Wearing clothing that is too formal or elaborate for a particular occasion or setting.
Compound of 'over-' (excessive) + 'dressed' (clothed). The concept emerged in the 19th century as social occasions became more codified and dress codes more specific.
This word reveals our deep anxiety about social appropriateness - being overdressed can be almost as uncomfortable as being underdressed because it signals a misreading of social cues. Fashion becomes a language, and overdressing is like speaking too loudly.
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