Style tips: Smart moves at sale time

If you're one of the lucky ones with a little spare change left over from the Christmas season, now is the time to reorganise your wardrobe and hit the shops in search of a bargain.
But before you rise bright and early to be waiting outside the shop before it opens, take a little time to plan what you want to get out of your shopping experience.
To make the most of sale season, use these helpful pointers to ensure you return home with garments you're going to put to good use.

Reassess your wardrobe
We all know how tempting sales are to self-confessed shopaholics. But before you charge like a bull at a gate, stop and take a thorough look through the contents of your wardrobe. Otherwise you'll potentially return home with regrettable purchases that, though they were cheap, you don't actually need.
So before you venture out to rummage through rack after rack of clothes, work out what it is lacking from your wardrobe so you're not just purchasing for the sake of getting a bargain.
When you are at the shops, try to avoid solely trend-driven purchases and focus instead on statement, investment pieces that perhaps you couldn't afford during the year.
Sale time is also a good time to stock up on wardrobe essentials and basics.
Shop wisely
Sales can sometimes lead us astray and tempt us into buying ill-fitting clothes.
It's an all-too-common scenario - that gorgeous dress you couldn't afford a couple of months ago is now heavily reduced; unfortunately, they don't have your size. Some of us are afraid to admit we have a phobia of trying on a size larger than what we would usually wear - it's time to get over this, ignore the number on the label and buy what fits your body shape best.
However, if you find the size down is a little too tight and the size up much too big, it's time to stick to your guns and keep your purse in your handbag. As seductive as the reduced price tag may be, follow your senses and only buy garments that fit.

Get informed
A true shopaholic loves to be in the know. Many retailers send out notifications to loyalty club members to inform them of exclusive offers and sales before they start.
So when you're making a purchase and you're asked if you'd like to sign up to the retailer's loyalty club, take the time to fill out your details and register for email newsletters if they are on offer. This way you'll always be one step ahead of the general public and will be able to trawl through the sales racks before anyone else.
Unfortunately, many shops don't offer lay-bys when it comes to sale items. Keep this in mind, and start planning and budgeting for winter sales now.
Got a fashion or style topic you'd like us to cover? Email Natalie at editor@simplyyou.co.nz