until you notice the Vibram soles.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• chic
• classy
• elegant
• stylish