Sheilas Wheels
Written: Friday, May 14, 2010WELL-HEELED
The average woman steps out of the house wearing clothes and accessories worth over #1,000 - almost #100 more than a man, it emerged yesterday (Thurs).
A study found the typical female dons lingerie worth around #26, a skirt costing #30 and shoes worth #51.
She also shows off a top costing #22 and cardigan or jumper worth #38 and teams it with jewellery to the value of #378 along with a #76 watch.
Finally, she carries her #106 handbag which contains a purse holding cash, tickets and passes worth around #146.29 and a #106.06 mobile phone.
That means the average woman top-to-toe is worth #1,052.85 on a daily basis - #93.84 more than the typical man.
Nikki Sellers, Head of Sheila's Wheels home insurance, said: ''While celebrities wouldn't be seen out without their designer clothes and handbag this survey shows #1,000 is enough to give most British men and women the feel-good factor.
''Women clearly spend more on their appearance than men, but in fact modern men pay nearly as much attention - and money - to what their outfits as women.
''No matter what sex you are, the cost of what a person puts on top of their Birthday Suit is relatively high when they leave their house and in the evening, when people dress to impress, the value of their appearance soars.''
Dapper gents aren't far behind, as most blokes kit themselves out in gear valued at #959.01.
But despite dressing up to the nines, most don't even splash out on designer gear.
The study of 3,000 adults revealed the exact costs as lingerie worth #26.61, a #3.90 pair of socks, trousers or a skirt worth #30.46 and a #22.83 top and cardigan or jumper costing #38.85.
It also emerged she will wear jewellery worth #378.82, a #76.49 watch, a #64.75 coat.
By comparison, the average male starts his day by putting on his underwear worth #5.96, #3.72 socks, trousers worth #36.05, shirt or top valued at #29.90, and jacket or jumper worth #44.13.
On a work day he will accessorise with a tie costing #11.79, a watch worth #109.44, and jewellery to the tune of #166.32.
He then prepares to leave the house by putting on his coat worth #67.13 and #51.61 shoes.
And just before waving goodbye to his partner or kids, he picks up a briefcase worth #117.95, wallet which contains up to #190.45 and mobile phone worth #124.55.
Nikki Sellers added: ''The price tag associated with outfits, matching accessories, shoes and then a fully loaded bag can be considerable.
''That's where the importance of having the right home contents insurance comes in. It's crucial not to underestimate the cost to replace a bulging wardrobe.''
It also emerged seven in ten people reckon the value of their outfit rises when they go out at the weekend or in the evening.
The average person estimates their outfit goes up by between #50 and #70 - as people save their most expensive jewellery for special occasions and best clothes for out of work.
