If you’re hooked on the daily NYT Strands puzzle, you’re not alone. It’s a fresh word game from the New York Times that combines elements of a word search with clever, theme-based twists.
28 February 2026 NYT Strands Theme: “Dressing up”
Today’s puzzle leaned into elegance and formal fashion. The grid featured items you’d associate with special occasions, galas, or red-carpet events. The word choices felt cohesive and vivid, with a smooth, stylish spangram that perfectly captured the mood of the entire set.
28 February 2026 NYT Strands Hints
- Think of events where you’d swap casual wear for something refined and eye-catching.
- Look for clothing and accessories often worn at formal celebrations.
- Some words describe specific garments, while others are finishing touches.
- Expect a balanced mix of longer and shorter fashion-related terms.
- Spangram ties the list together with a word that describes the overall vibe of high-end style.
28 February 2026 NYT Strands Answers
- GOWN
- HEELS
- CUFFLINKS
- TUXEDO
- NECKTIE
- DIAMONDS
Spangram
GLAMOROUS
This spangram captures the essence of the entire theme. Each answer contributes to a polished, high-fashion image, and together they create a look that is unmistakably glamorous and event-ready.
How Strands works
Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
- You’re given a theme.
- The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
- Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
- Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!
Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.
How to get and use hints
Hints are built right into Strands, and they’re super useful if you’re stuck:
- To earn a hint, find any non-theme word of at least four letters in the grid.
- Each valid extra word gives you one hint.
- When you use a hint, one of the theme words will be revealed automatically, helping you move forward.
Pro tip: Don’t just burn hints — use them strategically when the grid feels impossible. Sometimes a single revealed word unlocks the entire board.
Tips to become a NYT Strands pro
- Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
- Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
- Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
- Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
- Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.
Final thoughts
The 28 February 2026 puzzle felt smooth and moderately easy, especially once the fashion angle clicked. The cohesive word set made it satisfying to complete. How many glamorous finds did you spot before using a hint?
