Most of us feel we indulge in designer handbags and shoes because we have a taste for the finer things in life and a passion for fashion. But New Zealand research suggests there may be a deeper, and more disappointing, reason for our spending behavior. A new study says women with body issues choose to purchase new handbags and shoes rather than dresses and pants.
Jessica Boyce of New Zealand’s University of Canterbury says women often compare themselves to the models they see in clothing commercials. As these models are generally slimmer, female customers doubt they could fit into the advertised clothes. And so they choose to update their wardrobes with accessories rather than apparel items.
“What the research suggests is that shoes and handbags are more appealing to insecure women because they increase physical attractiveness without drawing attention to one’s figure,” she explained to The New Zealand Herald. “Trousers, on the other hand, tend to draw attention and that is why they are shunned by this group of women.“
What do you think of the research? Do you notice the results mirror your own shopping habits, or do you think it’s a load of bunkum? And should fashion houses start using larger models to sell their apparel items?
