25 stylish sales bargains that you’ll keep forever
It’s easy to get carried away during the sales. The crowded rails, the hordes of people, the juggling of hangers and the clothes that inevitably slip off them… I reckon some high street retailers actively create a stressful environment so that we panic-buy more than intended.
In the past, I’ve warned friends and family to approach sale season with caution because there’s often a very good reason why an item didn’t sell at full price, whether it’s a weird fit or a trend that will date quickly.
This year feels different though. Stores seem to be marking down a much broader range of stock – including lots of useful wardrobe building blocks. Trading conditions have been tough, and although sales were up in November, it’s only thanks to Black Friday discounting. The sooner they start their end-of-season sales, the sooner they can hit fiscal targets.
We’re still in the midst of a cost of living crisis, though, so if you’re anything like me, you’ll be mulling over every purchase carefully. Pitfalls are everywhere: buying a pair of shoes that are impossible to walk in; investing in too-tight trousers or dresses bought because 2024 is the year you really, really will lose that stubborn half-stone; getting an item almost identical to something you already own; convincing yourself that you’ll wear something that is completely impractical for the life you live.
You can avoid this if you take a moment to ask yourself a few key questions: does it truly fit and flatter you? Does it fill a gap in your existing wardrobe? Will it go with anything in your existing wardrobe? How often can you see yourself wearing it?
Another approach is to think about the clothes you reach for when you don’t know what to wear. If you’re wearing the same item on repeat, then perhaps the gap in your wardrobe is for the same thing in a different colour.
Ultimately, if you were tempted to buy it at full price, it’s probably going to be a worthwhile sale investment. And the best pieces to buy? Scroll on…
Women
Hush had a reboot in 2023, and its coats were the highlight – this berry hue is so sophisticated. The Me+Em sale is full of versatile wear-everywhere dresses, and if you’re after some new everyday jewellery, silver is the way to go in 2024.
Miranda wool-blend coat, £135 (was £239) Hush; Recycled satin maxi dress, £206.50 (was £295) Me+Em meandem.com
Wool-blend fringe sweater, £168 (was £240) Essentiel Antwerp; Recycled sterling silver earrings, £105 (were £150) Monica Vinader, Marni Tribeca tote bag, £206 (was £344) MyTheresa
Raey does the best jeans, in my opinion, and this cropped, high-waist style is a modern classic – the denim is non-stretch, so be prepared to size up. Boden knitwear is always strong, and the jewelled buttons really elevate this cardigan. For everyday walkable heels, these clog-style sandals are so comfortable – wear them with woolly socks now, and without come summer.
Mohair-wool-blend cardigan, £84 (was £120) Boden; Raey Find organic cotton jeans, £64 (were £160) Matches
Soeur braided leather belt, £96 (was £160) Selfridges; Kampala leather sandal, £79 (were £159) Penelope Chilvers; Cashmere socks, £29 (were £45) Brora
A suit is the easiest way to look pulled-together; this Jigsaw one is 50 per cent off and I predict it to sell out. Cefinn’s Riley blouse has been a collection mainstay for years. Dear Frances boots are made from the most beautiful leather; team them with a crescent-shaped bag, which is becoming a modern classic, whether it’s a designer or high street version.
Crosshatch Knox blazer, £110 (was £220) and Mason trousers, £70 (were £140), both Jigsaw
Silk blouse, £135 (was £270) Cefinn; Half-moon leather crossbody bag, £127.50 (was £159) All Saints; Black leather Gem boots £380 (were £540) Dear Frances
Men
Uniqlo remains a go-to for super-warm-yet-affordable outerwear, and it’s already on sale. Sunspel is second to none for men’s T-shirts and fine-knits; this scarf by Paul Smith succeeds in being classic and interesting at the same time. Even classic Levi 501s have been marked down.
Ultra warm hybrid down coat, £99.90 (was £159.90) Uniqlo; Lambswool ‘Trent Stripe’ scarf, £60 (was £85) Paul Smith; Brigade suede boots, £145 (were £245) Russell & Bromley
Shirting is always a good investment, as is a half-zip knit. If you’re in need of trainers, a retro shape like New Balance 515s are cool without looking fashion victim-y. Massimo Dutti is an anti-trend brand, so it’s a great source for work-friendly separates.
Mr P cotton Oxford shirt, £75 (was £125) Mr Porter; Men’s 515 trainers, £40 (were £80) New Balance
Sacker rib half-zip sweatshirt, £72 (was £120) Gant; Cool wool trousers, £59.95 (were £99.95) Massimo Dutti; Flannel baseball cap, £33 (was £55) Hackett
