Clothing is a fundamental aspect of human life, serving not only practical purposes of protection and warmth but also as a powerful form of self-expression and cultural communication. The way we dress can convey a wealth of information about our personality, social status, profession, and even our mood. Understanding the nuances of clothing-related language is therefore crucial for effective communication in English, especially when discussing fashion, shopping, or personal style.
Phrasal verbs, in particular, add a dynamic and idiomatic layer to the English language, and their application to clothing is extensive. These combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb often carry meanings that are distinct from the individual words themselves, making them essential for fluent and natural conversation. Mastering these expressions will significantly enhance your ability to discuss garments, outfits, and the act of dressing and undressing.
Understanding Phrasal Verbs Related to Dressing
The process of putting on clothes involves several distinct actions, each with its own set of phrasal verbs that describe the process with varying degrees of detail. These verbs capture the essence of getting ready and can be used in everyday conversations about personal routines.
Putting On Garments
The most basic phrasal verb for adorning oneself with clothing is “put on.” This straightforward expression signifies the act of wearing an item of clothing. It is universally understood and applies to any garment, from a simple t-shirt to an elaborate suit.
For example, “I need to put on my coat because it’s cold outside.” This sentence clearly indicates the action of wearing a coat for warmth. The context makes the meaning readily apparent, highlighting the practical use of this phrasal verb.
Another common phrasal verb is “slip on,” which suggests putting on an item of clothing quickly and easily, often something lightweight or without complex fastenings. Think of shoes, a scarf, or a casual jacket.
She quickly slipped on her sandals before heading to the beach. This implies a swift and effortless action, typical of putting on footwear designed for ease of use.
“Zip up” specifically refers to fastening clothing with a zipper. This action is common for jackets, dresses, and trousers that use this type of closure.
He zipped up his jacket to protect himself from the wind. The verb precisely describes the mechanical action of using a zipper to secure the garment.
“Button up” is used when fastening clothing with buttons, such as shirts or coats. It implies a more deliberate action than “slip on” due to the nature of buttons.
Please button up your shirt properly before the interview. This emphasizes the need for neatness and formality in dressing.
“Pull on” is similar to “put on” but often suggests an action that involves pulling the garment over a part of the body, like pulling on socks or a jumper.
He pulled on a pair of warm wool socks to keep his feet cozy. This verb highlights the physical motion involved in dressing.
“Tie up” is used for items that are secured with ties, such as shoelaces, a bathrobe, or certain styles of shirts. It involves the action of making knots.
Remember to tie up your shoelaces before you go for a run. This is a crucial safety instruction, preventing trips and falls.
“Fasten” is a more general term that can encompass buttoning, zipping, or tying. It means to secure or close something.
She fastened the clasp on her necklace. While not exclusively clothing, it relates to securing accessories. It can also apply to belts or other closures on garments.
Phrasal Verbs for Taking Off Clothes
Just as there are verbs for putting on clothes, there are equally important phrasal verbs that describe the act of removing them. These are essential for discussing changes of attire or getting ready for bed.
Removing Garments
The direct opposite of “put on” is “take off.” This phrasal verb is used to describe the removal of any item of clothing.
After a long day, she couldn’t wait to take off her high heels. This conveys a sense of relief and comfort achieved by removing restrictive footwear.
“Slip off” is the counterpart to “slip on,” indicating the quick and easy removal of a garment. It often implies a natural or effortless detachment.
He slipped off his shoes at the door as is customary. This highlights a polite social custom and the ease with which the action is performed.
“Unzip” is the direct action of opening a zipper, thus removing or loosening a garment fastened by one. It’s the reverse of “zip up.”
He unzipped his jacket to let some air in. This indicates a desire to adjust comfort levels by opening the garment.
“Unbutton” is the action of undoing buttons, reversing the process of “button up.” It’s used for shirts, coats, and other buttoned items.
She unbuttoned her shirt before changing into her pajamas. This is a common step in preparing for rest.
