Improved one's looks hopefully

• Tried to look smart
• Swelled with pride
• Fussed with feathers
• Smartened appearance before office tottie finally returned
• Smoothed, as feathers
• Got gussied up
• Admired oneself
• Combed over and over, say

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
vb. (en-past of: preen )