January is sale month in the clothing retail industry. Shops and online retailers are bursting with temptingly low priced clothes, shoes and accessories. There is a frenzied atmosphere of excitement as customers forage through the colourfull chaos to snap up the best bargains, but should you be joining the fray?
That really depends on what type of shopper you are, how much time you have on your hands and whether you genuinely need the items on sale.
If you do not particularly like to shop, are a busy individual for whom time is in short supply, then I suggest that you scratch sale shopping off your list. Trawling through disorganized sale rails takes time, and an expert eye. There is no guarantee you will find what you are looking for in the right size and may walk away empty handed, having wasted your valuable time. You should rather streamline your shopping time by shopping when new, fully stocked coordinated ranges are in. This way you can more easily find exactly what you want and the items that go with it. Using the services of a stylist or personal shopper may be invaluable to you as they help you achieve style success in less time, leaving you free to focus on the things in life that are really important to you.
Love to shop? Have more time than money? Love the thrill of the chase to find that special bargain that looks like a million dollars on you? Sale shopping could help you dress well for less – if you stick to my common-sense rules below. The danger with sale (or outlet) shopping is that the lure of the low price clouds your better judgment and you end up purchasing a bunch of items you do not need or you will not wear. With growing concerns about fast fashion it is good to be aware that items which end up sitting in your wardrobe, never getting worn, are simply waste – not just for your bank account but for the environment. Instead of snapping up loads of low-price items, rather seek out quality investment items at a lower price. Think of converting 3 cheap items into 1 strategic purchase. A quality Italian wool coat or leather hand bag for instance (handbags are a great sale item to snap up as you don’t have to spend time finding the right size and fit). If you keep up with current trend direction & avoid fads, the item will still be stylish for a longer time.
My common-sense rules to dress well for less on sale (and full price too!):
1. You should have a use for this item – seems obvious, but the novelty of the item might make you ignore this. Examine your current wardrobe, and consider your lifestyle, seasons and activities… and be clear on your actual needs before you leave home!
2. Size matters – but not in the way you think. The best way to look expensive is to wear clothes that fit you well. Too short, too long, too tight on the hips/thigh/belly? Don’t buy it! Irrespective of the number on the size label, the cut should be comfortable and elegant on you. You are unique with unique body proportions. The right size is the size that fits you. If an item is too loose in the waist or hip, or too long, get it tailored at a seamstress to fit perfectly.
3. Colour coordinate. This is so important. You are less likely to wear items in colours that that do not suit you or do not match what you have already in your wardrobe. Even worse, if you do wear them you will not look your best! If you do not already know which colours suit you, consider a colour consultation with a trained professional near you. They will give you your own colour pallette to shop with that will make everything so much easier to coordinate – from clothes and shoes to accessories and makeup – no matter when or where you buy it. You can achieve a wardrobe that looks seamlessly coordinated and show-cases you!
Lastly, be mindful about your wardrobe – less is more- rather walk away empty handed than buy more useless clutter. This way you will dress well, not only for less money, but you will minimize your environmental impact. Great style is not dependent on the quantity of clothes in your cupboard but rather having the right items. If your current wardrobe is not helping you achieve effortless style despite being crammed full of clothes, look out for my next article on “Does your wardrobe need a detox?”.
To learn more about how you can look stylish and be your own brand look at my up-and-coming events and personal services or contact me fayehofmann@gmail.com
About the Author
Faye Hofmann is qualified in Fashion Design and Colour Analysis and has worked as fashion designer, trends consultant and personal stylist. Since she started in the fashion world 20 years ago she has had much experience translating fashion trends into successful styles for large corporate retailers, boutiques and individuals.
Currently based in central Switzerland, one of her of her greatest joys is using her expertise to help others look and feel good.
To learn more about what style can do for you, visit www. fayehofmann.com