“Pull off” is the opposite of “pull on,” describing the action of removing something by pulling it. This is often used for items that fit snugly, like socks or gloves.
It was difficult to pull off the wet gloves. This implies a struggle due to the garment’s condition or fit.
“Untie” is the action of loosening or undoing something that has been tied, such as shoelaces or a belt. It’s the converse of “tie up.”
He untied his apron after finishing his cooking. This signifies the completion of a task associated with wearing the apron.
“Strip off” implies removing all or most of one’s clothing, often quickly or completely. It can be used in contexts ranging from changing for sports to a more dramatic removal.
The swimmers quickly stripped off their outer clothes before diving into the pool. This emphasizes the speed and totality of the removal process.
Phrasal Verbs for Wearing and Appearance
Beyond the actions of dressing and undressing, many phrasal verbs describe how clothes look on a person or how they are worn. These verbs add detail to descriptions of style and fit.
Describing How Clothes Look
“Hang down” describes how a garment drapes or falls from the body. It’s often used for looser or longer items of clothing.
Her long skirt hung down to her ankles. This provides a visual image of the garment’s length and how it falls.
“Hang on” can mean to be worn or displayed, often in a way that suggests a temporary state or a particular style. It’s less common than “hang down” but useful for specific contexts.
The scarf was just hanging on her shoulders. This suggests it was draped casually without being secured.
“Wear out” has a dual meaning: it can mean to become old and damaged through use, or it can mean to exhaust someone. In the context of clothing, it refers to the former.
These old jeans are completely worn out. This indicates that the fabric has deteriorated significantly due to repeated wear.
“Dress up” means to wear formal or special clothing for an occasion. It implies making an effort to look smart or festive.
We’re going to dress up for the wedding. This signifies wearing attire that is more elegant than everyday clothes.
“Dress down” is the opposite of “dress up,” meaning to wear casual or informal clothing. It can also refer to the act of making someone appear less formal.
Most people tend to dress down on weekends. This reflects a societal tendency towards more relaxed attire during leisure time.
“Go with” is used to describe how two or more items of clothing or accessories complement each other. It’s about coordination and style harmony.
That blue tie really goes with your shirt. This suggests that the colors and styles are well-matched and aesthetically pleasing together.
“Show off” means to display something, often clothing, in a way that attracts attention and admiration. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation of vanity.
He loves to show off his new designer jacket. This implies a desire to be noticed and admired for his fashion choices.
“Fit in” refers to whether clothing is appropriate for a particular situation or group, or if it matches the prevailing style. It’s about social conformity in dress.
Her brightly colored outfit didn’t quite fit in with the muted tones of the party. This indicates a mismatch between her attire and the expected dress code or style.
“Stand out” is the opposite of “fit in,” meaning to be easily noticed because of being different or distinctive. This can be a positive or negative attribute depending on the context.
Her unique hat made her stand out in the crowd. This highlights the individuality and noticeability of her fashion choice.
Phrasal Verbs for Shopping and Maintenance
The journey of clothing often involves purchasing and caring for garments. A specific set of phrasal verbs governs these activities, making them easier to discuss and understand.
Acquiring and Caring for Clothes
“Try on” is the essential phrasal verb used when testing the fit and appearance of clothing before buying it. It’s a crucial part of the shopping experience.
I need to try on these trousers to see if they fit. This is a practical step to ensure a satisfactory purchase.
“Pick out” means to choose or select an item of clothing, often from a selection. It implies a deliberate selection process.
She spent ages picking out the perfect dress for the event. This suggests a thoughtful and perhaps time-consuming choice.
“Lay out” can refer to arranging clothes neatly, perhaps before dressing or packing. It can also mean to plan or design something, but in the context of clothing, it’s about physical arrangement.
He laid out his clothes for the next day the night before. This demonstrates organization and preparation.
“Fold up” is the action of folding clothes neatly, typically for storage or packing. It’s a common part of laundry care.
