Traditionally, the sales were a time for brands to offload trend-driven pieces that had dated already. Meaning, anything you were buying was already ‘last season’ aka, passé. Thankfully, times have changed and, while brands will always be looking to shift old stock, fashion’s more seasonless approach means there are a slew of non-trend pieces available in the sales that will see you through the coming season and beyond. The key to shopping sales is to think timeless and classic. If you’re considering a purchase, honestly ask yourself, ‘Will I be able to wear this in three years’ time?’ If the answer is yes, then you know you’re onto a good thing. 

Knits are always a good idea

Choose a brand you love or have had your eye on for a while, it’ll make your purchase all the sweeter. Try to go for a cashmere-wool blend, like this one below by Vince – it’s less likely to pile.

Wool and cashmere blend polo-shirt, Vince, was €470, now €235; www.net-a-porter.com.

Bag a blazer

A blazer truly is – and I know this word is bandied around quite a bit – a timeless piece that will always serve you in your wardrobe. Upgrade to a leather blazer, now’s your chance, or how about an after-dark appropriate tuxedo jacket that you can dress down during the day with jeans and a pair of loafers? We like this one.

Jeans are worth investing in

Sometimes, we can neglect those foundational pieces in our wardrobes, swept away instead by more seasonal pieces that satisfy an urge to be on trend. However, jeans are the one thing you shouldn’t neglect – especially if you wear them on repeat! However, I will give you this warning. If you are going to buy jeans online in the sales, then go for a brand you’ve tried before and you know the fit of. A lot of the leading denim brands differ in their sizing, so a size 8 in Frame may fit exactly the same in, say, Redone or & J Brand. Proceed with caution. 

Boots are your friend 

Chelsea boots have been the hottest boot style around for the last two years – and it’s not looking like it’s going to change anytime soon. (Even if it does, who cares – they’re classics.) Sales are the perfect time to nab a designer pair of shoes that ordinarily would be a bit out of budget. In terms of boots, the better the brand often means you’re getting hard wearing leather that’s also butter-soft. Win-win. Look for something like these Jimmy Choo boots, below, as a sound investment purchase. 

Clayton ankle boots, Jimmy Choo, was €840, now €590; www.harveynichols.com.