The best investment pieces to pick up in the sale

Sale season is upon us, making January that bit more bearable. This is a great opportunity to stock your wardrobe with staples, but beware the trap of buying items merely because they are half price, or because they ‘might’ prove useful one day. Instead, invest in quality foundations that will last for years. Here’s our sales shopping list…

Synonymous with luxury and warmth, good quality cashmere carries a price tag that reflects these qualities. (You can learn exactly how it is made here.) So when it goes into sale, it’s the perfect moment to pick up a luxe hoodie, cardigan or sweater that will see you cosily through to the green shoots of March. Take good care of cashmere and it will last for many years. 

Feel-good, well-fitting sportswear has the power to actually make you want to head out for that weekend jog or get up for that online morning pilates class. With the correct uniform that performs as it should, there’s no excuse. If price has been a barrier to entry then this is the moment to build a capsule of basics: think a well-fitting sports bra, comfortable performance leggings and a new pair of running trainers to get you out of the blocks.

Tailored cuts and premium fabrics are a recipe for a long-lasting coat which will top off any outfit. And the good news is that as the shop rails need to be cleared to make way for the spring collections, there are plenty of bargains to be enjoyed. Consider what sort of style you need: casual style for walking the dog? Quilted that offers pure warmth? Or maybe that teddy coat that you’ve always wanted but rejected as too frivolous? Fill in the gap in your outerwear collection and you can make the most of the outdoors this winter.

From the forever coat to the failsafe jacket that you’ll reach for time and time again. First, the leather biker. Trust me when I say this is a coat that suits everyone – and does the handy job of adding cool factor to any outfit. It’s also good for between seasons so you’ll get plenty of wear out of it. The other investment in this category is a tailored blazer. Find the right one and you’ll wear it forever. Also ideal for throwing on for a work video call that requires polish.

Despite being the daintiest of items, the cost of lingerie and hosiery quickly adds up. But quality pieces do stand the test of regular wear, machine washing and drying, so seek out what you’re low on and enjoy the feel-good factor of a new bra or pants at half the price.

Arguably, you can never own too many ankle boots. From the lace-up hiking styles that are enjoying a moment worn with tea dresses (and are great for when the snow arrives), to velvet ankle boots with jeans and biker versions which go with pretty much anything, there’s not one trend determining what’s hot in the footwear stakes. Which makes treating yourself to one more pair justifiable. Again, determine what’s missing from your collection and pick up a steal.

This one is practically a no-brainer. Bags and quality leather accessories can be expensive, and let’s be honest, it’s an area where it’s worth putting in a bit of extra money. But, if you can get a great deal in the sale then it really is worth the investment. Perhaps there’s a standout style that you’ve had your eye on but couldn’t justify the price. Or, taking a more practical approach, your everyday tote bag /cross-body is on its last legs and you could really do with an upgrade.

Now this one involves a little more thought and self-restraint (I know, difficult, there’s a lot of that going on in January) but hear me out. This is not the moment to rush out and buy a pair of skin-tight lizard-print trousers circa Rod Stewart in the late 70s simply because they are ‘designer’, but there are investments to be had if you choose wisely from designers you revere, but that are ordinarily outside of your price range. Think a slogan tee from See by Chloé or a fabulous dress from Somerset by Alice Temperley.

As in, look for what your mother might call smart clothes. It’s often the thing we overlook in favour of seductive trend-led pieces or just more of the same casual pieces we always turn to (hello 17th Breton top). But these are investment pieces, like the elegant blouse or the expertly cut trousers, in navy or black. These are pieces you will always find occasions for and that you’ll return to again and again.