Please fold up the clean laundry and put it away. This is a standard household chore related to clothing maintenance.
“Hang up” means to place clothes on a hanger or hook, usually to keep them from wrinkling or to store them. It’s a vital step in garment care.
Hang up your coat when you come inside. This is a common instruction to maintain order and prevent clothes from getting creased.
“Wash out” means to remove a stain or dirt by washing. It implies a cleaning process aimed at specific imperfections.
I hope this red wine stain will wash out. This expresses a hope for successful stain removal through laundering.
“Air out” means to expose clothing to fresh air, often to remove odors or freshen it up without washing. This is useful for items that are not heavily soiled.
Let’s air out these blankets before we use them. This suggests freshening them up with outdoor air.
“Take back” refers to returning an item of clothing to the store where it was purchased, usually because it is faulty or doesn’t fit. This is a consumer right.
If the shoes don’t fit, you can take them back for a refund. This outlines a common retail policy.
Phrasal Verbs Related to Style and Fashion Trends
The world of fashion is constantly evolving, and phrasal verbs help us discuss these changes and personal style choices. They capture the dynamic nature of trends and individual expression.
Discussing Fashion and Trends
“Keep up with” means to stay informed about or maintain the pace of something, including fashion trends. It implies an effort to remain current.
It’s hard to keep up with all the latest fashion trends. This acknowledges the rapid pace of change in the fashion industry.
“Go for” means to choose or opt for a particular style, item of clothing, or color. It’s a decision-making verb in fashion contexts.
She decided to go for a bold, floral print dress. This indicates her conscious choice of a specific design.
“Put together” refers to creating an outfit or ensemble, often with style and coordination. It implies skill in fashion arrangement.
He’s very good at putting together stylish outfits. This praises someone’s ability to combine clothing items effectively.
“Stand out” as mentioned before, also applies to fashion trends, where a particular style might become very noticeable and popular.
The neon colors really stood out this season. This highlights a trend that was highly visible and distinctive.
“Catch on” means to become popular or fashionable. It describes the process by which a trend gains acceptance.
That particular style of jeans really caught on quickly. This explains the rapid adoption of a fashion item.
“Bring out” can mean to reveal or emphasize a particular feature or quality through clothing. It’s about how clothes enhance appearance.
The dark color of the dress brings out the brightness of her eyes. This suggests a complementary relationship between clothing and personal features.
“Set off” is similar to “bring out,” meaning to make something look more attractive or noticeable by contrast. It’s about enhancing through juxtaposition.
The silver jewelry really set off her elegant black gown. This implies that the accessories enhanced the beauty of the dress.
“Pass down” refers to giving old clothes or heirlooms to younger family members. It signifies tradition and continuity in clothing.
My grandmother passed down her wedding dress to me. This conveys a sense of heritage and sentimental value attached to the garment.
Advanced and Nuanced Phrasal Verbs
Some phrasal verbs offer more subtle meanings related to clothing, often implying specific contexts or attitudes towards dress.
Subtle Meanings in Clothing Contexts
“Get into” can mean to start wearing a particular style or type of clothing, indicating adoption or enthusiasm.
He’s really getting into vintage clothing lately. This suggests a developing interest and a shift in his style choices.
“Grow out of” means to stop wearing a particular style of clothing because one has matured or changed preferences. It’s often associated with children but can apply to adults too.
She’s starting to grow out of her teenage fashion phase. This implies a natural progression and change in taste as she matures.
“Throw on” is similar to “slip on” but often implies a more casual, perhaps even hasty, way of dressing. It suggests minimal effort.
I just threw on a t-shirt and jeans to run errands. This conveys a relaxed and unfussy approach to getting dressed for a simple task.
“Bundle up” means to put on many layers of warm clothing, typically in cold weather. It emphasizes protection against the elements.
Make sure to bundle up before you go out in the snow. This is practical advice for staying warm and safe in freezing conditions.
