Dress up: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is putting on special or formal clothes for an occasion like a party, event, or celebration.

• We need to dress up for the wedding.
• They love to dress up for Halloween.

Used when adding decorative items to something to make it look more beautiful. Often used for objects, places, or people.

• The hall was adorned with balloons and streamers.
• She adorned her hair with flowers.

Formal or official way to describe the clothes someone is wearing, often used for specific types of dress such as business attire or evening attire.

• He arrived in his best business attire.
• The invitation specified formal attire.

Typically used in a more formal or literary context to describe someone being dressed in impressive or beautiful clothes.

• The king was arrayed in his finest robes.
• She was arrayed in a stunning red gown.

Colloquial and casual, this phrase is often used to describe someone or something being decorated elaborately. Can be used for people, places, or objects.

• They really decked out the house for Christmas.
• She was decked out in her grandmother's jewelry.

Similar to the previous entry, this can also mean to disguise oneself, often for events like costume parties or theatrical performances.

• The kids want to dress up as superheroes for the play.
• He dressed up as a pirate for the costume party.

Means to make oneself look more tidy and presentable, often used when someone needs to improve their appearance for professional or formal situations.

• He needs to smarten up before the job interview.
• You should smarten up for the meeting with the client.

Suggests making improvements to one's clothing or appearance, often used when referring to quick or small changes to look better, can also refer to tidying or cleaning a place or thing.

• She decided to spruce up her outfit with a new scarf.
• We need to spruce up the living room before the guests arrive.

Has a slightly casual or informal tone, and often suggests making oneself look clean and neat, usually for a somewhat relaxed occasion.

• He decided to slick up a bit for the date.
• She slicked up her hair before going out.

Used when someone is wearing clothes that are nicer or more formal than usual, often for special occasions.

• We need to dress up for the wedding.
• She dressed up as a princess for the costume party.

A more formal way to refer to clothing, often used in professional or ceremonial contexts.

• The invitation specified formal attire.
• Business attire is required for the meeting.

A set of clothes worn together, often more casual, and can be used to refer to both everyday and special occasions.

• She picked out a cute outfit for the day.
• His outfit was perfect for the summer party.

Refers to clothing worn to look like someone or something else, often for performances, parties, or holidays like Halloween.

• He wore a pirate costume to the Halloween party.
• The actor's costume was very detailed.

A somewhat old-fashioned or formal term for clothing, often used to describe traditional or distinctive dress.

• He wore the traditional garb of a monk.
• Her elaborate garb caught everyone's attention.