In December 2024 and December 2025 I invited women to complete an anonymous 18 question survey, to explore how the modern woman thinks about dressing and shopping. In 2024 109 women responded, and in 2025 that number rose to a fantastic 169, giving me even richer data to analyse. This [Part 1] Summary focuses on women’s views about their current clothes and wardrobes.
I began the survey because I thought it would be interesting to document where we are today, and wished that I’d begun the survey pre-lockdown in particular, since there seemed to be a big shift in how we dress and interact since the pandemic. I for one know that I dress more casually now, and I know that’s the case for others too. I’ve also been on cruises and find that there is less “dressing up” for the evening than previously. I also find it harder to wear heels, since we were used to not going out, but maybe that’s an age thing as well! I’d love to know your thoughts on changes that you’ve made in the last 5 years, and does the information documented in this survey surprise you at all?
Interestingly, the age profile shifted between the two years. In 2024, respondents were evenly split between those under 50 and those 50 or over. In 2025, however, 70% of respondents were aged 50+. I’m not sure what that tells us yet, but it’s a useful observation about who chose to take part.
I'm calling this "Part 1 Summary", and am going to focus on DRESSING in this first blog following the latest survey. In Part 2's Summary I will focus on the SHOPPING aspects.
Women’s view of their current wardrobe
More women in 2025 felt proud of their wardrobe than in 2024, and fewer said they owned items they were unsure about wearing. See the split below.
What to wear for a big event
When it comes to dressing for a big event, confidence dropped in 2025. Only 40% had something they were happy with that fitted (down from 54% in 2024). Meanwhile, 60% said they would panic, had something that didn’t fit, or knew what they wanted to wear but didn’t own it (up from 46% in 2024).
Quantity of clothes owned
More respondents in 2024 said they wasted time deciding what to wear (53%) compared with 2025 (35%). Are we becoming more streamlined and intentional with our wardrobes? Or simply more willing to pass on items we no longer use?
How often do we weed our wardrobe?
Across both years, 40–43% said they regularly weed their wardrobe, leaving 57–60% who feel they don’t do it often enough.
If you’re in that second group and planning a New Year wardrobe detox, I have a FREE and simple “3 Steps to a Happy Wardrobe” action plan to help you get started.
Do we make our own clothes?
In 2025, only 18% of respondents said they occasionally make their own clothes, and no one reported doing so always or nearly always. In 2024, 12% occasionally made their own clothes, and just under 1% did so regularly.
These are very low numbers and may reflect the decline of needlework skills — or simply the abundance of ready‑made clothing available today.
It might be worth adding a question next year to understand why women don’t make their own clothes. Is it time? Cost? Confidence? Lack of interest?
With sustainability becoming more important, and with fewer physical shops to browse, I do wonder whether home‑sewing might make a comeback in future years, so that might be useful to document through this annual survey.
Do we receive compliments?
Around 55% of women said they regularly receive compliments, which is lovely to see. However, 45% said they don’t — or would like to but aren’t getting them.
My clients often report compliments soon after we work together. One of the quickest came just 20 minutes after a colour analysis — at the school gates - about a lipstick shade! And no, you don’t need to wear lipstick to get a compliment.
Knowing which shades of colours suit us
From a stylist’s perspective, wearing your most flattering colours can have all sorts of positive effects — not just compliments. One client once told me a Post Office assistant said, “I’m not supposed to do that, but because you look so nice, I will.” There are many more stories like this.
Around 75% of respondents said they know their colours, have them in their wardrobe, and wear them regularly. That’s wonderful — it means they’re making the most of their investment and enjoying the confidence boost that comes with wearing the right shades. They’re probably the same 55% who regularly receive compliments!
But here’s my ongoing puzzle: in my day‑to‑day conversations, I’d estimate that 70% of women who have been colour‑analysed aren’t actually wearing their colours. Even some of my own clients! Why do they slip back when they’ve invested in the knowledge and loved the results? It’s one of my missions to help women stay confident and consistent with their colours.
Favourite colours
In both years the favourite colour was BLUE and least favourite to wear was YELLOW. Some of the respondents said it was because they didn't think yellow suited them. I promise to let you know which shade of yellow (and all the other colours) does suit you if you have colour analysis with me.
Blue included everything from ice blue, royal blue to navy blue. I also grouped everything green from bright green to khaki, and for pink it went from ice pink to cerise.
One response I particularly loved was: “My favourite colour in life is purple, but in clothes it’s black!” I know how intertwined our thoughts about ourselves and our confidence are linked to our choice of clothing, particularly colour (or not, as in the case of black, white and grey). This is why I consult personally with each client and gently tease out their thoughts to help them make the most of the consultation.
I’d love to know your views on these findings. Were there any surprises or was it all as you would have expected?
What's next?
In December 2025, I also ran an anonymous survey for men and received 36 responses. I’ll be sharing a separate blog comparing the male and female results.
There’s much more to explore from this year’s survey, so keep an eye out for the next instalment, where I’ll dive into shopping habits and more.
If you'd like help with your wardrobe, shopping or colour/style analysis, please get in touch.
Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant
07469 246722
