Dressed to the Nines
Years ago, on Easter and other special occasions, people dressed to the nines. They wore new or favorite old dress clothes. Women often wore hats and men wore ties. Children squirmed in their stiff fancy attire.
Many people still dress up for special days. Others skip new clothes and donate the money they save.
Dressed to the nines means to wear formal or stylish clothes.
The clothing usually:
- Draws attention
- Meets the latest fashions
- Looks elegant and glamorous
The origin of this expression remains uncertain. The Free Dictionary and The Phrase Finder offer possible explanations.
Dressing up occasionally feels good.
When life overwhelms, and people need relief, an improved appearance often leads to an improved mood. Grubby clothes feel good physically, but dress clothes often feel good emotionally. Dressing to the nines helps people feel like they are on cloud nine.
Regardless of outer appearance, always dress to the nines inwardly.
The description “beautiful inside and out” directs attention to people’s inward beauty. As another expression explains, pretty is as pretty does,
“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).
Thanks to Becky Nash Rowe for the suggestion.
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13 thoughts on “Dressed to the Nines”
Thanks for sharing this, Diana! I remember my Mom wearing a beautiful dress with a hat and gloves for Easter. My sister and I got new clothes and our dad would get us little corsages. Fun memories!
I love the verse you shared from Colossians. Truly the most important clothing!
Thank you for sharing such great memories, Kim. I should have mentioned the gloves and corsages in my post. That is a great verse, isn’t it? Blessings on your week.
Diana, who is the picture of?
My great-grandparents, paternal grandmother (back row, middle), and three of her siblings. I love this picture!
Isham, Francis, and Estella?
The Roy family left to right: Eva, James Monroe, Almond, Stella, Easter Ellen, and Elsie
Thanks
You are most welcome, Bonnie. Thanks for checking. Blessings on you and yours.
I do like to dress up occasionally, but for the most part, I’m glad that we’re allowed to go places dressed casually (while still being respectful) than we used to be. Expecially for church, having a more casual acceptance encourages attendance when people worry that they don’t have “fancy” clothes (or can’t “dress to the nines.” Thank you, Diana–I always enjoy learning more about where our phrases originate.
Thank you, Katherine. I enjoy more casual dress most of the time too and agree that it encourages greater participation. I appreciate your encouragement. Blessings.
Even with a suit, I can’t make it past an eight Ms. Diana. But when God sees me, and see’s His Son, I’m a 10! Oh, thank You Jesus, God looks at me and sees You.
Thanks for the beginning chuckle and ending praise, J.D.! Blessings, my friend.