Getup vs. Outfit: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
A getup is an informal, sometimes quirky or unusual, set of clothes, while an outfit is any coordinated set of clothing worn for a specific occasion or purpose.
Key Differences
A getup refers to an informal or unique combination of clothing. It often implies that the clothing is distinctive, eye-catching, or perhaps even costume-like. The term can carry a playful or slightly critical tone, suggesting that the attire is striking or out of the ordinary. An outfit, on the other hand, is a more general term that denotes any coordinated set of clothing worn together. Unlike a getup, an outfit does not necessarily imply anything unusual or striking; it simply refers to what someone is wearing for a particular occasion or purpose.
While a getup might be worn to stand out or for a specific theme, an outfit is chosen to fit the context of an event, such as casual wear, work attire, or formal wear. The word getup can sometimes be used humorously or disparagingly, whereas outfit is neutral and more widely accepted in everyday language.
Getups are often associated with creativity or eccentricity, highlighting the individuality of the person wearing them. Outfits, however, focus on the overall coordination and appropriateness of the clothing ensemble for the given situation.
Both terms involve a combination of clothing items, but getup emphasizes the uniqueness and potential eccentricity of the attire, whereas outfit emphasizes coordination and purpose without necessarily being unusual.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Informal or unique set of clothes
Coordinated set of clothes for an occasion
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Connotation
Playful, quirky, sometimes critical
Neutral and widely accepted
Usage Context
Often for distinctive or themed attire
General use for any occasion or purpose
Tone
Informal, sometimes humorous or critical
Neutral and descriptive
Focus
Uniqueness and eccentricity
Coordination and appropriateness
Getup and Outfit Definitions
Getup
A set of clothes that stands out or is striking.
That getup makes him look like he's from another era.
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Outfit
Clothing that is matched for fashion or practicality.
The outfit she wore to the wedding was elegant and appropriate.
Getup
An eye-catching or themed outfit.
The clown's getup included oversized shoes and a red nose.
Outfit
Clothing ensemble chosen for a specific occasion.
He picked out a casual outfit for the weekend trip.
Getup
A unique or unusual combination of clothing.
She wore a wild getup with bright colors and feathers.
Outfit
Any combination of garments worn as a set.
The athlete's outfit included a jersey and shorts.
Getup
Clothing worn to create a specific look or impression.
The getup she chose for the 70s party was perfect.
Outfit
A set of clothes planned for a particular event.
He carefully selected his outfit for the gala.
Getup
(Informal) An outfit or costume.
Outfit
A set of tools or equipment for a specialized purpose
A welder's outfit.
Getup
(Printing) Arrangement and production style, as of a magazine or book.
Outfit
A set of clothing, often with accessories
What outfit are you wearing to the party?.
Getup
A costume or outfit, especially one that is ostentatious or otherwise unusual.
Outfit
(Informal) An association of persons, especially a military unit or a business organization.
Getup
(informal) A fight or altercation.
Outfit
The act of equipping
The leader's outfit of the expedition.
Getup
(publishing) Layout and production style, as of a magazine.
Outfit
To provide with necessary equipment
This store outfits skiers.
Getup
Alternative form of get-up-and-go
Outfit
A set of clothing (with accessories).
She wore a fashionable outfit with matching purse and shoes.
Getup
General composition or structure; manner in which the parts of a thing are combined; arrangement; format; make-up; style of dress, etc.
Outfit
Gear consisting of a set of articles or tools for a specified purpose.
Getup
A set of clothing (with accessories); as, what are you doing in that getup?; - often used with implied disapproval or scorn.
Outfit
Any cohesive group of people; a unit; such as a military company.
Getup
A set of clothing (with accessories);
His getup was exceedingly elegant
Outfit
(informal) A business or firm.
Should we buy it here, or do you think the outfit across town will have a better deal?
Getup
Informal or distinctive attire.
His Halloween getup was the talk of the party.
Outfit
(sports) A sports team.
Outfit
(statistics) An outlier-sensitive fit.
Outfit
A fiscal year of the Hudson's Bay Company, or the supplies required for such a period.
Outfit
(transitive) To provide with, usually for a specific purpose.
The expedition was outfitted with proper clothing, food, and other necessities.
Outfit
A fitting out, or equipment, as of a ship for a voyage, or of a person for an expedition in an unoccupied region or residence in a foreign land; the expense of, or allowance made for, equipment, as by the government of the United States to a diplomatic agent going abroad.
Outfit
Any assemblage of objects required for or used in performing a task; things required as equipment for a task.
Outfit
A complete ensemble of clothing, selected to form a matching set; a coordinated costume; as, a new Easter outfit.
Outfit
A business enterprise; as, what outfit do you work for?.
Outfit
Any team or party of people.
Outfit
Any cohesive unit such as a military company
Outfit
A set of clothing (with accessories);
His getup was exceedingly elegant
Outfit
Gear consisting of a set of articles or tools for a specified purpose
Outfit
Provide with (something) usually for a specific purpose;
The expedition was equipped with proper clothing, food, and other necessities
Outfit
A coordinated set of clothing worn together.
Her outfit for the interview was professional and stylish.
FAQs
What is a getup?
A getup is an informal, often unique or quirky combination of clothing.
What defines an outfit?
An outfit is a coordinated set of clothing worn for a specific occasion or purpose.
Can getup imply criticism?
Yes, it can carry a slightly critical or playful tone.
Is getup a formal term?
No, getup is an informal term.
Is getup commonly used in fashion?
Getup is less common in fashion terminology and more often used in casual conversation.
Are getups typically worn daily?
No, getups are usually for special occasions or themed events.
Does getup refer to everyday wear?
Not usually; it often refers to distinctive or themed attire.
Is outfit used in formal contexts?
Yes, outfit is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Can getup be used humorously?
Yes, getup can be used humorously to describe someone's attire.
Is an outfit always appropriate for the occasion?
Ideally, yes, an outfit is chosen to be suitable for the occasion.
Does getup emphasize creativity?
Yes, getup often emphasizes creativity or eccentricity.
Can an outfit be unusual?
Yes, but it is not inherently unusual; it simply refers to coordinated clothing.
Can getup be used to describe costumes?
Yes, getup can describe costumes and themed outfits.
Does outfit imply a certain style?
Outfit does not imply a specific style; it refers to any set of clothing.
Is outfit more general than getup?
Yes, outfit is a more general term for any coordinated set of clothing.
Can a getup be considered fashionable?
It can be, but it is more about being distinctive or striking.
Do getups often include accessories?
Yes, getups often include accessories to complete the look.
Does outfit imply coordination?
Yes, outfit implies that the clothing items are coordinated.
Is outfit a neutral term?
Yes, outfit is a neutral and widely accepted term.
Is outfit used to describe themed attire?
It can be, but getup is more commonly used for themed attire.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