“Layer up” is a more general term than “bundle up,” meaning to wear multiple items of clothing one on top of another. It’s a common strategy for temperature regulation.
It’s best to layer up so you can adjust to changing temperatures. This offers a flexible approach to dressing for unpredictable weather.
“Roll up” can refer to the action of rolling sleeves or trouser legs upwards. It’s often done for practicality or style.
He rolled up his sleeves before starting to work. This is a functional action to prevent sleeves from getting in the way.
“Tuck in” means to insert the bottom part of a shirt or blouse into trousers or a skirt. It’s about achieving a neat and tidy appearance.
Please tuck in your shirt for a more formal look. This is a common instruction in dress codes that emphasize neatness.
“Zip around” can metaphorically describe someone moving quickly in their attire, perhaps implying a sense of energy or purpose, though less directly about the clothing itself.
She was zipping around the office in her new power suit. This suggests dynamism and confidence associated with her professional attire.
“Dress oneself” is a more formal or descriptive way of saying “get dressed,” emphasizing the individual’s agency in the process.
The child learned to dress himself at a young age. This highlights the developmental milestone of self-sufficiency in personal grooming.
“Get into character” can sometimes involve dressing in a specific way to adopt a certain persona, blurring the lines between clothing and performance.
The actor got into character by putting on the historical costume. This shows how clothing can be integral to embodying a role.
“Clothe oneself” is a more literary or formal way of saying to put on clothes. It’s rarely used in casual conversation.
The weary traveler slowly clothed himself for the journey ahead. This phrasing adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the act of covering the body.
“Unravel” can metaphorically apply to a carefully constructed outfit falling apart or losing its intended effect, though it’s not a direct verb for removing clothes.
The initial stylish impression began to unravel as the evening progressed. This suggests that the coherence of the outfit diminished over time.
“Pile on” means to wear a lot of clothes, often in layers, usually for warmth or sometimes for a specific fashion statement.
On the coldest days, she would pile on sweaters and scarves. This describes an extreme measure taken to combat severe cold.
“Pull together” in a fashion context means to create a cohesive and stylish outfit, often from disparate pieces. It’s similar to “put together” but can imply more effort or coordination.
Despite having limited options, she managed to pull together a stunning outfit. This emphasizes her skill in creating a fashionable ensemble under constraints.
“Wash up” can refer to washing clothes, particularly in a domestic context, though “do the washing” or “do the laundry” are more common.
I need to wash up these shirts before the weekend. This is a simple statement about performing laundry duties.
“Hang loose” is an idiom that can sometimes be related to clothing, implying a relaxed and carefree attitude, often reflected in casual attire.
He always dresses in a way that lets him hang loose and feel comfortable. This connects a relaxed demeanor with comfortable, non-restrictive clothing choices.
“Suit up” is commonly used in sports or professional contexts, meaning to put on the necessary uniform or protective clothing.
The team had to suit up before the championship game. This signifies the adoption of specialized attire for a specific activity.
“Ditch” can be used informally to mean to get rid of or take off clothing quickly, often because it’s no longer needed or wanted.
As soon as he got home, he ditched his tie. This implies a swift and eager removal of a restrictive item.
“Get dressed up” is a common phrase for putting on nice clothes for a special occasion, similar to “dress up.”
They decided to get dressed up for their anniversary dinner. This emphasizes the intention to look smart and celebrate the event.
“Put your best foot forward” is an idiom that often involves dressing appropriately and smartly to make a good impression.
For the job interview, it’s important to put your best foot forward by wearing professional attire. This links dressing well with creating a positive first impression.
“Take pride in” can relate to how someone dresses, indicating that they care about their appearance and make an effort with their clothing.
She takes great pride in her appearance and always dresses impeccably. This highlights a personal value placed on neatness and style.
“Fall apart” can describe clothing that is in very poor condition and is about to disintegrate due to wear and tear.
