HOW TO SHOP A SALE
Its that time of year again and particularly as its been a challenging year, the temptation to ‘treat ourselves’ just for getting through it, is strong and of course getting your Christmas bargains makes much more sense to make the most of deals and discounts, RIGHT?
However, when it comes to your personal impact on the environment and regarding your own finances, it never makes sense to shop the sales for pieces you don't actually want or need.
In order to prevent getting swept up in the Sale excitement and ending up with a load of unnecessary things that will sit in your wardrobe, take a moment to consider the best approach for you. To help, we have compiled a list of 10 questions to consider asking yourself before you buy anything.
1. Is this a brand you actually like?
There's a temptation to go rogue when it comes to Black Friday shopping – normally, when we want to buy something we love, we head to our favourite brands or stores because we like their aesthetic, quality and/or fit. For some reason, Black Friday makes us throw a measured approach to the wind, causing us to dive into shops we'd otherwise avoid. Resist the temptation. You will have a far better chance of ending up with a piece you love if you stick to your tried-and-tested brands.
2. Do you already have this item in your wardrobe?
Be aware of what you are lacking and need to invest in. Do you have something similar in your wardrobe that serves exactly the same function? Do a proper wardrobe clear-out beforehand, make a note of what you're looking for and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases that you will inevitably regret. Look at your wardrobe and bag up anything you haven't worn in the past six months – if something has remained unworn during that time period, it's unlikely you'll bring it out again soon. Only then will you see the gaps in your wardrobe.
3. Will it actually suit your body shape?
We've all been there – you see a picture of a celebrity wearing something and so you head to the changing room to try on a similar look. But are you dressing for your shape? It is worth spending some time thinking about what is in your wardrobe already that suits you – the size, colour and fabric you love and then looking for these specific things on sale rather than walking in blindly.
4. Would you buy it if it wasn't on sale?
The more you spend, the more you save? Think again. It is easy to get carried away when you're sale shopping, but items that have been dramatically marked down in price are not a bargain if you're not going to use them. If you wouldn't buy it full price, then it's not worth spending even half of that. Try to remember that the best deals only really apply to the clothing that you're going to wear often and not to those that will be left hanging in your wardrobe.
5. Are you going to have make alterations to it?
If you're yearning for something specific and it doesn't fall into the sale, don't go for the same thing in a different colour or – more importantly – a different size.
6. Do you really love it?
Now this is key. Buying something should make you feel good. There is no point in buying anything if it makes you feel slightly self-conscious or it gives you any cause for concern. Shopping should make you smile.
7 Will it date quickly?
Avoid trend-led items and stick to investment pieces that you will be able to wear for years to come. While everyone on the front row might be wearing that particular item this season, there is every chance it will look out of date very soon and, if it's already in the sale, the moment may well have passed. Choose capsule classics that are not likely to age quite as quickly.
8. Can you picture wearing it with three other items in your wardrobe?
Don't buy anything if it involves needing to buy other items. If a piece is right, then it should automatically work with your existing pieces, otherwise it'll end up dormant in your wardrobe.
9. Are you panic buying?
The Black Friday sales are not the last shopping event ever, so if you don't manage to pick up what you want, sit back and wait for the next opportunity. The January sales are right around the corner and you might have more luck next time. Don't just frantically buy what's in the sale for the sake of it, always wait for the right discounts.
10. Have you done your research?
Do your research beforehand – most shops will reveal what they plan to do ahead of time, so make sure you know where to find the best deals. This is particularly important if you're in the market for for a specific designer piece that is available at numerous outlets. Looking around in advance could save you a huge amount of money.
Sign up to all of your favourite brands and shops' newsletters so as soon as the information is revealed, you're in the know. Even better? Create a wish list online and they may email you about the particular pieces you are interested in when they head into the sale.
