Gift Guides & Inspiration
Our Fashion Editor’s pick of the sale
Found! 6 wardrobe classics – that you’ll 100% wear – and other (actually) useful tips for acing the John Lewis summer sale
Sales shopping eh, it’s for the early birds, the Monicas, the full-time bargain hunters and your tech-obsessed Uncle Nige, right? You’ve barely slathered on the SPF before someone’s barking ‘SUMMER SALE OF THE CENTURY, NOW ON!’
Only – what if I told you that there is an easier way to navigate the sales – with actually useful guides to shopping smart (minus the queues and the early starts). And it starts with fashion.
Here’s the thing: John Lewis has up to 50% off selected fashion, womenswear, nightwear, jackets, dresses, occasionwear, menswear and selected childrenswear*. Which is undeniably giddy-inducing.
And we’ve whittled down the very best bits, below, to help save you time, energy and money. That way, you can win at sales shopping, from the comfort of your front room.
The Fashion Eds’ top SALE picks & tips
Do invest in wardrobe classics. Don’t rule out off-season staples. Do check sizing. Don’t size down for ‘future you’, it’ll just make you feel rubbish. Don’t buy something just because it's on sale. Do read this in the style of Baz Luhrmann. Don’t chase trends. Do shop next season, now. Do set a budget.
1. Quality fabrics
Sales are a great opportunity to invest in the best (of what you can afford) for less, be it 100% silk, 100% linen, leather or (undeniably decadent) cashmere.
Yes, cashmere – in summer. This suits-all-seasons fabric is far smarter than you may think. Not only does it help our skin to regulate temperature, in both hot and cold climates (shout out to all those thermally insulating fibres) but it feels undeniably luxe – an instant perk-me-up on Mondays, meh days and every mood in-between.
Why not opt for a silk dress, 100% linen shirt, chuck-it-on cardi’ or a luxe leather bag? Safe in the knowledge that such tactical textures come with zero regrets.
2. Clever coats
Coats can make – or break – an outfit, and yet there’s no denying that they can be costly. The cure? Find your forever style in the summer sales. The most timeless cover-ups come cocooned in shape, trench in cut or quilted – in black, beige or earthy neutral shades.
My top picks? A camel coat or classic trench (best worn with burgundy or brown in autumn, and with baby blue or red come spring) OR – if you already own those? Get a joyful jacket. This quilty pleasure is ideal for those awkward in-between weather days.
3. Better basics
Be it the perfect white tee, a long-sleeve layering top or a simple crisp white shirt – basics are the backbone to every clever capsule closet, but you knew that. If, like me, you long to invest – but wince at the cost of longer-lasting 100% cotton – then make a beeline for them in the sales instead. You’ll feel the benefits for years to come, promise.
4. The ‘carpe diem’ buy
Sure, sales shopping should be sensible (no one enjoys post-shoppers’ remorse) but, having said that…
You know That Dress you’ve been thinking about all season long? The one that you LOVE, if only occasion and budget would permit?
NOW is the time to treat yourself to the feel-good, why-the-hell-not buy. It’s in the sale, it’s in your size, it’s nothing if not fate! Just make sure that it’s one of those timeless, forever-fash’, ready-in-a-flash sort of buys.
In a word: make sure it’s in transeasonal sequins – and for everything else, there’s rental.
5. Accessorise all areas
Accessories should be your sales shopping first and foremost. If you buy ONE thing in the sales (Nespresso machine aside) make it… a BAG.
Why? One – you’ll never lose money on a bag and can always resell it. And two? While our clothing size may change over time – hell, even our shoe size wobbles – our hand-to-bag-handle? That’s fixed for life. Throw in a posh purse and some swanky sunnies and you’ve basically won at sales shopping.
6. Posh PJs
Didn’t get given a pair of posh PJs for Christmas or your birthday? Pfft. Panic not, sale season is the perfect way to justify your buy (or treat someone else – if you’re that way inclined).
Made for hibernating in, the best pyjamas are crafted from organic (longer-lasting) cotton to keep you comfy 24/7/365.
For him, for her, for them, for kids – the best loungewear is cosy, cool and comes with sleep cred' as standard.
*All prices accurate at time of publication
