The countdown to the Christmas sales is on! With just days until one of the biggest shopping events of the year begins, now is the perfect time to prepare your strategy. Whether you’re planning to hit the shops first thing on Boxing Day or browse the online sales from the comfort of your sofa, read my guide to help you navigate the sales successfully and ensure every purchase is one you’ll love and wear.

A Mindful Approach

Before diving into the sales, take a moment to consider why you’re shopping. Are you excited to shop for specific pieces which are going to add value to your wardrobe or are you caught up in sale fever? It’s worth remembering that a discount isn’t a saving if you’re buying something you don’t truly need or want. Let’s shop mindfully and purposefully this season.

Don’t go off Piste

There’s a temptation to go off piste when it comes to sales shopping. Usually when we want to buy something we love, we head to our favourite go-to brands (or stores) as we like the range of colours and styles they offer and we know their clothes fit well.  Yet for some reason sale shopping can see us throw caution to the wind and before we know it we’re purchasing pieces in shops we rarely step foot in or buying pieces we don’t really need. If you relate, my advise is to resist the temptation and stick with the brands you know and love.

Shop with a List

Ahead of shopping the sales it’s worth taking the time to go through your wardrobe and make a list of pieces you need which will add to your wardrobe.  It will keep you focused when you hit the shops and help you avoid purchasing pieces you’ll never wear.

Smart Digital Prep & Research

Do your research before hitting the shops, especially in today’s digital age. If you’ve got your eye on specific pieces, take advantage of digital tools at your disposal. Set price alerts using retailer apps and sign up for loyalty programs to get early access to sales. Many retailers reveal their plans ahead of time and offer exclusive online discounts, so it’s worthwhile comparing in-store and online prices before making a move. Create a digital wish list to track prices and avoid impulse purchases – this simple prep work could save you significant money in the long run.

Consider a Hybrid Approach

To make your shopping more efficient, try browsing online first to identify items you want to try in-store. Use store apps to check real-time inventory before visiting – there’s nothing more frustrating than heading to a store only to find your size is sold out. Consider using ‘click and collect’ services to secure items at sale prices while avoiding the crowds.

Don’t forget your budget parameters

It’s so important before you head out to decided your budget and then exercise self discipline.  Give yourself a maximum spend and only buy something if you can truly afford it.  Remember, your better to return home with one piece you love and are going to get lots of wear out of than overspending on several items which sit in your wardrobe unworn.

Shop early

If you want to get the best deals or are after a particular size or style it’s a good idea to shop early. Many stores have the best deals at the start of the sale and popular items and sizes are likely to sell out quickly. Plus crowds increase during the middle of the day and last thing in the afternoon.

Dress for the occasion

Always wear something comfortable and easy to change in and out of when shopping the sales (leggings, a t-shirt and shoes you can slip on an off are ideal). Wear a cross body bag if you have one so you can shop hands free and remember to wear some make-up – it will give you a much better idea of how pieces your trying on will look.  

Taking Breaks & Staying Fresh

Shopping the sales can be overwhelming, so don’t forget to take regular breaks. A tired mind makes poor decisions, so pack a water bottle, plan a coffee break, and don’t feel pressured to get everything done in one go. The best purchases are often made with a clear head and renewed energy.

Test your purchase for wearability, durability & maintenance

When making a purchase always take the time to try it on and test what your planning to buy for wearability, durability and maintenance.  By that I mean are the pieces suitable for what you want them for?  Durability – if most of your day is spent driving, a linen suit would not be the best choice.  And consider garment maintenance – a cream suit would likely need dry cleaning after every wear.  Is the cost worth it?

Sustainability Check

While testing your potential purchase, take a moment to check the fabric composition and construction quality. In our increasingly environmentally conscious world, it’s worth considering the longevity of each piece. A well-made item in a sustainable fabric might cost more, even in the sales, but could prove more economical and environmentally friendly in the long run.

Does it excite you or can you live without it?

Don’t buy anything unless it really excites you and if it involves needing to buy other items as it will end up sitting in your wardrobe.  Instead when you think you’ve found something you like ask yourself. Can I;

• Wear it with 3 existing items in my wardrobe?
• Wear it to 3 different occasions?
• Wear it over 3 different seasons?
• Wear it for 3 years?

If the answers isn’t yes to all four questions put the item back and keep looking until you find a piece that ticks all the boxes.

Keep your receipts & check the returns policy

Always keep hold of your receipts (especially when purchasing items in the sale) and make sure you check the returns policy.  Some sale items can be returned within a shorter than normal timescale while other shops offer an exchange or credit note.  Exchanges and credit notes are fine but not so useful if your shopping in store you don’t usually buy from.

Post Purchase Smart Steps

Once you’ve made your purchases, don’t rush to remove tags. Take photos of how new items pair with your existing clothes, and keep track of return deadlines in your phone calendar. Consider implementing a ‘one in, one out’ rule – for every new piece you bring in, remove one that you no longer wear. This helps maintain a curated, functional wardrobe while preventing overcrowding.

Will you be shopping the sales this year?