Sometimes attributed to Ackerman this actually originates with Nicolas Chamfort, as quoted in The Cynic's Breviary : Maxims and Anecdotes from Nicolas de Chamfort (1902) as translated by William G. Hutchison, p. 37
Misattributed
“There are well-dressed foolish ideas just as there are well-dressed fools.”
Nicolas Chamfort (1741–1794) French writer
As quoted in The Cynic's Breviary : Maxims and Anecdotes from Nicolas de Chamfort (1902) as translated by William G. Hutchison, p. 37
Bert McCracken (1982) American musician
On the oddest experience while at a party, reported in WENN staff (December 6, 2007) "The Things They Say", World Entertainment News Network.
“She's all dressed up like a well-kept grave.”
W.C. Fields (1880–1946) actor
In reference to Jan Duggan's character in The Old Fashioned Way (1934)
“This is war," he say quietly.
"Well thank God you're dressed for it, Griggs.”
Melina Marchetta book On the Jellicoe Road
Source: On the Jellicoe Road
Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer
October 5, 1773
Recounted as a common saying of physicians at the time.
The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides (1785)
“It is an art to have so much judgment as to apparel a lie well, to give it a good dressing.”
Ben Jonson (1572–1637) English writer
The Works of Ben Jonson, Second Folio (1640), Timber: or Discoveries
Henry Fielding (1707–1754) English novelist and dramatist
Book I, Chapter 1
The History of Tom Jones (1749)
