The smartest wardrobes are built around timeless pieces that transcend trends and seasons, earning their place in your wardrobe for years to come. Sale season is the ideal opportunity to invest in staples at a fraction of their original price, while also picking up a few trend-led pieces and designer finds you might not otherwise consider.
How to shop for designer investment pieces on sale
Create a wish list on Net-a-Porter and resist the urge to buy immediately – its coveted sale events offering 20% off already reduced items making investment pieces even more attainable. If you sign up to Net-a-Porter, put an item in your basket and either wait for it to be further reduced or for the online platform to offer a limited time extra 20% off code – this happens a number of times during the sale period.
Build up a 'relationship' with designer brands
If you have a favourite label, follow it on Instagram, where final markdowns are frequently announced, with discounts of up to 70% on everything from sunglasses and accessories, to outerwear and wardrobe staples. I've recently followed Anine Bing, Serena Bute London, and sunglasses brand Chimi - all of which announced when final reductions were made.
Now is the time to experiment with trend pieces
Sales are also the perfect excuse to embrace a trend you may have overlooked or simply didn’t want to invest in at full price. Zara’s Special Prices section is a hidden gem for this. You might not want to take the plunge on front-pleated balloon trousers at full price, but when they’re reduced, they’re worth experimenting with. And who knows? You may just find your new favourite style.
Build a capsule wardrobe with sale basics
Prioritise beautifully cut shirts, luxurious knitwear and elevated essentials to create a capsule wardrobe of pieces that transition and are classic enough to wear for years. Arket is great for stylish basics, and is currently offering up to 50% reductions.
London-based sustainable womenswear label Navygrey is well worth investing in during sale season. Head to the brand's Archive Sale on its website, where timeless wardrobe staples - from beautifully crafted crew-neck jumpers to elevated T-shirts - are often reduced by around £100, making it the perfect time to buy pieces you'll love for years.
Last summer, I snapped up four jumpers at 50% off that I wore throughout the winter, and will be wearing them again this winter.
Be a step ahead and snap up some elevated outerwear
Buying more expensive pieces, such as coats, when they’re reduced is a smart move. If you can, push your budget a little further and look for styles that have been reduced by 50% or more. Focus on classic cuts and quality fabrics that will stand the test of time.
I have bought winter coats when the temperature has been in the high 20s, only to wait months before I could wear them. But when autumn finally arrives, I’m always glad I bought them. I have bought winter coats when the temperature has been in the late 20s, and had to wait months to wear them. But I am always glad I did, when autumn comes around.
