During the summer of 1997-98, I had a job at a major department store. In the lead-up to Boxing Day, we were all asked to nominate our top three preferred departments to work in on Boxing Day. I can't remember what I chose but it definitely wasn't Christmas trim, although that's where I ended up.
I watched as women elbowed each other for baubles and tinsel and angels in assorted shapes and sizes, all marked down 75 per cent. Evidently they were buying it for the following Christmas, some 364 days away.
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Boxing Day shoppers tipped to spend billions
Hundreds of eager shopaholics lined up before dawn to be the first through the doors. (Vision courtesy Seven News Melbourne)
What I admired most about these women is they came to the sales with a clear plan. And when it comes to working out what clothes to buy at the sales, it's worth taking a leaf out of their book.
The Christmas sales tend to be catnip for trend lovers. All those red signs, pretty dresses at bargain prices and a seemingly endless summer in which to wear them.
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But stop. Listen to the little voice that says the banana-leaf print is not going to be in fashion next year (it's right). And then consider these five items as your road map for shopping the sales.
1. A pair of trainers
This one is as important for your mind and body as it is for your wardrobe. Trainers, unlike dresses, don't usually follow faddy trends, meaning who cares if they're last season's Nikes if they may give you renewed enthusiasm to go for a jog.
If it's something more casual you're after, it's hard to go past an all-white trainer that can easily be worn with jeans or a summer dress.
Gigi Hadid's simple white trainers offset her OTT yeti coat. Photo: Getty Images
2. A knockout dress (or suit)
If there's even a remote chance you will have a black-tie do or wedding during the year, it's worth earmarking a few hours in your fashion mission to seek out a blitzin' ball gown. People often leave the purchase of a frock or suit to the last minute, meaning bad – and costly – decisions. And do yourself a favour, spend some of the savings having your new purchase altered to fit you perfectly. A well-fitting dress or suit will make you stand taller and even if it's last season, you will look better than someone who has rushed out and bought a new season's style that doesn't fit right.
Red-carpet ready ... Star Wars: Rogue One star Felicity Jones. Photo: Getty Images
3. A statement watch
After years of phones being the timepiece du jour, watches are back. Stylist Lana Wilkinson says the sales are the perfect time to buy the piece you have been eyeing off all season. "It's about colour, striking dials, gorgeous straps and getting back to the basics. Perfect to pair with your casuals when attending the tennis, cricket, polo or just hanging at home with friends." And you needn't spend a fortune. Brands such as The Horse, The 5th and Mister Wolf are Australian owned with friendly prices.
Telling the time on your phone is so last year. Photo: Getty Images
4. A great jacket
Whether you go for a bomber, blazer or trench, a good jacket in a neutral colour – black, beige, khaki or navy – will last you for several seasons. If you're shopping in hot weather, it's a good idea to take a long-sleeve knit with you so you can get a realistic idea of how the jacket will sit in the cooler months, when you are most likely to have it on high rotation. Again, take any tailored styles to your alterations person over summer so it's ready to go in autumn.
Karlie Kloss loves her red bomber so much she's shouting. Photo: Getty Images
5. Anything black
It sounds like a cliche but it's a rock-solid tip for shopping the sales. From swimsuits to suits, black is a safe bet when you may be putting away styles for months down the track. If you plan to buy for now, then opt for colours that are bound to be around until next year, such as green and pinky-brown. In accessories, silver is making a comeback, while rose gold is (finally) on the wane but it will be around for a little longer yet.
You can't beat black. Photo: Getty Images
What will you be buying at the summer sales? Let us know by leaving a comment.
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