Want to know what makes women feel the most stylish, confident and comfortable? Well, Simply Be has put together a survey that reveals “the secret to pulling together an outfit that helps you look and feel good for any occasion”.

First off, its survey of 2,000 women reveals that dresses make 39% of women feel most confident, while dressing for work leaves 82% of them uncomfortable.

Other confidence builders are jeans (35%), T-shirts and trainers (31%), while rounding out the top five is a ‘nice top’ (30%), as a “timeless going out staple”.

It also shows 49% of respondents feel the most confident in casual clothing or smart-casual styles (39%)

And, of course, formalwear is far less popular with only 7% of respondents feel the most confident here, suggesting that women “may find this style more restrictive and less reflective of their personal style”. 

Further, only 18% of women feel comfortable dressing for the workday, just 23% of them feel at ease getting ready for a night out and even fewer (15%) preparing for a date and 14% for a wedding.

Melissa Kaye, Brand Lead at Simply Be, said: “As fashion continues to evolve, it’s clear that comfort plays a crucial role in how women choose to dress. The increasing preference for casual and smart-casual styles reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing versatility and ease in our wardrobes. These types of clothing not only offer practicality but also allow for personal expression without the constraints often associated with more formal attire.” 

She added: “[The] connection between comfort and self-assurance is essential, especially in today’s fast-paced world where women juggle various responsibilities. Casual and smart-casual pieces enable them to transition seamlessly from one activity to another, reducing the stress often linked with dressing for special occasions.”  

And to tackle “this crisis of confidence”, Kaye added: “It’s important to encourage women to embrace their individuality an to seek out outfits that make them feel empowered. Fashion brands can play a pivotal role by offering more inclusive comfortable options that cater to diverse body types and personal styles. Ultimately, fostering an environment where comfort and self-expression are prioritised can help women feel more confident and at ease in their clothing choices, whether for casual outings or formal occasions.”