That fashionable item seemed so nice at first, but it has been in your closet with the price tag still on for several months now. Obviously, that is a total waste, but a bad buy could happen to anyone. During the sale period, the promotions are at their best, and you risk the chance of buying something you’ll eventually regret. That’s why we give you 8 tips on how to avoid a bad buy during the sale.

#1 Do you really need it?

It all sounds logical, but we often forget to question ourselves if we really need that fashion item. That black jumper may seem lovely, but you probably already have five black jumpers that look similar. With each garment you’d like to buy, consider whether it’s an addition to your wardrobe. If this is not the case, please let the offer pass.

#2 Buy the correct size

Finally those fancy trainers are reduced in price, but your size is sold out. Bummer! You can’t resist the offer and decide to buy a size up or down. When you don’t buy the correct size, chances are you’ll never wear it. If your size is sold out, just don’t buy the shoes. A good deal where your size is still available will come along. Eventually.

#3 Don’t be swayed

A nice sales talk from the friendly salesperson or a friend who gives you unsolicited advice on your fashion purchases, chances are you’ll get into the tack anyway. The final result: another item you’ll never wear ends up in your closet. As lovely as the talks of the people around you may sound, just listen to yourself. You, like no other, know what clothes make you feel comfortable.

#4 Think of how you can team it with items you already have in your closet

The combination of clothes makes or breaks an outfit. When you buy that cute blouse because it looked amazing on the mannequin, you’ll probably end up deceived. The combination of clothes the model wore in the picture is not the same as what you have hanging in your closet. When you buy an item that’s reduced, just think of how you can team it with the clothes you already have.

#5 Is it really your style?

Sometimes you just need a change to step out of your comfort zone. Changes can have a positive result, but there’s also the chance of the garment ending up unworn because it’s not quite your style. The more comfortable you feel in your clothes, the more confidence you show. Try to stay true to yourself when coming across a great deal. Do you still want to try something else? Think it through and think of how you can team the garment with the rest of your clothes.

#6 Buy cheaply, pay dearly

Cheap fashion may sound appealing, but chances are they’ll be ruined in no-time. The faster it breaks, the sooner you’ll have to buy something new. Again. If you add up all the costs of your cheap clothes, you finally spend as much as you would on quality products. Especially during the sales period, you can shop quality clothing at an absolute steal. It’s better to buy one beautiful item on sale than buying all those cheap £5 T-shirts.

#7 Think it through

Hasty decisions are rarely a good idea and the same rule applies when you shop during the sale: just think it through. During the sales period, you may feel some pressure because items can sell out quickly. Still, thinking about your purchase before actually buying it won’t do any harm, but you may not want to think for weeks. Put your computer, telephone, or tablet aside and do some chores around the house while you think about buying that offer. After an hour your favourite products won’t be sold out, but at least you’ve made an informed decision.

#8 Check the care labels in advance

A silk dress is beautiful, but what if you find out the garment is handwash only after wearing it once? You probably won’t wear it again. Chances are the dress will end up staying in your laundry basket because handwashing is too much trouble. Or it ‘accidentally’ ends in your washing machine and as a result, you’ll have a destroyed dress. If you know that handwashing, ironing, or taking it to the cleaners is too much trouble, just check the care labels before purchasing.