Are you ready to dig deeply into your pockets and bag the best bargains? The summer sales are the perfect occasion to do just that. Before you hit the high street, there are some things you should consider to ensure you are a winner on the day.
1. Think before you spend. This is important before you set foot inside any shop. Otherwise, you run the risk of engaging in reckless spending and impulse buying. The summer sales can be a minefield if you are easily led and seduced by signs promising “Never to be repeated bargains”or “70% off original prices”. It is all too easy to succumb to the biggest reduction or the cheapest offer even if the cut-price item is a bad buy on all fronts.
2. Have a plan. This is the key to successful shopping. Are you going to the sales because you need a particular item to plug a gap in your wardrobe, are waiting to be tempted by something that you did not even know you needed, or just fancy some retail therapy? The answers to those questions will help inform your purchasing decisions.
3. Identify your fashion needs. You can do this by undertaking a wardrobe inventory and making a list of the things you need to replace or upgrade. How best can you update your collection or complete a particular look? Do you need a dress for a special occasion such as a wedding, a jacket for office wear, or a glamorous shirt to take an outfit from day to evening?
If you have a good basic fashion collection, you may just need to revitalise it with a few well chosen pieces. Would a bright floral shirt give new life to a classic jacket that has served you well down through the seasons or could a striped top elevate last summer’s favourite to high fashion status? Make a list of your requirements and remember to be specific.
4. Dress for success. Wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of and if you plan to buy something dressy, it is a good idea to bring along a pair of high heels so you have appropriate footwear. A touch of make-up will enhance your appearance and add the finishing touch to your overall look.
5. Recognise what type of shopper you are. The most common types include impulse buyers, bargain hunters, brand-focused shoppers, and need-based or price-conscious customers. Many of us fall into the impulse shopper category. Frequently driven by immediate gratification, we see something we like and buy it on the spur of the moment. Unfortunately, by the time we arrive home we may regret our hastily made decision. Bargain hunters are motivated by the possibility of getting an unbeatable deal. They love saving money and the prospect of exclusive deals, slashed prices, and limited offers give them a dopamine hit like no other. They have no brand or shop loyalty and are only faithful to the lowest offer they can find. Brand-focused buyers tend to remain true to their tried and trusted brands and will look out for price reductions among these. Their attention will not be swayed easily. Need-based customers only buy clothes out of necessity. They are not frivolous shoppers; their purchases are planned and bought to meet a need. Price-conscious shoppers stick to a strict budget and are likely to forgo a top-quality item for a more affordable one. They use the sales to stock up on heavily-discounted clothes.
6. Aim for value-for-money. Will you wear the garment you are about to buy on several occasions? You should be able to make at least two new combinations with your sale item. If you are a style queen, you may even exceed this number. Bear this in mind when you are buying something. Other questions to ask yourself are: Will it co-ordinate with other pieces in your wardrobe? Is it timeless or more of a novelty buy? If you were to buy it at its original price, would you still consider it a bargain? Is the quality good? If you answer “no” to any of those questions, think long and hard before parting with your hard earned cash.
7. Draw up a realistic budget. This is essential and will help rein in your spending if you are tempted to splash too much cash on bargain buys. It is easy to get carried away with sales fever and exceed your budget.
8. Take your time. Rushed purchasing decisions can lead to regret, unwise spending, and expensive mistakes. Avoid shopping at peak periods (quieter times such as weekday mornings are ideal ), when you are hungry or tired, or generally not feeling your best. You need a clear head, time, energy, and space if you are to find the best bargains.
9. Shop sustainably. Buy only what you need. Purchasing items we do not need contributes to a throwaway culture and a rise in landfill waste. Snapping up a novelty look that will be out of fashion by the end of the month or a half-price outfit that you will never wear, is a waste of the energy and resources that went into making it, even if it sells at a rock-bottom price.
If you are replacing something, repurpose the old one. Donate it to charity or pass it on to family or friends. Look out for wardrobe staples that you know you will get good wear from such as bags, shoes, or coats. Timeless pieces will take you through several seasons and years with style and could become your signature look. Prioritise quality over quantity to extend the life of garments and protect the planet.
Consider shopping in charity or secondhand shops and giving pre-loved clothing, bags, or jewellery a new lease of life. Many of these stores have sales so that way you could get your fashion fix in a more eco-friendly way.
10. Harness the power of accessories. Scarves, bags, belts, hats, or jewellery are always good investments. They can elevate an outfit in an instant, adding show-stopping glamour or helping you transition between casual and elegant, practical and dressy. They offer endless opportunities for self expression and can also provide interesting detail.
11. Enlist the advice of others. It is important that you trust the style advice and opinions of the family members or friends who accompany you on your shopping trip. If they are going to be more of a hindrance than a help, opt to go solo.
12. Know the store’s return policy before buying. This is particularly important if you tend to change your mind about your purchases once you get home or after you try on a garment in a different light.
13. Buy a complete look. This advice applies especially to people who tend to only buy clothes a few times a year. Buying a total look not only makes life simpler, it could save you money, wardrobe space, and the effort of co-ordinating outfits.
14. Recognise a bargain when you see one. We all think we can but sometimes our opinions are coloured by the fact that an item is greatly reduced. Straight away, we think this is a not-to-be-missed bargain. But it is only so, if we want the garment in the first place! If the colour, cut, or style does not suit you or if you would think twice about paying the full price for it, leave it where it belongs, hanging forlornly on a shop clothes rail.
