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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