noun / verb

attire

uh-TY-er/əˈtaɪər/

Clothing for a particular occasion, or dressing someone in it.

Formal attire for the concert lies neatly arranged beside the hanging dress.

An adult prepares formal attire for a concert: plain suit jacket and polished shoes laid neatly beside a simple dress on a hanger.
Etymology

The components underlie a verb meaning to prepare or equip, including dressing someone in finery. The noun names the resulting equipment or clothing, connecting attire with being fitted out for an occasion.

In context

Nightlife Experiences2:02
The visual appeal is often enhanced by the attire worn during performances. Women typically wear short swirling skirts while men opt for long trousers
What Is Lambada? - Nightlife Experiences

More examples

  • The invitation asks for comfortable outdoor attire.
  • The actors were attired in elaborate historical costumes.
  • She is attiring the youngest performer for the final scene.

Forms

attire · attires · attired · attiring

Similar words

clothing
Is the ordinary general word without an occasion-specific emphasis.
dress
Can mean overall clothing style as well as a particular garment.