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

One of my biggest takeaways from my conversation with Kopulos was that shoppers want a more supportive — yet still dressy! — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

If your style leans relaxed, a button-up blouse can make jeans feel dressy. — Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2026

Women in chic black dresses wore the cross-body in a cool, casual way that gave them a bit of edge, while others chose the smallest of the bunch to complement their dressy evening looks. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

The collection featured a mix of casual and dressy pieces, including graphic T-shirts, a strong seller for the brand, along with items such as Bermuda shorts, sleeveless blazers, chic low-slung denim and slouchy skirts. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 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