The summer sales classic you must snap up - and the ones to avoid: Fashion editor DINAH VAN TULLEKEN reveals all the tricks to save a fortune

Daily Mail​

10-07-2025

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Sales can seduce even the savviest of shoppers. You'd think that as a fashion editor I'd be able to resist the lure of a final price slash, and the race to get my hands on limited stock.
But some of my costliest mistakes have been in sales. After all, a bargain isn't really worth having if you never wear it.
That said, some of my best-loved garments have also been sale purchases – items I love all the more because I paid half the original price or less.
The trick is not to treat the sales as a bargain bin and peruse the rails looking for inspiration. Instead, you need to strategise before you hit the shops.
First, stick to staples: pieces that can be worn year-round and slot seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. These aren't impulse buys – they're wardrobe lifers.
Next, before committing to any purchase, ensure it passes the cost-per-wear test. Is it something you can – and will – wear 50 times?
Finally, ask yourself whether the piece will work with at least three outfits you already own. If the answer is yes, it's a go. If not, walk away.
With this approach, sales can be an opportunity to secure pieces you need, and love, at a fraction of their usual price.
To make things easier, we've picked five sales buys that are truly timeless and guaranteed to work hard in your wardrobe, season after season.
Winning wide-leg denim
Jeans are always a smart buy. Sure, cuts evolve, but jeans are a staple you'll get 50 wears out of easily.
And they're guaranteed to go with pretty much everything else you own.
Rumours of a skinny jean revival will not come to pass. No, it's a high-rise, wide-leg you're after – easily the most flattering silhouette. The Rails pair below are more than half price at Harvey Nichols.
Flattering shirred dress
It started with Ganni and Dôen – and thankfully the trend has trickled down to the High Street.
A shirred dress is universally flattering, comfortable and it works for everything from everyday errands to those special occasions.
Look for smocking around the waist or covering the whole torso – whatever your body shape, that bit of stretch is your best friend.
A summer favourite you'll keep pulling out for years.
Catwalk-inspired bag
The woven tote has become the bag to be seen with: practical, beautiful, and far more elegant than the bulky leather holdalls of seasons past. Understated and sophisticated, it embodies a kind of sleek minimalism that never dates.
Bottega Veneta has been championing the tote for years – and its appeal hasn't waned. My advice is to invest in real leather, in black, blue or brown.
Bold ballet pumps
The 'it' shoe of 2025, 2024 and 2023 . . . let's be honest, they never really go out of style.
Yep, a smart sale buy is the ballet pump, reimagined with a twist.
Skip the traditional shapes and look for pairs with edge: crystal embellishment à la Alaïa from Bimba y Lola, or a bright red double strap from Mint Velvet that could be Miu Miu.
When it comes to how, when, and where to wear them, the possibilities are endless. A sound investment.
Timeless suede jacket
Sumptuous suede is stylish but doesn't come cheap . . . unless it's on sale. For those lusting after Prada's £4,300 version, Mango has a similar piece now marked down to £149.99.
Don't be swayed by bold colours such as red or navy blue. Go for a timeless brown – or tan, camel or taupe – and avoid embellishments such as tassels or fringing.
It may be in the sale, but it's still an investment piece, and one you don't want to tire of.