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

Derived Forms

• dressiness
  noun
• dressily
  adverb

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.

Related Words

• chic
• classy
• elegant
• stylish