dressy

adjective

ˈdre-sē 

dressier; dressiest

1

: showy in dress

2

: stylish, smart

dressy clothes

3

: requiring or characterized by fancy or formal dress

a dressy affair

dressiness noun

Synonyms of dressy

• dress
• formal
• stylish
• fashionable

Examples of dressy in a Sentence

Those shoes are so dressy, I rarely wear them.

She wore an outfit that was much too dressy for the occasion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Strappy heels When in doubt, embrace the dressy nature of satin pants. — India Roby, Glamour, 16 July 2026

Davis showcases many iterations of the chignon on her feed, and this version is a bit dressier than your everyday messy bun. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

No Copenhagen girl’s closet is complete without a simple tapered black pant, which teams up perfectly with a plain white T-shirt or dressy evening top. — Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

The entertaining expert has worn platforms multiple times recently with both dressy and casual outfits. — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dressy

• bessy
• cressy
• jesse
• messy

Kids Definition

dressy

adjective

ˈdres-ē 

dressier; dressiest

1

: showy in dress

2

: suitable for formal occasions

dressy clothes