Some people light up when they hear the word sale and others dread the thoughts of battling with your fellow shoppers for discounted items.

Whatever camp you’re in, there is no denying that there are plenty of bargains to be had in the January sales although many of our favourite retailers have kicked things off already. Both the ASOS and Topshop sales are currently in swing and you might want to look out for some of the following items. A tailored coat Let’s face it, coats are always going to be a necessity in Ireland. It’s nearly always raining and if not there's a bitter wind. We need protection from the elements and would like to look stylish at the same time. Visit M&S, Zara, Brown Thomas, New Look, River Island and Warehouse for well-cut outerwear that will last you season after season. Boot love Although January means the end of winter is nigh, in Ireland you’re likely to be wearing your boots well into spring. We’ve often made the mistake of buying a cheap pair only to have the soles come apart and the heels wear down. That’s why the sales are brilliant, you can pick up a pair of boots for half the price you would have paid before Christmas. Better still, boots are one thing you’re guaranteed to get the wear out of. Denim days One of the most common complaints when shopping is finding jeans that fit properly. It’s not an easy task and you often need to spend a little more in order to get the perfect cut, style and fit. Dark denim wears better than light and it goes with literally everything. Department stores that sell designer jeans often slash the prices of certain styles in the sales so it’s the perfect opportunity to get your dream pair. A “good” dress You know exactly what we mean by a good dress, one that will stand the test of time and more than likely, happens to have a hefty price tag. Except of course when it comes to sale time and your luck is in. A well-cut dress is an investment buy: the right one can be worn time and time again and looks just as good as when you first tried it on. The below option is one example, the detail is exquisite but then again, white won't be for everyone. Try Maje, Sandro and Self-Portrait for a dress you'll fall in love with (and hopefully during sale time, the price will match too. An "It" bag It can be easy neglect accessories, but a beautiful bag is a necessary part of any wardrobe. Designer bags have substantial price tags, but these are often reduced in the sales. The beauty of bag buying is, they NEVER go out of fashion.