Today's NYT Strands is live for Saturday, February 28, 2026 (Puzzle #727). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.
How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)
Strands hides themed words inside a 6x8 letter grid. Your mission: find every word connected to the day's theme. Letters link in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and words can twist and turn. Every letter gets used exactly once.
The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.
Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.
Theme Decoder
Today's Theme Prompt: "Dressing up"
What It Really Means
Today's theme centers on formal attire and accessories, think elegant clothing and jewelry for special occasions.
Think About...
- Formal wear items for weddings, galas, or black-tie events
- Accessories that complete an elegant outfit
- Luxury items associated with high-fashion dressing
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Diagonally towards the right then straight down and diagonally towards the left
Letter Count: 9 letters
Starting Zone: Second letter of the first row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): This word describes something elegant, stylish, and sophisticated.
Hint 2 (Warmer): Think red carpet, Hollywood premieres, and high-fashion events.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is G, last letter is S
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GLAMOROUS
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: Classic formal wear for men
Closer: Often worn with a bow tie or necktie
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 6 letters total
Answer
TUXEDO
Word 2
Vague: Footwear that elevates height
Closer: Women's formal shoes often with a raised back
Letter Clue: Starts with H, 5 letters total
Answer
HEELS
Word 3
Vague: Neck accessory for formal shirts
Closer: Often tied in a Windsor or half-Windsor knot
Letter Clue: Starts with N, 7 letters total
Answer
NECKTIE
Word 4
Vague: Elegant dress for formal occasions
Closer: Often floor-length and worn to balls or galas
Letter Clue: Starts with G, 4 letters total
Answer
GOWN
Word 5
Vague: Shirt accessories for formal wear
Closer: Decorative fasteners for shirt sleeves
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 10 letters total
Answer
CUFFLINKS
Word 6
Vague: Precious stones for jewelry
Closer: Often set in rings, necklaces, or earrings
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 8 letters total
Answer
DIAMONDS
Full Answers
Spangram: GLAMOROUS
Theme Words:
- TUXEDO
- HEELS
- NECKTIE
- GOWN
- CUFFLINKS
- DIAMONDS
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: CUFFLINKS (10 letters with double F and K makes it less obvious)
Our Take: A straightforward fashion theme with clear connections between formal wear items. The spangram GLAMOROUS perfectly captures the elegant vibe. DIAMONDS adds a nice luxury touch beyond clothing. Solid Saturday puzzle with accessible vocabulary.