My old coat is starting to fall apart at the seams. This vividly describes the worn-out state of the garment.
“Wrap up” typically means to put on warm clothing, especially a coat or scarf, to protect against cold weather.
Make sure to wrap up warmly before you go out; it’s freezing. This is essential advice for braving cold temperatures.
“Turn up” can refer to turning up the hem of trousers or a skirt to shorten them, or to make them longer.
She had to turn up the bottoms of her new trousers. This indicates an alteration to adjust the fit of the garment.
“Lace up” is specific to items that are fastened with laces, such as shoes or corsets.
He spent a few minutes lacing up his hiking boots. This describes the action of securing footwear with laces.
“Zip off” refers to removing a part of a garment that is attached by a zipper, such as zip-off trousers that convert to shorts.
These trousers zip off at the knee to become shorts. This describes a functional feature of versatile clothing.
“Button down” refers to a shirt style where the collar points are fastened down with buttons, but it can also mean to fasten buttons on a shirt.
He prefers button-down shirts for their neat appearance. This highlights a stylistic preference for a particular type of shirt.
“Settle into” can sometimes relate to clothing by describing the comfort achieved when a garment fits perfectly after some adjustment.
After a moment, the new sweater settled into a comfortable fit. This suggests that the garment became more comfortable with slight movement or wear.
“Hang back” can metaphorically mean to be reluctant to adopt a new fashion trend, preferring to stick with older styles.
He tends to hang back when it comes to adopting the latest fashion fads. This indicates a cautious or hesitant approach to new trends.
“Dress up for” means to wear special or formal clothing for a particular event or occasion.
We are dressing up for the masquerade ball. This signifies wearing elaborate costumes for a themed party.
“Take down” can refer to unfastening or removing something, such as taking down a zipper or unbuttoning a coat.
She took down the zipper on her dress to make it easier to remove. This describes the action of lowering a fastening mechanism.
“Put away” is used for storing clothes neatly after they have been washed, ironed, or are no longer needed for the day.
Please put away your clean clothes in the drawers. This is a common instruction for tidying up laundry.
“Get out of” can refer to removing oneself from a situation, which might involve taking off specific clothing associated with that situation.
He couldn’t wait to get out of his sweaty gym clothes. This expresses a desire to remove uncomfortable attire after exercise.
“Go on” can sometimes be used idiomatically to mean to continue wearing something or to keep something on.
You can go on wearing that hat if you like it. This gives permission to continue wearing an item of clothing.
“Come apart” is similar to “fall apart,” indicating that a garment is disintegrating or separating into pieces due to damage or poor construction.
The lining of the bag had started to come apart. This describes a garment or accessory losing its structural integrity.
“Dress for success” is a phrase suggesting that wearing appropriate and professional clothing can contribute to achieving one’s goals.
Many believe that to dress for success, one must wear a suit and tie. This highlights the perceived link between attire and professional achievement.
“Let down” can refer to lowering the hem of trousers or a skirt that has been previously turned up.
I need to let down the hem on these trousers. This indicates an adjustment to lengthen the garment.
“Put on airs” can be related to clothing when someone wears expensive or elaborate clothes to try and impress others, often perceived as pretentious.
He puts on airs with his designer clothes, but he’s not as wealthy as he pretends. This criticizes someone for using clothing to feign status.
“Take up” is the opposite of “let down,” meaning to shorten the hem of trousers or a skirt.
The tailor will take up the sleeves of the jacket. This describes the process of shortening a garment’s length.
“Carry off” means to wear a particular style or garment successfully, especially if it is unusual or difficult to wear.
She managed to carry off the most avant-garde dress with confidence. This praises her ability to wear a challenging fashion item successfully.
“Come off” can refer to a color or pattern on clothing fading or being removed, or a style being unsuccessful.
The dye on these cheap socks tends to come off in the wash. This describes a defect where color transfers during laundering.
“Get on with” can sometimes imply continuing with one’s day regardless of clothing, but it can also mean to get along with someone, which might involve social norms of dress.
