Critics reacted positively to the dance-pop nature of the track. "Dress You Up" became Madonna's sixth consecutive top-five single in the United States. It also reached the top-ten in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The song was performed on four of Madonna's concert tours, most recently on the Rebel Heart Tour (2015–2016). "Dress You Up" was added to the Parents Music Resource Center's "Filthy Fifteen" list due to its sexual lyrics. The song has been covered by a number of artists.