outfit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outfit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a set of clothes or an ensemble that someone is wearing, often in a fashionable context. Example: "She chose a stylish outfit for the party that made her stand out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps unsurprisingly, my favourite item of my mum's was the plainest outfit she wore: a black crepe wraparound Ossie Clark dress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A nurse's outfit is really only sexy in the bedroom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Aside from the itchy polyester outfit, I have to admit I rather enjoyed the experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ehh, they're the supporters of a team of no-marks from Slovenia, whose side was drawing with your expensively assembled Premier League outfit until two minutes ago.

The Guardian - Sport

The actress had just done a quick change in the wings from one outfit to another, and the hanger had attached itself as she brushed past it on the costume rail.

The Guardian

I could wear a different outfit each day for two months – so why the hell do I pop down to Topman every month and pick up another cheap new shirt imported from the other side of the world?

The Guardian

"It's one place that I've never bought an outfit," she said.

The Guardian

I have, in my time, overheard some complaints about the coverage of Brooks's outfit at the Leveson inquiry and, indeed, the coverage lavished on the clothes of high-profile women in general.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In contrast, the killer is wearing a black outfit identical to that worn by the killer in both the Sotloff and Foley videos.

The Guardian

But the National party has flatly rejected the allegation it infringed the rapper's work and says the backing came from an Australian-based production outfit.

The Guardian

An actual bike is a great addition to your outfit, as anyone who has shared a house with someone who keeps theirs in the hallway will tell you, there's nothing more annoying than people who carry bikes indoors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's clothing, use "outfit" to indicate a carefully chosen and coordinated set of garments.

Common error

Avoid using "outfit" to refer to a single item of clothing. "Outfit" implies a complete ensemble.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "outfit" is as a noun, referring to a set of clothing or a group of people. It can also function as a verb, meaning to equip. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Lifestyle

17%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Business

7%

Music

7%

Film

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "outfit" is a versatile term used to describe a coordinated set of clothing, equipment for a specific purpose, or a group of people such as a sports team or company. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread in English. It functions primarily as a noun, but can also be used as a verb meaning to equip. While acceptable in various contexts, it's most commonly found in news and media, lifestyle, and sport-related articles. Remember to use "outfit" to refer to a complete set of clothing, not a single item, and consider alternatives like "ensemble" or "attire" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensemble

Refers specifically to a coordinated set of clothing, often for a particular occasion.

attire

Formal term referring to clothing, typically for a specific event or purpose.

garb

Implies distinctive clothing, often associated with a particular profession or activity.

getup

Informal term for a set of clothes, sometimes implying something unusual or striking.

apparel

General term for clothing.

kit

Refers to a set of items or equipment for a specific purpose, including clothing.

rig

Informal term for clothes or a set of equipment.

turnout

Refers to the clothes and appearance of someone.

group

When referring to a group of people, it replaces the meaning of 'outfit' as a team or company.

team

Specifically denotes a group of people working together, as in a sports team or business context.

FAQs

How can I use the word "outfit" in a sentence?

You can use "outfit" to describe a set of clothes worn together, like "She wore a fashionable outfit with matching accessories".

What's a good alternative to saying "outfit"?

Depending on the context, you could use "ensemble", "attire", or "garb" as alternatives.

Is it correct to use "outfit" to describe a company?

Yes, "outfit" can refer to a company or organization, especially in informal contexts. For example, "That outfit across town has a better deal."

What is the difference between "outfit" and "costume"?

"Outfit" generally refers to everyday clothing or a set of clothes chosen for a specific occasion. "Costume", on the other hand, usually refers to clothing worn for a performance, fancy dress party, or to represent a character.