Historical clue formulations

• Devoted effort to looking attractive — 2026-01-04
• Straightened, as feathers — 2024-12-01
• Combed, coxcomb-style — 2015-08-21
• Dressed with elaborate care — 2013-12-01
• Tried to look smart — 2005-11-26
• Prettied oneself — 2005-08-17
• Dressed up in a fussy way — 2004-09-06
• Primped — 1999-12-18
• Dressed fussily — 1996-09-24
• Smoothed, as feathers — 1996-08-16