'well-dressed' originates from the combination of 'well' and 'dressed', where 'well' meant 'in a good or satisfactory way' and 'dressed' referred to 'clothed'.

'well-dressed' evolved from the Old English word 'dressed' meaning 'clothed' and the adverb 'well', eventually forming the modern English adjective 'well-dressed'.

Initially, it meant 'clothed in a satisfactory manner', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'neatly and stylishly dressed'.