Christmas can be a really expensive time. Buying presents for everyone you’ve ever met and enough food to feed a small army can be very costly.
But it’s not just the traditional expenses that are chipping away at your disposable income this season, it’s all the socialising too. And your office Christmas party could be one of the biggest expenses.
New research has found that it costs British women an average of £281.78 to attend their work Christmas party.
That eye-watering figure factors in the cost of travel, accommodation and money spent on hair, makeup and that all-important new outfit.
Over a working lifetime of parties, that equates to £13,243.66. Ouch.
With the festive season right around the corner, fashion retailer Oasis surveyed their customers to find out exactly what it takes to get ready for the office Christmas party.
Almost all of those surveyed said they buy a new outfit for the work Christmas party every year, with the average woman spending £139.23 on clothes and accessories.
Additionally, 92% of women pay to get their hair and makeup done for the night; which costs a further £53.70.
Coordinating a fresh party look takes serious planning; 18% of women start looking for the perfect party outfit in early autumn, with half (48%) starting their planning in November.
Just 8% of women leave it to the last week to plan their outfit.
Wearing a new outfit is a major concern for loads of women. Zoe is a 27-year-old marketing manager from Yorkshire, she’s been working at her company for three years and has never shown up to a work party wearing something old.
‘Everything is all over social media and I don’t want to be snapped wearing the same thing twice,’ she explains.
‘I start planning my outfit as soon as summer is over and shops begin releasing party dresses. I want to make sure I look amazing and finding the perfect dress takes time – I would never wait until last minute in case I didn’t find something I liked.’
The research found that it’s not only money being spent on looking good for the night; nearly one in ten (8%) spend more than three hours on their hair and makeup for the evening.
A third get ready in two-three hours, and almost a half (48%) spend between one-two hours on their makeup and hair for the night.
When it comes to dress code, 55% said they preferred a cocktail party for Christmas, with just 14% hoping for a black-tie Christmas party.
The retailer also asked women what they think makes a good office Christmas party.
Entertainment (76%), a sit-down meal (67%) and a free bar (54%) were the most common answers.
However, one in five said free transport is essential – which is no surprise when women are spending an average of £27.55 on transport or £61 on accommodation for the night.
So if you’re office party is looming it’s probably time to get saving… or, you know, just wear that perfectly good dress from last year again.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/04/women-spend-300-go-office-christmas-parties-11267473/
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