Millions are avoiding festive get-togethers this years – because they don't know what to wear

A study of 2,000 adults who attended Christmas-related social events revealed that 27 percent had failed to choose an outfit after trying.

While 23 per cent claimed they didn’t have anything suitable, with 26 per cent admitting they have never re-worn an existing outfit.

7/10 people will spend less on their outfits in the coming year, due to the rising cost of living (46%), and because they are more environmentally conscious (39%).

According to the poll, a third of respondents worry more about their clothes than what they eat (20%) or if their dancing will make them look embarrassing (15%).

It was also revealed that they often decide what to wear to Christmas socials weeks in advance.

And it’s not a quick decision, with 62 minutes spent looking at clothes in shops, 49 minutes browsing online and 53 minutes trying on options throughout the festive period.

To help you pick the right outfit

Tu, the researcher, has teamed with Dr Dion Terrelong, a fashion psychologist to help adults choose the right festive outfit 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.

To help those struggling to decide what to wear this winter, a quiz has been created.

Dr Dion Terrelonge said, “As the festive seasons approaches, there are mixed feelings around feeling your best. It can be difficult to feel excited for events because it can be clouded by stress over what you wear and how to look after 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 top concerns when choosing what to wear were feeling unconfident (32%), feeling over (29%), under (29%), and clashing with others (23%).

And while 35 per cent will re-wear the same get-up to a social occasion if it’s with different people, 26 per cent are keen to think of ways to rework their existing wardrobe this festive season.

More than a fifth (22%), want more affordable high-street options, and 16% want high-end designer fashion but with less cost.

It was also discovered that compliments on an outfit at Christmas party can make people feel happy (40%), flattered (33%), and confident (26%).

The qualities of clothing that give confidence boosts are velvet (18%), silk or satin (17%) and leather (14%).

The most popular colours for such events include black (35%), blue (23%), or red (18%)

When it comes to choosing what to wear to a holiday occasion, comfort (45%), being practical (33%), warmth (25%), are the most important factors.

21% also like to express themselves through their outfit choices.

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Look good, feel good

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 allows shoppers to upgrade their wardrobe by buying key pieces that make them feel great and don’t compromise on style or price.

“We hope this festive season the focus can be on enjoying quality time with loved ones, instead of fretting over what to wear.”