Podcast Summary: The 2024 Style Survey Results are In!
Episode Title: The 2024 Style Survey Results are In!
Host: Jennifer Mackey Mary
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Introduction to the 2024 Style Survey
In this special episode of The Everyday Style School, host Jennifer Mackey Mary unveils the insightful results from her 2024 Style Survey. This annual survey, now successfully conducted on the fifth attempt, gathered responses from thousands of listeners to understand their clothing habits, style challenges, and preferences.
"This year I finally did it. I got my act together and did it." (00:02)
Wardrobe Spending Insights
Spending Patterns: Jennifer begins by addressing how much listeners spend on their wardrobes annually.
- Under $500: 11%
- $500 - $1,000: 28%
- $1,000 - $1,500: 16%
- $1,500 - $2,000: 9%
- Over $2,000: 23%
- No Idea: 12%
Budgeting Habits: A striking revelation was that 80% of respondents do not set or follow a clothing budget.
"If you are not budgeting in advance or tracking your spending after the fact, the only true answer for you is, I have no idea." (15:30)
Implications: Jennifer highlights that many underestimate their clothing expenditure by up to 30% due to overlooked impulse purchases.
"Studies have found people underestimate their clothing spending by around 30%." (16:10)
Advice: To manage spending effectively, Jennifer suggests:
- Shop Less Often: Only 37% shop every few months, while 60% shop monthly or more frequently.
- Be a Hunter, Not a Gatherer: 55% consider themselves hunters, focusing on intentional purchases over accumulative buying.
"Spending a little more time is a really great first step to improving your style." (35:45)
Best Clothing Purchases of 2024
Listeners shared their best purchases, emphasizing that value outweighs price. Jennifer highlights two standout responses:
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Jane M.: Invested in expensive jeans over $200 that fit perfectly and boosted her confidence.
"They fit like a dream and they make me feel cool." (22:15)
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Kelly L.: Found a high-quality black sweater at a thrift store for under $10 that makes her feel glamorous.
"Every time I wear it, I feel glamorous." (22:50)
The Psychological Impact of Clothing
Mood and Style: An overwhelming 99.3% agree that what they wear affects their mood.
"What you wear affects your mood." (29:20)
Self-Care and Importance:
- 88% view dressing well as a form of self-care.
- 90% believe that what they wear matters.
- 79% rate style importance as 7.5 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10.
Struggles with Getting Dressed:
- 78% experience struggles when getting dressed.
- Challenges include lack of intentionality and wardrobe mismatches.
"When you struggle to get dressed, the outcome is rarely great." (34:00)
Common Style Challenges
Respondents shared various style struggles, such as:
- Understanding body shape
- Size fluctuations
- Lack of essential pieces
- Finding comfortable shoes
Lack of Solutions: Less than 5% provided solutions to their struggles, indicating a need for better support and resources.
"Every time you go to get dressed, whether it's for a morning coffee run... you're going to struggle." (45:15)
Willingness to Improve Style
Commitment to Change:
- 1.8% are satisfied with their current style.
- 12% willing to spend more on their wardrobe.
- Remaining split between spending more time building wardrobes or creating outfits.
"I think spending a little more time is a really great first step to improving your style." (48:30)
Procrastination Factors: Many wait to improve their style due to:
- Waiting for life to become more exciting (10%)
- Financial constraints (15%)
- Body image concerns (25%)
"You do not have to like the number on the tag of the pants to like the pants." (54:50)
Practical Style Solutions
Understanding Your Body:
- 20% are unsure of their body shape.
- 82% prioritize how outfits look on them (flattery points) over style points (18%).
Color Analysis:
- 27% have had a professional color analysis.
- Jennifer encourages listeners to discover their best colors to enhance their wardrobe.
"If you want a shortcut to building a wardrobe that helps you look your best, find out your best colors." (56:30)
Bra Fittings:
- 30% had a professional bra fitting in the last 12 months.
- 46% overdue, and 15% never had one.
"If you want to instantly look better in your clothes, a better bra will help you do it." (1:02:00)
Listener Stories and Advice
Jennifer shares powerful listener anecdotes that illustrate the importance of a well-fitted wardrobe. For instance, Christine's uncomfortable wedding outfit underscores how proper fitting clothes can enhance significant moments.
"What she remembers most about the wedding was wanting to leave because her clothes didn't fit properly." (1:04:30)
Style Advice to Younger Selves:
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Amy D.: Encourage learning to put outfits together to save time and money.
"It can save you a lot of time and money. This isn't about vanity." (1:06:00)
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Mary P.: Advocate for wearing clothes you love without saving them for rare occasions.
"Wear the good clothes ladies." (1:06:30)
Conclusion and Next Steps
Jennifer wraps up by emphasizing the importance of addressing style struggles proactively. She encourages listeners to invest time and resources into building a wardrobe that reflects their desired self-image.
"You deserve nice things right now." (1:08:45)
She also announces a $100 Nordstrom gift card winner, Danny Z., as a thank-you gesture to her listeners.
Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
Jennifer extends gratitude to her team, podcast editor, Style Circle members, and listeners for their continued support. She invites listeners to join the Style Circle membership for exclusive content and support.
"Remember that your everyday matters. So get dressed for it." (1:12:00)
Connect with Jennifer Mackey Mary:
- Facebook & Instagram: @everydaystylewithjen
- Style Circle Membership: Join Here – $19/month for exclusive style resources and community support.
- Free Style Solution Guide: Discover 10 wardrobe basics that create over 30 stylish outfits. Get the Guide
Happy Holidays and thank you for tuning into The Everyday Style School!