The best way to shop clothing sales is by looking ahead to the next season. Looking to save money suggests planning. This requires not only personal taste but a basic understanding on what consistent fashion trends will look like come the next climatic season, as well as an understanding that timing is everything.
Remember the scene in “The Devil Wears Prada” where everyone is brainstorming ideas for their spring issue? Remember when someone suggests women’s florals and Miranda Priestly– played by the incomparable Meryl Streep– sarcastically replies “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” The idea behind recalling this statement is that there are certain consistent seasonal trends that will never go out of style and should be taken advantage of when they go on sale. Pencil skirts, cardigans, daisy duke shorts, pullover sweaters, jean jackets and florals (during spring) are some basics to never forget–“basics” in the best way possible. These are essential styles that will always be trendy when the weather for them comes around. So whether or not they show up on the runway, you could never go wrong with buying the white long sleeved turtle neck or flared polka-dot skirt during their offseason when they can be around half-off their original price–can’t say the same for a bubble skirt.
Keeping up with fashion shows and fashion magazines may be one aspect of understanding trends, the other is understanding that there are signature styles that will always make a statement and the other important detail is knowing how to find them on a budget. This requires considering what items are in less demand during certain times of the year. For instance fall and winter clothing are what will predominantly go on sale right now, during the beginning of spring. Right as the warmer weather kicks in, retail stores will begin cutting down prices on winter apparel in order to make room for items that the majority of shoppers will be looking for. If you know that next winter you will need a large warm coat the time to search for it is now. Sure finding the Eddie Bower insulated winter jacket on a rack in April or May will be somewhat of a hassle –especially if you already have a specific one in mind and for some reason hate online shopping- but it will likely be at a significantly discounted price. Once winter comes around, that coat will experience high demand and the prices will reflect that. This is where your Junior High history class comes in handy -supply and demand is a rule all markets work under.
Today you could be wearing your ballet flats to go shopping, but remember if you want your feet and legs to keep warm during the next Holiday season, the best time to shop for those always trendy knee-high brown riding boots -at a favorable price- is now. Finding trends on sale require understanding two rules: basics and timing –the rest is luck.
