gussying

Making oneself fancy

Gussying is the act of dressing up or making something more attractive, usually with some effort or fuss.

The full phrase is gussy up: She spent an hour gussying up for the party.

The word suggests deliberate prettification—adding polish, decoration, or style to improve appearance.

It can apply to people, rooms, or presentations: They gussied up the report with fancy graphics.

beautify

primp

Groom oneself fastidiously

preenGroom with self-satisfaction
prettifyMake more appealing visually
glamorizePresent as more attractive

dolling up · sprucing · freshening · primping · preening · cosmetics · makeup · rouge · lipstick · mascara

prepare

readying

Making prepared beforehand

preppingMaking ready beforehand
getting readyPreparation before an event
setting upPreparing or assembling beforehand

preparing · outfitting · laying out · finishing touches · last-minute · presentation · staging · polishing · tidying · arranging

dressup

outfit

Set of clothes worn together

attirePersonal garments collectively
accessorizeAdd decorative extras
ensembleUnified group or outfit

styling · wardrobe · finery · adorn · costume · glamour · elegance · dapper · chic · ballgown

decorate

spruce up

Make neater or smarter

fix upRestore or arrange
redecorateUpdate interior design
furnishSupply or equip

arrange · staging · trim · garnish · ornament · festoon · deck out · brighten · refresh · restyle

Opposites

elaboration/adornment

gussyingstripping down

Removing clothing or components

simplifying · paring down · decluttering · minimizing · toning down

formality/presentation

gussyingdressing down

Harsh verbal reprimand

neglecting · slumming · casualizing · slobbing out · letting go

Phrases

gussying upMaking more attractive

Family

gussied, gussy, gussies, gussy up, gussied up

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G