dressy

1 of 2

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

dressiness

2 of 2

noun

dress·​i·​ness

ˈdresēnə̇s, 

-sin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being dressy

Synonyms of dressy

Adjective

• dress
• formal
• stylish
• fashionable

Examples of dressy in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

My mom loves this buttery-smooth satin skirt, which is versatile and adds a dressy—but not too dressy—touch to any outfit. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 25 July 2026

Whether you’re headed to a tropical retreat or a wedding in Europe, dressy pumps give this bohemian ’fit a sleek, polished finish—especially in a slingback silhouette. — India Roby, Glamour, 21 July 2026

Final Word While an airport can be a place to see and be seen by many people in a short period of time, a travel day is not the best time to rock your favorite pair of combat boots, dressy loafers, or stilettos. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026

Ahead, shop more dressy alternatives to tank tops from Quince. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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