Stylish and more formal than ordinary clothing, especially for a special occasion.
Reach for it when describing clothing polished enough for a celebration or formal setting
A dressy linen jacket made the simple outfit right for the reception.
| playful | |
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| everyday |
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| warm | |
| professional |
playful
Fits when fashionable sophistication deserves emphasis
Careful Chic centers current style and may not fit a traditional formal outfit.
playful
Fits when striking luxury or star-like appeal is intended
Careful Modest formal wear can be dressy without the luxury and spectacle of glamour.
everyday
Fits when neat, polished clothing is enough without full formality
Careful Smart is less celebratory and has different meanings across regional varieties of English.
warm
Fits when refined simplicity and good taste matter most
Careful Understated everyday clothing can be elegant without being occasion-ready.
professional
formal
Fits when a dress code requires conventional ceremony or business polish
Careful Formal can be rigid or official without being stylish.
professional
Fits when the whole appearance looks carefully finished
Careful Polished can describe grooming and presentation without indicating dressier clothes.
dressy outfit
Her dressy outfit was festive without feeling uncomfortable.
dressy occasion
The anniversary dinner is a dressy occasion, but ties are optional.
dressy blouse
A dressy blouse gave the well-worn trousers a fresh role.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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