Definition

Adjective: 1. Smart, elegant, or formal in style: Used to describe clothing, accessories, or an overall appearance that is stylish, fashionable, and suitable for a special or formal occasion, rather than for everyday casual wear. 2. Characterized by or requiring such attire: Used to describe an event, occasion, or place where people are expected to wear elegant or formal clothing.

Usage and Examples

• Describing clothing or appearance:
  • She wore a dressy black gown to the awards ceremony.
  • For the interview, you should choose a dressy blouse and trousers.
  • His usual casual style was replaced by a surprisingly dressy outfit.
• Describing an event or occasion:
  • The invitation said the party was dressy, so no jeans allowed.
  • It's a dressy restaurant, so a jacket for men is recommended.

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: "dressier", "dressiest".
  • This skirt is dressier than the one you wore yesterday.
  • Out of all her outfits, this is the dressiest one.

Variants and Related Words

• Dress (verb): To put on clothes, often specifically elegant or formal ones.
  • They were asked to dress for dinner.
• Dressiness (noun, informal): The quality of being dressy.
  • The dressiness of the event made some guests uncomfortable.

Synonyms

• Formal: Following conventional requirements of style, often for official events.
• Elegant: Graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
• Smart: Neat, trim, and stylish in appearance (common in British English).
• Chic: Fashionably elegant and stylish.

Antonyms

• Casual: Relaxed and informal; suitable for everyday wear.
• Informal: Not formal; having a relaxed, friendly, or unofficial style.
• Scruffy: Shabby and untidy or dirty in appearance.

Adjective

1. in fancy clothing