well dressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well dressed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is wearing attractive and tidy clothes. For example, "The bride looked stunning in her white gown and well dressed bridesmaids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well dressed.

The New Yorker

Everyone is well dressed.

The New York Times

Everybody well dressed.

The New Yorker

They were well dressed.

The New York Times

"He was elegant, well dressed," Szegedi said.

The New Yorker

Seriously: one well dressed woman.

The Guardian

But we are well dressed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Appearance: Young, beautiful, well dressed.

The Guardian - Music

Left side well dressed; back rough.

Harvard University

"They look happy and are well dressed.

The Guardian

The clientele is Italian and well dressed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "well dressed", consider adding more specifics about their style or the context. For instance, "He was well dressed for the gala in a tailored tuxedo" provides more detail than just saying "He was well dressed".

Common error

While "well dressed" is a useful descriptor, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your descriptions by incorporating specific details about the clothing, such as the style, color, or fabric.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well dressed" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun (usually a person) to describe their attire. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it's used to convey that someone's clothing is stylish, appropriate, and carefully chosen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "well dressed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to describe someone whose clothing is stylish, appropriate, and neatly presented. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to more formal settings, indicating its versatility. While "well dressed" is generally neutral, consider varying your vocabulary by using alternatives like "smartly attired" or "fashionably dressed" to add nuance to your descriptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid and effective part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-attired

A more formal synonym for "well dressed".

nicely dressed

A more general term indicating that someone's clothing is pleasing and appropriate.

stylishly dressed

Focuses on the fashion-forward aspect of the attire.

sharp-dressed

Suggests a modern and stylish appearance.

fashionably dressed

Highlights the trendiness and stylishness of the clothing.

tastefully dressed

Emphasizes the good judgment and refined taste in clothing choice.

elegantly dressed

Emphasizes the grace and sophistication of the clothing.

smartly attired

More formal and emphasizes the neatness and style of the clothing.

impeccably dressed

Highlights the flawlessness and attention to detail in the attire.

dapperly dressed

Suggests a neat and stylish appearance, often used for men.

FAQs

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

You can use "well dressed" to describe someone's attire in various contexts. For example, "The interviewee was "well dressed" in a sharp suit" or "She is always "well dressed" for social events".

What are some alternatives to saying "well dressed"?

Alternatives include "smartly attired", "fashionably dressed", "nicely dressed", or "elegantly dressed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "well dressed" or "good dressed"?

"Well dressed" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Good dressed" is not standard English.

What does it mean to be "well dressed"?

To be "well dressed" means that someone's clothing is appropriate, stylish, and neat, suggesting attention to appearance and good taste.