3 Rules to Survive the Sales (and Avoid Buyer’s Remorse)
It used to be that sales happened only just after Christmas. But with the way the High Street is now, and the constant drive to consume, sales are in full swing all year round. Emails and notifications land in your inbox thick and fast, not to mention the targeted ads following you around the internet. It is so easy to get swept up in the discounts and the 'Fear Of Missing Out.' But before you click 'Add to Basket,' I want to share the exact advice I give my 1:1 clients."
1. Visualise Your Outfits If you are someone who loves to browse the sales - whether that is scrolling online or rifling through rails in-store - you need to be super strict with yourself.
Repeat after me: Just because it is cheap, does not mean I need it.
You should only buy an item if you can immediately visualise it adding value to an existing outfit.
The Finishing Touch: Is it the coat or accessory that completes a look you already wear a lot?
The Upgrade: Is it the missing piece to something you feel needs a lift (for example, is it time to try a different shape of trouser to update your knitwear?)
If you can't mentally style it with three things you already own, walk away.
2. Only Buy What Fills a Gap As I said, I am not strictly anti-sales. They can be the perfect time to bag yourself a high-quality item for a lower price - especially if it is something you actually need.
For example, I recently took advantage of the sales to buy gym wear. Why? Because my leggings had holes in the crotch and that is not something anyone wants to see!
The key, however, was focus. I didn’t get distracted by other offers. I really did not need anything else. Leggings were the mission, leggings were what I picked up, and then I closed the browser. Treat the sales like a mission: go in with a list, get the gap-filler, and get out.
3. Know Your Sizes and Fits The sales are not the time to experiment.
I would generally not advise trying a new brand or a new silhouette in the final clearance. Why?
The Returns Trap: Many shops have different (and stricter) returns policies when the item is in the sale. You don't want to be stuck with a non-refundable item that doesn't zip up.
The Disappointment: Trying new fits often leads to things looking different on your body than they do on the model, which can be disheartening.
Instead, use this time to re-buy. Go to your favourite places where you know exactly how the sizing works for your body. Stick to the brands that you trust. This is the best time of year to replace tired favourites or buy a backup of a staple piece you love - if you really need to.
Not sure where to start? If you are worried about making expensive mistakes in the sales, download my free Wardrobe Essentials Checklist.
It will help you identify exactly what staples you are missing so you can shop with a plan, not panic.
Or, book a free discovery call and discuss how we can work together 1-1.
Love Jess x
