Stylist Secrets: How to Shop the Sales Without Regret
I’ll cut to the chase, the best way to navigate the sales is to make a list of what your wardrobe is missing, set a budget and then stick to it. Sale shopping should be no different to any other shopping. But if you find yourself tempted by a bargain, here are some questions you can ask yourself to keep on the straight and narrow:
Would I want this at full price?
If the piece wasn’t on sale, would you still be tempted? If not, it’s probably the price, not the piece, that’s calling you so don’t be lured into a bargain just because it’s cheap. At the end of the day if you buy something and then don’t end up wearing it, it’s still a waste of money.
Can I wear it with at least 3 things I already own?
The rule of 3 should always be top of mind before you buy anything … can you create a minimum of 3 different outfits with 3 different pieces you already own and extra marks if you can wear it across different seasons too. If you can’t instantly picture it styled with your current wardrobe, it won’t necessarily be the best purchase.
Do I already own something similar?
Be honest here…how many black blazers or white tees do you actually need? What you buy needs to fill a gap in your wardrobe, not do the same job as something else.
Does it align with my style and do I love it?
Are you just buying this because it is on trend or is this a piece that feels like you? You need to love everything you buy and it should be a solid 10/10, not something you settle for. If you buy something and want to wear it instantly then that is usually a good sign. And if you buy something online then don’t leave it in the packaging, take it out and try it on with other pieces to make sure you love it. If it isn’t right, return it – the number of clients I see who buy online or in stores, know it’s not right and then just never get round to returning the item…don’t let that be you.
I am also wary of buying out of season items. Yes these tend to be even more heavily reduced but you will have to wait a long time to wear them and will you still want them in 6 months time…? That is why it can be helpful to think of the sales for buying timeless pieces that align with your style.
Does it fit and work for my lifestyle?
Style is important—but will you actually wear it to work, on weekends or to events? Always always consider your lifestyle and buy for the lifestyle you have not the one you wish you had!
Similarly when it comes to fit don’t compromise by buying something too big or too small just because it is half price. You can obviously shorten pieces that are too long, which I do regularly, but don’t be unrealistic about alterations you need to make or buying something that is too small, or shoes that are not comfortable!
There is very often a reason items are on sale – I used to be a buyer so have first hand experience of this – often it is because the fit of the garment doesn’t work well on enough body shapes – a seam in an odd position that doesn’t quite work, a sleeve that is just too full etc. It is a simple fact that the best sellers are unlikely to make it to the sales because they have sold out at full price. My default position for sales is one of skepticism: for me it’s a question of why is it on sale…? (obviously retail is tough and pieces are often in the sales because the brand bought too many of them and has to clear the stock ahead of the new season so there might not be anything wrong with the garment itself, but it’s not a bad stance to take that the sale piece needs to justify itself to you!!)
Don’t get me wrong the sales can be an excellent opportunity for buying investment pieces you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford. But I think particularly in a summer season which is short (in the UK at least!) it’s a good idea to be mindful of how much of your wardrobe is dedicated to high summer, strappy holiday dresses which may only be worn a couple of weeks out of 52.
6 Comments
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Claire Lopez
It’s always hard when the pieces in store don’t work for your style/colour/shape so there really isn’t much of that around. All my services are on my website and if you’d like to arrange a wardrobe session then drop me an email. Claire@stylebyclairelopez.co.uk
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Sarah Macdonald
Loved this advise Claire. Particularly “would I buy this at full price”. I just bought a pair of linen trousers in a closing down sale … pink … fairly bright pink … but £26 pound down from £52 … now what … hopefully never again but … sales are seductive
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Claire Lopez
Now it’s time to see what outfits you can make with the trousers so they do get worn. If not it’s time to return them!
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Ali
Love the dress – any tips on where to find it or something similar?
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Claire Lopez
It’s M&S and linked on my LTK shop but I think out of stock in most sizes now.
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Lynne
Thank you for this helpful post
My issue is with waisted dresses which seem to
be everywhere this season. I am 5’6” size 12 and high waisted. But generally a slim build. I suit tailored or fitted dresses. And the era of the Phase Eight cross over straight fit was perfect!
Can you do a feature for women like me who don’t do waisted or tied at the waist dresses which I find very unflattering. I would love to arrange an in person consultation so perhaps you can let me know how this might work.