More than half of Brits like to “stand out from the crowd” – as it makes them feel confident, unique, and true to themselves.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults found 57% like to distinguish themselves from the ordinary.
As many as six in ten are keen to express themselves creatively, and 42% are always looking for ways to inject playfulness into the every day.
Among the top ways they add a bit more personality into their lives is customising accessories (26%), clothes (23%), stationery (22%), and even their cars (21%).
The study was commissioned by OREO, to launch its one-of-a-kind OREO Twists Lab.
The pop-up experience allows customers to add a playful twist to their favourite things, with the help of Tomiwa Sosanya, Aina Fontich, Nicolas Dixon, Rina Wanti and Stefano Meloni – a collective of artists, from airbrushers and painters to illustrators.
Spokeswoman Katya Savelieva said: “Bringing out the spirit of playfulness and finding twists on the norm embodies everything we do, so it’s therefore wonderful to see that so many people can relate to this – especially when it comes to customising and putting their own stamp on things.”
The study also found 57% are more likely to buy something if they can make it their own.
Those aged 18 to 35 believe making a mark on their belongings gives them a sense of creativity (73%) and independence (48%), as well as boosting their confidence (47%) and giving them a sense of fun (63%).
And it’s not just possessions people are putting a personal stamp on – as 32% like to “own” their look through their hair style, and 25% in how they don their make-up.
A further one in four like to use their outfit choice as a means of expressing themselves, as it makes them feel unique (35%) and bring playfulness into their day (28%).
But it’s not all about appearances, as 53% also enjoy adding a twist to their snacks to create more unusual tastes.
Among the most popular ways to do this are trying out alternative flavours (62%), and mixing sweet and salty taste combinations (45%).
It also emerged two-thirds of “culinary creators” are keen for friends (66%) and family (60%) to share the creations they come up with.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed having the confidence to put a new twist on appearances and possessions has grown considerably over the past decade, as 49% are more likely to do this now than they were 10 years ago.
And 29% are happy to adopt a more unique, customised appearance now more than ever.
This explosion of confidence has been stirred by social media (28%), celebrities (25%), music (22%), and brands (17%).
Katya Savelieva added: “That’s why we’re so excited to open the OREO Twists Lab today, in celebration of a country who loves to put their own stamp on things.”
