Over a quarter of Brits (27 per cent) will avoid going to a festive party or gathering this year – due to the stress of finding a perfect outfit to wear, according to a study.
The poll of 2,000 adults revealed 23 per cent feel they don't have any suitable clothes in their wardrobe – and will spend over an hour (62 minutes) browsing clothes shops trying to find something to wear.
A further 49 minutes is spent online shopping for an outfit over the festive period, while 53 minutes is spent trying things on.
Despite this, a third of those polled (32 per cent) still worry about feeling unconfident in their outfit – while 23 per cent worry about clashing with someone else.
And 29 per cent fear being overdressed or underdressed – with one in three more worried about their outfit than about what to eat (20 per cent) or whether their dancing will be embarrassing (15 per cent).
Seven in ten are also conscious of spending less money this year, with almost half (46 per cent) worried about the rising cost-of-living.
And 39 per cent plan to wear something they already own, in an effort to be environmentally friendly – although 26 per cent admit they have never re-worn an existing outfit.
It also emerged Brits will typically decide what to wear to a Christmas social weeks in advance.
Following the findings, Tu, which commissioned the research, has teamed up with fashion psychologist Dr Dion Terrelonge, to help adults find the perfect festive ensemble for every occasion.
Author and TV presenter, Candice Brathwaite, stars in a video with the expert, showing how to put Dr Dion’s “Four C’s” formula to the test – classic, colour, comfort, and components – to help reduce the feelings of stress over what to wear this season.
And a quiz has also been created to help those struggling with what to wear this winter – be it a lavish social occasion, or a night in with friends.
Dr Dion Terrelonge said: “As the festive season approaches, there are mixed emotions around feeling our best – excitement for events can often be tainted by stresses over what to wear while looking after your pocket and the environment.
“Using research, sales data, and psychology, I’ve worked with Tu to create the ultimate Festive Wardrobe Formula – The 4 Cs.
“It’s a tool anyone can turn to when stuck on what to wear, by simplifying festive dressing, and hopefully reduce some of the anxieties associated with getting an outfit together for an event.
“I want the Festive Wardrobe Formula to empower people to repurpose items from their wardrobes, connect with the pieces they love, and use key items to embellish and spruce up any look, for any occasion.”
The study also revealed that 35 per cent will re-wear the same get-up to a social occasion if it’s with different people – however, 26 per cent are keen to think of ways to rework their existing wardrobe this festive season.
More than a fifth (22 per cent) are looking for more affordable high street options, and 16 per cent want to replicate high-end designer fashion with cost-efficient alternatives.
It also found being complimented on an outfit at a Christmas party leaves people feeling happy (40 per cent), flattered (33 per cent), and confident (26 per cent).
And the clothing materials which give people a confidence boost are velvet (18 per cent), silk or satin (17 per cent), and leather (14 per cent).
The go-to colours for such events are black (35 per cent), blue (23 per cent), and red (18 per cent).
But the most important factors when deciding what to wear to a festive occasion are comfort (45 per cent), practicality (33 per cent), and warmth (25 per cent).
And one in five (21 per cent) also like to express their personality through their choice of outfit.
Those polled, via OnePoll, take into consideration how formal the occasion is (41 per cent), whether it’s indoors or outside (37 per cent), and how far they have to travel (28 per cent), when deciding what to wear.
Emma Benjafield, director of product at Tu Clothing, said: “Over the festive season, we want to spend our time well with loved ones, enjoying ourselves, feeling and looking our best.
“However, research has shown that it’s sometimes easier said than done.
“Dr Dion’s 4 C’s will help make dressing this festive season as stress-free as possible.
“It creates a way for shoppers to mindfully update their wardrobe through key pieces which make them feel great, without compromising on style or value.
“We hope this festive season the focus can be on enjoying quality time with loved ones, instead of fretting over what to wear.”
