dressy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /drˈɛsi/
US
- /ˈdrɛsi/
Description
- Fancy
- Formal
- Well-dressed
- Elegant
- Polished
"Dressy" describes clothes that look smart, stylish, and a little more formal than everyday wear. It fits special situations like parties, weddings, date nights, or a nice dinner out. A dressy outfit shows that someone made an effort to look polished and neat. The word can also describe a person's style if they usually choose clothes that look more elegant than casual ones. It does not always mean fully formal, but it does mean more dressed up than normal.
The word "dressy" describes clothes, outfits, or a general style that looks smart, attractive, and more formal than ordinary daily wear. It often suggests that the person is dressed for a social event or for a place where casual clothes might seem too relaxed. A dressy look may include a nice dress, a jacket, polished shoes, or other details that make the outfit feel a bit special.
The word is often used for clothing, but it can also describe a person's usual way of dressing. If someone has a dressy style, they tend to choose clothes that look neat, elegant, and carefully put together. In everyday speech, it often means "dressed up" rather than truly formal. For example, something can be dressy enough for a wedding guest or an evening meal without being as formal as black-tie clothing.
The level can vary. Some outfits are only slightly dressy, while others are very elegant. A simple dark dress, a clean button-up shirt, or a well-cut blazer might be called dressy if they look right for a special occasion. The idea is not only that the clothes are nice, but that they create a more refined impression than casual wear.
Overall, "dressy" is a flexible word for clothing that feels a bit fancy, polished, or special. It is useful when the style is clearly not casual, even if it is not extremely formal either.
Examples
- 1
Party outfit
She wore a dressy black top to the dinner party.
- 2
Restaurant dress code
The restaurant isn't very dressy, so jeans are fine.
- 3
Work clothes
I like these shoes, but they feel too dressy for work.
Pattern
too dressy for + place/occasion
more formal or fancy than is suitable for it
- 4
Wedding outfit
We need something dressy enough for a wedding but still comfortable.
Pattern
dressy enough for + event
suitable in style for that event
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- dressyadjective