smartly dressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smartly dressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is well-dressed or dressed in a stylish and neat manner, often for formal occasions. Example: "At the gala, everyone was smartly dressed, showcasing their finest attire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lovely: smartly dressed, very intelligent and articulate.

Independent

THE CROWD Smartly dressed, upscale.

The New York Times

THE CROWD Convivial, smartly dressed adult diners.

The New York Times

THE CROWD Casually but smartly dressed.

The New York Times

Maybe it was the smartly dressed yet unpretentious crowd.

The New York Times - Travel

Nearby two smartly dressed men were doing the paperwork.

The Guardian

A young, smartly dressed couple walked home from work.

The New York Times

A smartly dressed youth sat behind the reception desk.

The Guardian - Books

Everyone's good-looking, everyone's smartly dressed, everyone's so happy!

The Guardian - Business

Just ask Dong Junxia, an earnest, smartly dressed woman.

The Guardian

He was always smartly dressed and could seem dour, but was capable of wry humour.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smartly dressed" to convey that someone's attire is not only neat and tidy, but also stylish and appropriate for the occasion. It suggests a conscious effort to present oneself well.

Common error

Avoid using "smartly dressed" when a more casual description is appropriate. If someone is simply wearing clean and functional clothes, a phrase like "neatly dressed" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smartly dressed" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smartly dressed" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe someone's appearance, implying they are well-presented and stylish. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequent appearance in news and media suggests a neutral register. While alternatives like "well-dressed" or "elegantly clothed" exist, "smartly dressed" offers a specific nuance of neatness and style. Remember to consider the context and level of formality when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-dressed

A more general term for being dressed attractively and appropriately.

sharply dressed

Implies a crisp and stylish appearance, often in a modern or edgy way.

stylishly dressed

Highlights the fashionable aspect of someone's attire.

elegantly clothed

Suggests a sophisticated and refined style of dress.

fashionably attired

Emphasizes being dressed according to current fashion trends.

chicly attired

Indicates a trendy and sophisticated style.

finely dressed

Suggests wearing expensive or high-quality clothing.

immaculately groomed

Focuses on overall neatness and attention to detail in appearance, including clothing.

sprucely dressed

Emphasizes neatness and tidiness in dress.

dapperly attired

A more old-fashioned term for a man who is neatly and stylishly dressed.

FAQs

How can I use "smartly dressed" in a sentence?

You can use "smartly dressed" to describe someone whose clothing is stylish and appropriate for the occasion. For example, "The waiters were "smartly dressed" in black suits."

What are some alternatives to "smartly dressed"?

Alternatives include "well-dressed", "fashionably attired", or "elegantly clothed depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is "smartly dressed" formal or informal?

"Smartly dressed" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It's suitable for both news reports and more casual descriptions, but avoid it where a very informal description is needed.

What's the difference between "smartly dressed" and "casually dressed"?

"Smartly dressed" implies a deliberate effort to look stylish and well-presented, often for a specific occasion. "Casually dressed" /s/casually+dressed, on the other hand, suggests a relaxed and informal style of clothing.