30 hours to find the perfect LBD

Shopping can't be rushed according to a new survey which suggests it takes a woman five days to find the right little black dress

Women love to shop - but five days to find a dress? That's how long it takes to track down the perfect little black dress.

Patience, perseverance and 30 hours of shopping are necessary in the hunt for the right LBD, according to a survey by laundry specialists Dr Beckmann.

Ironically, however, once we have found it we only ever wear it twice.

Despite being a must-have item for eight out of 10 women, we worry about being seen in the same outfit twice or losing that 'special feeling' if worn too much.

According to the survey of 2,000 women, two thirds buy their first LBD between the ages of 18 and 24 and hold on to it for up to 11 years waiting for a suitable occasion to show it off.

Women in the UK spend an average of £125 on their dress with 44 per cent saying spending triples with the cost of accessories.

'The little black dress is a well-established fashion icon,' says Susan Fermor, from Dr Beckmann.

'For many women just owning a little black dress and knowing it is there to be called upon if it is required is enough to justify the expense.'

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