With the economic downturn, most retailers are extending sale prices and taking record-breaking markdowns this year. Here are some tips on how you can make the most of your shopping this time of year.
Take inventory
Take a good hard look at your wardrobe and make a list of everything you need before the sales even start. Do you need basics like a black skirt and black pants? These are must-haves that form the foundation of your wardrobe and will go with every jacket, blouse, and shell that you own. Do you own accessories that make a statement and give you a polished, finished look? Consider adding pizzazz to your wardrobe with earrings, belts and brooches. If you need special shoes, this is the time of year to buy those high-end brands that will make your feet feel so good. Now is also the time to pick up great looking jackets to go with your black skirts and pants.
Preshop
If you don't have a game plan on the first day of the sale, you waste valuable time and miss great opportunities. So do your research before the sales begin. Head out to your favorite stores to check out merchandise beforehand and find the things you need. That way, on on the day of the sale, you can head straight to the departments that have the things you need, and you won’t get sidetracked by unnecessary impulse buys.
Making a list of the things you need and noting where you found them so you can make a beeline for your favorites is just like dining in a buffet restaurant--don’t fill up on junk, go straight for the good stuff before it’s gone.
Formulate a game plan--and stick to it
Some tips for formulating your game plan:
- Women: If you don’t have a great fitting black skirt and black pants, put that at the top of your list because every top that you own (dressing up or dressing down) will go with them. It is better to have one great-fitting black skirt [or pants] than half a dozen ill-fitting ones in an array of colors.
- If you want to build a serious wardrobe, stick to solid colors that are easily interchangeable and will pass the test of time and seasons.
- This is a good time to build up your accessories. Look for bold statement pieces that will add a polished look, and that can easily take an outfit from day to evening.
- Don’t feel pressured into buying something you don’t like just because it’s a "good deal." Chances are, it will just end up on the floor of your closet. Save that money and buy something of quality that you will use all year long.
- Same thing with fit: choose clothes that already fit well or that need few alterations.
- My suggestion: make sure you stock up on just the basics, not on fads or trends that will be out of style quickly (which is what usually goes on sale).
- Remember to stick to your list! If you feel tempted to buy something you hadn’t originally planned on, ask a salesperson to put it on hold then go home and see if you need it or even forget you liked it. Chances are, you don’t.
