Visit wiseGEEK
for more information.
"Reference after reference failed to turn up a definite origin for the expression, although they all seem to agree on it's meaning. Describing someone as being "dressed to the nines" implies the donning of expensive clothing, jewelry and other fashionable accessories, most likely for a formal dance or theatrical performance. Women of the middle ages would often wear fashionable gloves as part of their formal wear. These gloves were said to contain nine buttons from wrist to elbow, so if a woman was said to be "dressed to the nines" she would be wearing her most formal evening wear." Quote from:
We're introducing Michique's new Limited Edition called, "The Nines". There are nine handbags produced per limited edition. All nine are numbered. Each bag is slightly different in that they are created by hand by the designers, each one given special attention. We have always used only nine Swarovski Crystals in our branding, as we believe the wearers of our handbags are dressed to the nines.