Have you been thinking about your winter wardrobe?
A change in season is the ideal excuse for some new clothes, isn’t it? But have you ever thought about how much you’re actually spending on those ‘few’ new items.
The average British woman spends £36,000 over the course of a lifetime on a basic winter wardrobe, according to a new study.
That equates to £600 a year without taking into account any luxury items or clothes and shoes for special occasions.
And we all know how much of a bill we can rack up for a special occasion. Especially when you take into consideration the beauty aspects too.
Considering how cold a British winter can get, it comes as no surprise that the most expensive buy is a good quality coat, with respondents happy to spend £110 on the winter wardrobe essential.
Many also bought a thick, casual coat for winter walks and taking children to and from school. This would set them back around £70.
One respondent said: “I always kit myself out with a new wardrobe when winter comes, although I could use the same clothes every year I like to keep up with the latest fashion so I never do, it’s a really bad habit but I love having new things. Last year I spent £200 on a winter coat, I loved it but this year I’m going to buy a new one again.”
A good pair of winter boots were classed as a must have with the average amount spent being £110. Those questioned said boots were one of their biggest buys and if they chose well, could last for years. However most did admit to not being able to resist buying a new pair every year.
Woolly jumpers and cardigans and cosy tops were another must have with the respondents happy to fork out £120 for this winter warmers.
Another woman commented: “As the winter months approach, I literally buy myself a new wardrobe. British weather is so unpredictable and I hate being cold so I’d rather be well prepared. I don’t mind recycling a few bits and bobs but getting new boots are definitely essential, especially because they sometimes have to last during snowy conditions too.”
Jeans and smart work trousers were another necessary buy with the women thinking nothing of spending £160 on these collective items.
Respondents also admitted to buying new accessories including hats, scarves and gloves every year after misplacing them, adding a further £40 to the bill.
A third added: “I do reuse a lot of my winter clothes – I’ve had my coat years – and tend to replace them when they can’t last another year. The last couple of winters have been freezing so I have found myself buying a lot more woollies.”
A spokesperson for PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “Winter wardrobes do not come cheap. Coats and boots are always a big purchase and it does pay to buy well. There’s nothing worse than shivering through the cold months because your coat is too thin or your boots aren’t water tight.
“A lot of people do forget that winter clothes are actually more expensive than summer ones which is why a lot can be spent, and we need more items.
“Luckily winter means wrapping up so nobody is too bothered about what the clothes looks like, it’s more about whether they do the job and keep you warm.”
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