The trick to walking away from the sales with bags full of savvy spends rather than dud threads that will only sit at the back of your wardrobe is restraint.
Every time you pick up a bargain think, ‘Would I buy this at full price?’ if the answer is no then put it back on the rail and walk away. Unless you really love it then it will never be worn no matter how little it cost. This really is the golden rule of sales shopping.
Planning will go a long way in making sure you bag the best bargains. Think about where you want to go and prioritise getting to those shops. The sales are no time for mooching around – you will need to treat this like a military operation if you are to nab any the best deals.
Dressing appropriately goes hand-in-hand with having a plan before you set out on your shopping spree. Too many layers and you’ll end up repeatedly taking them on and off in every shop. A cross-body bag will keep your bits and bobs safe but make sure it’s big enough to fit your gloves, scarf and hat in as you’ll be taking these off in every shop. Comfy shoes rather than lace up boots are a must and after that jeans and a slim knit are probably your best bet.
Now here’s the nitty gritty: use the sales to invest in classic style staples rather than of-the-moment trend pieces. Instead spend your Christmas loot on well-cut dresses, jackets and tailored trousers. These are the pieces that will stand the test of time and give you most cost-per-wear value. Accessories are a quick way to update an existing outfit so ook out for belts, necklaces, bags and shoes.
If you really can’t leave that bargain behind despite it not being your size, only purchase it if it is too big for you because then you can have it altered. Under no circumstances part with your cash for clothes that are too small thinking that you’ll slim into them after the holidays. In our experience it never happens!
Or avoid the crowds and scrambling through the rails altogether by staying on the couch eating sweets and shop the sales online!