Despite the heat, they had to get on with their work in their uniforms. This shows a commitment to a task even when the attire is uncomfortable.
“Put through” can metaphorically relate to how clothing endures hardship or demanding conditions.
These durable hiking boots have been put through a lot. This implies the boots have withstood significant wear and tear.
“Stand down” is generally used for military or official contexts, but in a fashion sense, it could mean to step down from a position of trendsetting or to stop wearing something.
The era of skinny jeans seems to be standing down in favor of wider styles. This suggests a shift away from a dominant trend.
“Tear up” can refer to damaging clothing by ripping it, often accidentally.
Be careful not to tear up your new shirt on that sharp object. This is a warning to avoid damaging the fabric.
“Wash off” means to remove something, like dirt or a stain, by washing.
The mud will probably wash off easily. This indicates that a particular type of dirt is removable by washing.
“Wear off” refers to the gradual disappearance of an effect, which could apply to the novelty of a fashion trend or the effectiveness of a stain remover.
The initial excitement for the new trend began to wear off after a few months. This describes the natural decline in popularity of a fashion.
“Work out” can mean to solve a problem, and in a clothing context, it can refer to figuring out how to style an item or make it fit.
I’m still trying to work out how to wear this scarf. This expresses a challenge in styling a particular accessory.
“Get into shape” can relate to clothing by discussing how one’s body has changed, affecting how clothes fit.
She’s been working out to get into shape so her old clothes fit again. This connects physical fitness with the ability to wear existing garments.
“Put down” can refer to placing clothes on a surface, but also to criticizing someone’s fashion choices.
Don’t put down my unique style; it’s what makes me, me. This defends personal fashion choices against criticism.
“Take on” can mean to adopt a particular style or characteristic, often in terms of appearance.
The city’s fashion scene has taken on a more minimalist look. This describes a general trend in style across a geographical area.
“Turn out” can refer to the way something develops or ends up, including how an outfit looks.
The outfit turned out better than I expected. This expresses satisfaction with the final appearance of a styled ensemble.
“Go off” can mean to stop working or functioning, which could apply to a zipper or a button becoming loose and ineffective.
The zipper on my bag has gone off. This indicates a malfunction in a clothing accessory.
“Hang on to” means to keep something, including old clothes, for sentimental reasons or in the hope they might be useful again.
I’m hanging on to these vintage jeans even though they’re a bit tight. This reveals a sentimental attachment to clothing.
“Let on” means to reveal a secret, which could indirectly relate to clothing if someone is trying to conceal something about their attire or its origin.
She didn’t let on that her dress was secondhand. This shows an attempt to hide the true nature or origin of a garment.
“Make do with” means to manage with something that is not ideal, which often applies to using clothing that is not perfect.
We had to make do with what we had in our suitcases. This describes adapting to limited clothing options during travel.
“Pass off” can mean to try to sell something of inferior quality as if it were good, which could apply to counterfeit clothing.
He tried to pass off a fake designer bag as genuine. This describes deception involving fashion items.
“See through” can mean to understand someone’s true intentions, or it can refer to clothing that is transparent.
The thin fabric of the shirt was almost see-through. This describes a quality of the material itself, its transparency.
“Set in” can refer to a fashion trend becoming established and popular over time.
The trend for athleisure wear has really set in. This indicates that a particular style has become widely adopted and enduring.
“Shine through” can describe a person’s personality or good qualities being evident despite their clothing, or how a particular garment enhances someone’s natural radiance.
Her natural beauty shone through her simple outfit. This suggests that personal qualities are more impactful than attire.
“Take up with” means to associate with someone, which can sometimes involve adopting their style of dress.
He started taking up with a group of artists and adopted their bohemian style. This links social association with a change in fashion choices.
“Turn over” can refer to the inside of a garment being revealed, or to a business dealing with clothing.
The tailor will turn over the collar to repair it. This describes a specific alteration technique for collars.
