dash of style

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dash of style" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe adding a small amount of flair or elegance to something, often in fashion, design, or writing. Example: "The outfit was simple, but the bright scarf added a dash of style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

BUSINESS travel has often been depicted with a dash of style and adventure.

The New York Times

The Webmasters should seize upon the guidelines as a chance to add a dash of style to their sites.

The New York Times - Arts

Now the company is trying to make its online stores just as successful, and with a dash of style from the high fashion world.

The New York Times - Tech

The flair and charm of these remarkable artists lend a dash of style to us readers, in turn, as we grow familiar with their stuff.

The New Yorker

An expanding clutch of hotels like the Jane offer cramped sleeping quarters on the cheap, often with shared bathrooms and bunk beds, to budget-minded travelers seeking a dash of style along with their savings.

The New York Times

But a new crop of privately owned restaurants, known here as paladares, is bringing a dash of style — not to mention enticing food — to Havana's normally lackluster dining scene.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Now you too can own a precious artwork depicting your furry beloved rendered in Penry's signature style, with a dash of panache and whimsy.

Vice

After two months of DASH-style eating, study participants lowered their systolic pressure (the upper number of your blood pressure reading) by about 10 mmHg and their diastolic pressure (the lower number) by 5 mmHg.

Harvard University

The campaign to win the residents' goodwill has sometimes displayed dashes of Whisky Galore-style farce – shower facilities for the local football team and suchlike.

The Guardian

Dashes of color, an eclectic mix of styles, silk scarves catching a spring breeze: vivid harbingers on Fifth Avenue last week for the Easter Parade (which by now, it seems, has become a reminder of an Irving Berlin tune).

The New York Times

Entitled The Bridge, his freshly minted eleven track release is quite the deviation from the festival-friendly beats that have emerged thus far from the imprint and appears more as an experimental, cinematic soundscape that flows through measures of electronica, downtempo, trip-hop and even some dashes of drum and bass styles.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements to mundane objects or situations, use "dash of style" to highlight the added aesthetic value. For example, "The new interface adds a "dash of style" to the previously bland software."

Common error

Avoid using "dash of style" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language to describe specific improvements instead. For example, instead of saying "The report included a "dash of style"," specify "The report included visually appealing charts and graphs."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash of style" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a preposition (e.g., "with a "dash of style""). It indicates an added element that enhances the aesthetic or perceived quality of something, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dash of style" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the addition of flair or elegance to something. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves to enhance the perceived quality or aesthetic appeal of a subject. While it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. Be mindful of its potential overuse in overly formal settings. Ultimately, "dash of style" is a useful way to indicate an improvement or enhancement, though specificity may be required for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of elegance

Emphasizes sophistication and grace, subtly enhancing appearance or manner.

hint of flair

Suggests a slight but noticeable addition of individuality or panache.

element of chic

Highlights the stylish and fashionable aspect being introduced.

suggestion of panache

Focuses on the confident and flamboyant quality added.

sprinkling of sophistication

Indicates a light application of refinement.

nuance of elegance

Highlights a subtle, sophisticated quality.

shade of class

Adds a subtle quality of high social standing or excellence.

modicum of grace

Implies a small amount of refined and elegant behavior or appearance.

iota of charm

Emphasizes the addition of a very small amount of appeal and attractiveness.

whisper of sophistication

Suggests a very subtle, almost imperceptible, addition of refinement.

FAQs

How can I use "dash of style" in a sentence?

You can use "dash of style" to describe something that adds a small amount of flair or elegance to something else. For example, "The red scarf added a "dash of style" to her outfit."

What are some alternatives to saying "dash of style"?

Alternatives to "dash of style" include "touch of elegance", "hint of flair", or "element of chic" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dash of style" in formal writing?

While "dash of style" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or creative writing. Formal writing might benefit from more precise descriptions of the specific qualities being added.

What's the difference between "dash of style" and "sense of style"?

"Dash of style" refers to adding a small amount of flair to something, while "sense of style" describes someone's overall ability to dress or decorate attractively. For example, "She has a great sense of style" versus "The new curtains added a "dash of style" to the room".