silk-stocking dress
- noun
- /sɪlk ˈstɑːkɪŋ drɛs/
- Archaic
:
vestido de gala
- She wore a silk-stocking dress to the gala and stood out among the guests.
Examples
-
The bride chose an elegant silk-stocking dress for her wedding ceremony.
-
Many celebrities appeared on the red carpet in luxurious silk-stocking dresses this year.
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She wore a beautiful silk-stocking dress to the gala.
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The silk-stocking dress was perfect for the wedding.
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Many celebrities appeared on the red carpet in luxurious silk-stocking dresses this year.
-
She wore a silk-stocking dress to the gala and stood out among the guests.
-
The bride chose an elegant silk-stocking dress for her wedding ceremony.
Synonyms
A formal long gown worn to evening events like dinners
A formal dress worn to evening events, especially dinners
A fancy stylish outfit that people wear to special events
How Formal
12
2.7
- Archaic
11
3.3
9
2.5
- Archaic
Surface Forms
Morphology
silk-stocking + dress
The meaning is partially predictable from the parts: 'silk' and 'stocking' evoke luxury hosiery and, combined with 'dress', suggest a formal garment made of or associated with silk. However, 'silk-stocking' as a fixed modifier is uncommon and can carry idiomatic social-class senses (e.g. 'silk-stocking district'), so the specific sense 'a formal stylish dress made of silk' is not fully guaranteed for a B1 learner without exposure.
Etymology
The noun silk-stocking dress comes from the image of silk-stocking clothes: long ago, silk stockings were a clear sign of wealth and fine clothes. So silk-stocking dress means 'a formal, stylish dress' worn for special occasions.