“Wear down” means to exhaust or defeat someone through persistent effort, or for clothing to become worn and thin through repeated use.
The constant friction began to wear down the fabric of his trousers. This describes the physical degradation of clothing through use.
“Work around” can mean to find a way to deal with a problem, which might involve altering clothing or finding ways to make it work.
We had to work around the fact that the uniform was slightly too small. This describes a strategy to overcome a clothing fit issue.
“Get through” can mean to endure something difficult, and sometimes this involves wearing specific clothing for protection or comfort.
She managed to get through the long flight by wearing her most comfortable loungewear. This highlights the role of clothing in coping with challenging situations.
“Go on with” means to continue with an activity, often regardless of circumstances, including attire.
They decided to go on with the fashion show despite the rain. This shows perseverance in an event where clothing is central.
“Hang about” means to linger or waste time, sometimes in a casual manner that is reflected in one’s clothing.
He likes to hang about the skate park in his baggy jeans and hoodie. This connects a leisurely activity with a specific casual dress style.
“Let up” can mean to become less intense, which could apply to a fashion trend becoming less dominant.
The intense trend for oversized clothing finally began to let up. This indicates a decline in the popularity of a specific style.
“Make over” is commonly used in fashion and beauty contexts to describe a complete change in someone’s appearance, often involving new clothes and styling.
The celebrity underwent a dramatic makeover, including a new wardrobe. This signifies a comprehensive transformation of style.
“Pass by” can refer to a trend that was popular but is no longer current.
That particular fashion trend has already passed by. This indicates that a style is no longer fashionable.
“See about” means to make arrangements for something, which could include getting clothes cleaned or repaired.
I need to see about getting these suits dry-cleaned. This is about taking action to maintain one’s wardrobe.
“Set about” means to begin doing something, which could be starting a task related to clothing, like sewing or mending.
She set about mending the torn seam on her dress. This describes the commencement of a repair task on clothing.
“Shine off” is not a standard phrasal verb related to clothing. However, “shine” itself can describe the lustrous quality of certain fabrics.
The silk dress had a beautiful shine. This describes a visual characteristic of the material.
“Take off” as discussed earlier, is removal, but “take off” can also mean to become successful or popular rapidly.
Her new fashion line has really taken off. This indicates immense success and popularity in the fashion industry.
“Turn in” can mean to go to bed, often after undressing, or to submit something, like a uniform.
He turned in his uniform at the end of his service. This describes the act of returning official clothing.
“Wear out” also has the idiomatic meaning of exhausting someone, but its primary clothing meaning is deterioration.
The constant walking began to wear out his shoes. This clearly illustrates the effect of use on footwear.
“Work off” can mean to get rid of something, such as stress or excess energy, and sometimes this involves physical activity in specific clothing.
He went for a run to work off some stress. This connects physical exertion, and by implication, athletic wear, with stress relief.
“Get on” can mean to progress or manage, and in clothing, it can relate to how well an outfit is functioning or how someone is presenting themselves.
She’s getting on well with her new business casual attire. This suggests a positive adaptation to a dress code.
“Go over” can mean to review or examine, which could apply to checking the details of a garment or an outfit.
Let’s go over the details of the costume design. This implies a careful examination of the clothing for a specific purpose.
“Hang on” can mean to wait, but also to be attached or fastened, which is relevant for clothing components.
Make sure the buttons hang on securely. This is a check for the durability of fastenings.
“Let go of” means to release something, and in clothing, it could mean to stop wearing a particular item or style.
It’s time to let go of these outdated fashion trends. This advocates for moving on from styles that are no longer current.
“Make up” has many meanings, including to invent, but in fashion, it refers to applying cosmetics, which complements clothing choices.
She carefully made up her face to match her elegant dress. This shows the coordination of makeup with attire.
“Pass out” means to faint, but also to distribute items, such as giving out flyers or samples of clothing.
