Millions of Brits will avoid festive gatherings – due to outfit stress

And almost a quarter (23 percent) claimed they didn’t have anything suitable, with 26 percent admitting they have never re-worn an existing outfit.

But seven in ten are planning to spend less money on their outfit this year, with nearly half (46 percent) conscious of the rise of living costs – and 39 percent plan to wear something they already own, to be environmentally friendly.

As a result, a third of those polled are likely to worry more about their outfit, than about what to eat (20 percent) or if their dancing will be embarrassing (15 percent).

It also emerged they will typically decide what to wear to a Christmas social 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.

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 the top worries when deciding what to wear – including feeling unconfident in their chosen outfit (32 percent), being overdressed or underdressed (29 percent), and clashing with someone else (23 percent).

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

More than a fifth (22 percent) are looking for more affordable high street options, and 16 percent 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 percent), flattered (33 percent), and confident (26 percent).

And the clothing materials which give people a confidence boost are velvet (18 percent), silk or satin (17 percent), and leather (14 percent).

The go-to colours for such events are black (35 percent), blue (23 percent), and red (18 percent).

But the most important factors when deciding what to wear to a festive occasion are comfort (45 percent), practicality (33 percent), and warmth (25 percent).

And one in five (21 percent) also like to express their personality through their choice of outfit.

Those polled, via OnePoll, take into consideration how formal the occasion is (41 percent), whether it’s indoors or outside (37 percent), and how far they have to travel (28 percent), 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.”