Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dowdy \Dow"dy\, a. [Compar. {Dowdier}; superl. {Dowdiest}.]
   [Scot. dawdie slovenly, daw, da sluggard, drab, Prov. E. dowd
   flat, dead.]
   Showing a vulgar taste in dress; awkward and slovenly in
   dress; vulgar-looking. -- {Dow"di*ly}, adv. -- {Dow"di*ness},
   n.

Source : WordNet®

dowdiness
     n : lacking stylishness or neatness [syn: {drabness}, {homeliness}]