The marketing team will pass out promotional t-shirts at the event. This describes the distribution of branded clothing.
“See to” means to take care of or attend to something, which could involve ensuring clothes are properly cared for.
I’ll see to it that your suit is dry-cleaned by tomorrow. This is a commitment to handle a clothing maintenance task.
“Set up” means to establish or arrange, and it can be used for setting up a fashion display or a clothing stall.
They are setting up a pop-up shop for the summer collection. This describes the creation of a temporary retail space for clothing.
“Shine up” can mean to polish or make something gleam, which might apply to shoes or accessories.
He spent some time shining up his leather shoes. This describes the act of polishing footwear to make it look better.
“Take up with” means to associate with someone, and can imply adopting their habits or style.
He took up with the fashion crowd and started dressing more trendily. This shows how social circles influence personal style.
“Turn up” can also mean to arrive, and sometimes this arrival is notable because of the person’s attire.
He turned up at the party in a flamboyant costume. This highlights the impact of his clothing choice upon arrival.
“Wear off” describes the gradual disappearance of an effect, like the stain-repellent quality of a fabric treatment.
The waterproofing on these jackets will eventually wear off. This indicates the limited duration of a fabric’s protective treatment.
“Work up” can mean to develop or create something gradually, such as developing a new clothing design.
The designer worked up a concept for a sustainable clothing line. This describes the process of conceptualizing and developing fashion ideas.
“Get over” means to recover from something, and this can include recovering from a bad fashion choice or a style that is no longer popular.
It took her a while to get over the neon phase of the 80s. This humorously describes moving past a dated fashion trend.
“Go through” means to experience something, and it can apply to enduring difficult conditions in certain clothing.
The explorers had to go through harsh weather in their specialized gear. This emphasizes the functional importance of clothing in extreme environments.
“Hang up” also has the meaning of ending a phone call, but its primary clothing context is for storage.
Don’t forget to hang up your gym clothes after use. This reinforces the importance of proper storage for hygiene and organization.
“Let down” can also mean to disappoint someone, and this could happen if someone’s appearance doesn’t meet expectations.
His casual attire really let down his otherwise professional presentation. This suggests that clothing choices can impact overall perception.
“Make way for” means to allow something new to replace something old, which is very applicable to fashion trends.
The new season’s styles are starting to make way for last year’s collections. This describes the natural cycle of fashion obsolescence and renewal.
“Pass over” means to ignore or reject someone or something, which could apply to a clothing item or a style being overlooked.
The committee decided to pass over the more eccentric designs. This indicates a selection process where certain fashion choices were not chosen.
“See through” can also mean to persevere until the end of a difficult task, which might involve wearing durable clothing.
He was determined to see through the challenging hike in his sturdy boots. This highlights the reliability of gear in enduring difficult situations.
“Set off” also means to cause something to happen, which is less directly related to clothing itself but can describe the impact of a fashion choice.
Her bold statement necklace really set off her simple black dress. This reiterates how accessories can dramatically enhance an outfit.
“Shine on” is an expression of encouragement, not directly related to clothing, but good grooming can contribute to a positive appearance.
Always try to shine on, no matter what you’re wearing. This emphasizes inner confidence over external appearance.
“Take on board” means to consider or accept advice or information, which could apply to fashion advice.
She decided to take on board the stylist’s suggestions for her wardrobe. This shows receptiveness to expert fashion guidance.
“Turn out” can also mean to extinguish, like turning out lights, but in clothing, it refers to the final appearance or result.
The final design turned out to be quite popular. This expresses a positive outcome regarding a clothing creation.
“Wear out” is also used for making something weak or tired through effort, but the clothing meaning remains its primary association.
The constant use will eventually wear out the stitching. This points to the physical limitations of garment construction.
“Work through” means to deal with a problem or situation, and this can involve navigating social situations where clothing plays a role.
He had to work through his discomfort with wearing formal attire. This describes overcoming personal reservations about specific clothing.