While sale notifications in my inbox usually excite me, lately I’ve been feeling kind of “blah” about them. With all of these sales, how do you know what’s really worth getting? I wanted to know what styles you should buy from online sales, so I talked to personal stylist Sophie DuBow of Sophstyle, the New York based personal shopping service. In an attempt to make the most of all the online sales on clothes, bags, shoes, and everything else that has been marked down, I asked her for some of her golden rules of sale shopping.
“When it comes to shopping sale items online, I think it is important to look at items that are basics and have a place in your closet,” DuBow said. “I always say, 'buy items on sale because you love it, don’t buy it just because it is on sale.' DuBow said her favorite sale scores happen when she finds a staple item discounted (like a classic black dress or leather jacket). She also said buying trendy items can be a great way to take advantage of a sale. “I think it is great to mix it up with some trendy items you can see yourself wearing for at least for a season or two.” For more of her tips, read on.
1. Always Look For Great Basics On Sale, Like This Bralette
Free People Racerback Galloon Lace Bralette (XS-XL), $20 (Was $38), Nordstrom
DuBow said bralettes are must-haves, but that they tend to be overpriced. DuBow selected this discounted Free People bralette, for example, and pointed out that it's even available in neutral colors. "Whenever I see good basics on sale," DuBow said, "I always say get it while you can!"
2. Wait For Name Brands To Go On Sale
rag & bone 'Margot' Bootie (5-10), $345 (was $495), Nordstrom
When it comes to name brand purchases, DuBow said it's best to wait it out. "These boots are one of their top sellers," she pointed out, "and these are only on sale because they are a more seasonal color." Still, DuBow said she would wear the style in summer with sun dresses or fall with leggings and a sweater. "Rag & Bone boots are great quality, and it is great knowing you got them at a better price!"
3. Keep An Eye Out For In-Season Styles In Neutral Colors
QED London Chunky Knit High Neck Sweater (S/M-M/L), $30 (was $45), ASOS
"Now that fall has officially begun, I love finding sale pieces that are great for the new season," DuBow said. "This chunky knot sweater from ASOS is not only a great price, but it is a neutral color that will be a staple in your closet for the upcoming cooler months."
4. But Don't Shy Away From A Few Trendy Items, If The Deal Is Good Enough
Park Lane Heeled Chelsea Boots (5-10), $68 (was $102), ASOS
Even though DuBow advises to be weary of trends that may only last one season, sometimes it's okay to have a little fun, especially if it's a sale. "For example, patent boots are very fashionable right now, and a lot of luxury brands are coming out with unique patent boot styles," she said. "This is a great way to have a piece of the trend in your wardrobe without spending too much."
5. Take Advantage Of Bundled Sale Deals
Scoop Ribbed Crop Cami (6-12), $10, Topshop
While these are $10 each (still super affordable), when you buy more than one, the price goes down to $9. DuBow said these layering pieces are worth scooping up on sale "because they go with everything, and the neutral color selection is great for the price point."
6. Look For Sale Items With Great Reviews
Lace-Up Mini Dress (8-12), $24 (was $32), Topshop
DuBow said she's always on the hunt for sale items that reviewers love. "This dress has 5-star reviews, it is on trend, and $24 — add to cart, please!"
7. Seek Out Special Occassion Items On Sale, So You Don't Break The Bank When An Event Pops Up
Sierra Twist Plunging Jumpsuit (S-XL), $35 (was $58), NastyGal
DuBow said it's rare to find a trendy piece like this on sale in black — a color that's perfect for year-round. "I think this is definitely a great sale purchase, as it is more of a special occasion outfit."
8. Wait For Statement Items To Go On Sale
Nila Anthony Reggie Suede Bucket Bag, $29 (was $58), NastyGal
"This is the perfect example of an item I probably would not buy full price," DuBow said. "But because it is on such a good sale, and it has just that little bit of detail that makes it fun and different, I think it is a great one to get on sale! This bucket bag can add that special something to a more neutral or casual outfit (and it is only $29!)."
9. Grab Classic Accessories On Sale
Ray-Ban ORB3447 Round Metal Sunglasses, 47mm, $105 (was $150), Amazon
If you get lucky enough to find timeless accessories on sale, DuBow said you shouldn't hesitate to buy them. "Ray-Ban sunglasses are classic, and this is a timeless pair that happens to be on sale — definitely suggest this as a sale item purchase!"
10. Buy Inspired-By Pieces On Sale
Sterling Silver Twisted Love Knot Stud Earrings, $20 (was $50), Amazon
If these look like they should be more than $20, it's because they're designed just like the classic knot earrings from high-end luxury jewelry brands. DuBow said inspired-by items are great to buy on sale "because they are a nice alternative to wear to work or even just casually every day, but you don’t have the pressure of spending too much on them, in case you misplace one or they tarnish."
11. Get Seasonal Must-Haves On Sale When They're Out Of Season
Brave Soul Plus Shawl Cardigan (14-20), $36 (was $51), ASOS
A great wrap sweater will get you through the colder months, but if you buy during the height of fall or winter, chances are, you won't find it on sale. Buy those pieces before the weather transitions completely for the best deal, says DuBow.
12. Buy Something You Wouldn't Normally Buy, But Only If The Sale Is Major
Nasty Gal Curtain Yourself Fringe Dress (XXS-XL), $39 (was $128), NastyGal
DuBow said it's OK to buy an item you "normally wouldn’t pick out, but because it is a good price, you step out of your comfort zone a little bit!" An LBD is classic, but this one is edgy, fun, and is (most importantly) 70 percent off!
Images: Amazon (2); NastyGal (3); ASOS (3); Topshop (2); Nordstrom (2)
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