Women take almost a whole day to dress to impress
A wedding, a first date, a work do, a birthday bash - when it comes to special occasions the average woman actually takes a whopping 23 hours and 45 minutes to make sure she's properly prepared and preened, according to new figures by Sheilas' Wheels home insurance[1].
From making final touches in front of the bathroom mirror, to shopping for a new outfit in an average of five to six shops and on just as many websites, tots up to almost an entire day according to the poll.
And the focus is attention to detail, with one in five females polled (19 per cent) admitting they consult family or friends about what they are wearing to make sure no one clashes and 10 per cent of those surveyed look at style guides to get tips too.
Nearly eight in ten women (79 per cent) buy a new outfit for a wedding, for instance, but then 42 per cent do so for a job interview and nearly half (48 per cent) for a special birthday like a 21st.
And while seven in ten men may buy a new suit for such an occasion, it tends to stop there while 65 per cent of women will also buy new shoes and 46 per cent a new handbag too.
Women are also more likely than men to only wear their new purchase for that one particular occasion and never again, while men who may buy a new suit or shoes will wear them a number of times.
Sheilas' Wheels surveyed 1,000 adults to find out what other preparation rituals were performed before a special night out such as a work party or that all important first date.
Three quarters of women will have their hair done and surprisingly so too will 65 per cent of men, however 35 per cent of women will also go for further hair straightening or styling on the night.
It's clear that preparation and perfection is key with one in eight (13 per cent) of women questioned admitting they will get a fake tan, 27 per cent a pedicure or manicure, 18 per cent have a waxing session and 13 per cent go for a facial.
A small number will even have a botox jab or teeth whitening for some special occasions said the study and seven per cent will even squeeze in some extra gym sessions to make sure they look and feel their best.
Women also tend to take the responsibility for other roles in a day out with 80 per cent claiming it is left to them to sort out a present - though 39 per cent of men say the same.
Arranging the taxi or other transport appears to be split fairly evenly between the sexes as is making the arrangements for where to meet with friends beforehand. Adding this to the time spent on various beauty treatments, research and shopping expeditions comes to a staggering total of 23 hours and 45 minutes for the average well prepared woman.
In comparison, getting ready on the day itself is quite quick - 36 per cent of women say it takes them less than an hour to get dressed and made up whilst 56 per cent say it takes up to three hours.
This compares to 78 per cent of men who say it takes them less than an hour to get ready and perhaps it is no surprise than one in three men (35 per cent) think women spend too long getting ready in comparison.
And the end results speak for themselves as the research reveals that 40 per cent of women say it makes them feel confident and 24 per cent claim to feel attractive after putting in so much effort.
Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels, comments: "Whether it be a job interview, first date or family party, the extensive planning and preparation which goes into arranging a special night out seems to give women that ultimate boost of confidence. So it's definitely time well spent.
Just as time tots up, so does the cost. In fact, the price tag associated with new outfits - often worn just once - matching accessories, shoes and then a fully loaded make-up bag can be considerable. That's where the importance of having ample home contents insurance comes in as it's crucial not to underestimate the cost to replace a woman's bulging wardrobe."
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Notes to Editors:
[1] Sheilas' Wheels used the independent online research company Online Opinions who surveyed 1,000 adults, from across the country aged 18 plus between 26th February - 5th March 2009.
About Sheilas' Wheels:
Sheilas' Wheels was launched in October 2005 to offer women drivers cheaper car insurance and product enhancements including £300 handbag cover - for bags stolen from the car (comprehensive cover only), competitive breakdown recovery rates, a dedicated counselling line run by trained professionals to help customers cope with driving issues such as road rage (comprehensive cover only) and a network of female-friendly repairers. In February 2008, the brand moved beyond car insurance to also offer home insurance.
Sponsorship:
Sheilas' Wheels sponsors the ITV National and Channel 4 Weather bulletins: "The weather you can never choose, but Sheilas' Wheels is all good news!"
