overdress

American  

[oh-ver-dres, oh-ver-dres] / ˌoʊ vərˈdrɛs, ˈoʊ vərˌdrɛs /

verb (used with or without object)

overdressed, overdressing

1. to dress with too much display, finery, or formality.

   He certainly overdressed for the occasion.

2. to put excessive clothing on.

   She tends to overdress her children.

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noun

1. a dress worn over another, which it covers either partially or completely.

overdress British  

verb

1. to dress (oneself or another) too elaborately or finely

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noun

1. a dress that may be worn over a jumper, blouse, etc

Etymology

Origin of overdress

First recorded in 1700–10; over- + dress

Example Sentences

“It’s just flagrantly obnoxious to overdress in a workplace situation, especially when you’re a junior member,” said Gunn, best known for being a clear-eyed mentor on the fashion-design competition show “Project Runway.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Still, it’s hard to resist the temptation to overdress.

From Slate • Oct. 24, 2020

“She is very good-looking, of course, but she tends to overdress for the occasion.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2019

Like the also-new Millie’s in Spring Valley, the Salt Line is a fish house that doesn’t overdress for success.

From Washington Post • Aug. 28, 2017

A bodice and overdress of white cretonne flowered with red roses.

From Patriotic Plays and Pageants for Young People by Mackay, Constance D'Arcy

Related Words

• attire
• clothe
• deck out
• embellish
• spruce up