Origin: Germanic Old English prefix
Outfit has 6 different meanings across 2 categories:
any cohesive unit such as a military company
"The general ordered his entire outfit to advance on the ridge at dawn."
A set of clothing (with accessories).
"She carefully selected her outfit, pairing a crisp white shirt with a silk scarf and matching heels."
In plain English: An outfit is everything you wear on your body at once, including clothes and shoes.
"She chose a bright red outfit for her birthday dinner."
Usage: Use the noun outfit to refer to a complete matching ensemble of clothes and accessories worn together. Avoid confusing it with the verb form when describing the act of dressing someone or equipping them for an event.
To provide with, usually for a specific purpose.
"The mechanic spent all morning outfitting the truck with specialized tools for heavy-duty towing."
In plain English: To outfit means to give someone all the clothes and gear they need for a specific activity.
"The team decided to outfit their new trucks with extra safety equipment before heading out for delivery."
The word outfit originally came from the phrase "fit out," which meant to equip or supply someone with necessary gear. It entered English as a variant spelling that eventually became the standard term for a complete set of clothes or equipment.